

Every month, Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach produces a list of Parkinson’s-related webinars. Here’s our list of PD webinars in October 2020. You can participate in a web-based seminar (or webinar) from the privacy of your home. Join either live or view the archived version within a few days of the live webinar (in most cases). Most webinars listed are free.
Our policy is to share only webinars that are offered free to our community (there is one minor exception this month); that reflect a broad, science-based point of view; and that do not present a single solution (whether medical, surgical or other intervention) to the topic under discussion.
Several webinars are happening soon so we encourage you to register right away if you are interested in viewing the live webcast. We have recently learned that to control the number of attendees, some webinars are closing registration early.
If you cannot attend a webinar live, it’s still best to register for it so that you are notified when the recording is available.
If you have any questions, please contact the host organization directly.
Here are webinars that may be of interest to those wanting to learn more about Parkinson’s in October 2020: (all times shown are Pacific Time.)
Friday, October 2, 10am-noon
“Entering the Era of Closed Loop DBS – and a DBS alumni panel”
Program: The Director of Stanford’s Movement Disorder Center will present the latest research on closed-loop Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). Rather than the continuous stimulation provided by current DBS devices, researchers are studying whether an adaptive system, responding to actual neural or kinematic responses in the brain might be more efficient at controlling motor symptoms for those living with Parkinson’s. After the presentation, a panel of DBS “alumni” will discuss their experiences with DBS surgery and programming.
Presenters: Helen Bronte-Stewart, MD, MSE, Director, Stanford’s Movement Disorder Center
Hosted by San Jose Parkinson’s Support Group
Register (you will view the live program here at the stated time)
Archive not available for this meeting
Saturday, October 3, 5:30-10:30am
“Victory Summit-Albany”
Program: A half-day conference providing lots of information about living well with Parkinson’s.
Presenters: See agenda
Hosted by Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s
Sunday, October 4, 10-11am
“Cycling with Jay Alberts”
Program: Learn about the benefits of cycling and high intensity exercise from Jay Alberts, who created a revolution in Parkinson’s Disease treatment with his studies. The National Institutes of Health has awarded researcher Dr. Alberts a 5-year, $3 million grant to conduct a multi-site clinical trial to study the long-term effects of aerobic exercise on slowing the progression of PD. This project will be the first long-term investigation of the potential for aerobic exercise to arrest disease progression.
Presenter: Jay Alberts, PhD, Cleveland Clinic
Hosted by Twitchy Woman
Note: if sold out, you may view live presentation on Facebook
Monday, October 5, 2-3pm
“Founders Fireside Chat: A Special Conversation with Michael J. Fox’
Program: Conversation on the important role people living with Parkinson’s and their families play in speeding a cure.
Presenters: Michael J. Fox, co-founder, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research; Debi Brooks, co-founder and executive vice chair, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research; Clifton Leaf, editor-in-chief, Fortune magazine
Hosted by Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Monday, October 5, 2:30-3:30pm
“Perspective Check- What Lifestyle Changes Make the Biggest Difference?”
Program: Research focused on identifying the nutritional requirements unique to people with parkinsonism.
Presenter: Laurie Mischley, MPH, MD, PhD Hosted by PD-Connect
Tuesday, October 6, 11-noon
“LSVT Loud”
Program: Parkinson’s and atypical parkinsonism can cause changes in speech which include soft voice, mumbling, monotone speech and rapid speech making communication challenging for everyone. LSVT Loud is a unique approach to addressing common speech issues in Parkinson’s. Join us for an interactive therapy break where we will learn about this evidence-based therapy program and try out some vocal exercises.
Presenters: Cynthia Fox, PhD, CCC-SLP, co-founder LSVT Global; Angela Halpern, LSVT Global
Hosted by PMD Alliance and LSVT Global
Wednesday, October 7, 10-11am
“Creative Connections: Art Therapy from a Distance”
Program: Art therapy can help improve physical, psychological and social functioning in people living with Parkinson’s disease. Participants will work together to create a mural inspired by the work of painter Chuck Close. Close creates small abstract paintings that are joined to create a larger image. Bring pens, paint, paper, markers, crayons, drawing supplies-anything you find that makes you creative.
Presenters: Ashley Hildebrandt, MA, ATR-BC, art therapist, Indiana University School of Medicine; Maggie Girard, MA, ATR-BC, LMHC, art therapist, Indiana University School of Medicine; and Barbara Van Der Vossen, MA, art therapy intern, George Washington University
Hosted by Parkinson’s Foundation
Wednesday, October 7, 1-2pm
“Parkinson’s Medication Management for Motor Symptoms”
Program: While levodopa has been the gold standard for treating Parkinson’s symptoms for 50 years, medication options continue to evolve. Deciding on the best course of treatment for you depends on your specific symptoms, as well as their intensity. The presenter will discuss the three main types of medications used to treat the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s; common misconceptions about levodopa; strategies for choosing initial medication; medication boosters; side effects of the most common medications that treat motor symptoms; recent developments in treatment options.
Presenter: Aaron Haug, MD, Blue Sky Neurology, Colorado
Hosted by Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s
Thursday, October 8, 8-9:30am
“Where We Are & Where We Are Heading: A Look Ahead at Therapeutic Development in Parkinson’s”
Program: Leaders from academia and industry discuss the momentum in our field and look ahead to what’s next. The panel will cover therapeutic development from identifying novel targets through advancing compounds to the clinic with an emphasis on emerging trends and opportunities to accelerate future development.
Presenters: Fiona Marshall, PhD, VP Head of Neuroscience and Head of MSD UK Discovery Research, Merck; Warren Hirst, PhD, Senior Director, Biogen; Carole Ho, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Development, Denali Therapeutics; Kenneth Marek, MD, President and Senior Scientist, Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders; Todd Sherer, PhD, CEO, The Michael J. Fox Foundation; Sean Smith, PhD, Executive Director, Neuroscience Discovery, Merck; Kirsten Taylor, Biomarker and Experimental Medicine Leader, F. Hoffmann-La Roche
Hosted by Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Friday, October 9, noon-1pm
“Racial disparities in Parkinson’s”
Program: For over a decade, our speaker has been leading research on the impact of race/ethnicity on Parkinson’s diagnosis, care, and mortality. Join us to hear about this work, discuss what needs to be done to address health disparities and inequities, and why doing so is important for all of us.
Presenter: Nabila Dahodwala, MD, MS, movement disorder specialist, University of Pennsylvania
Hosted by PMD Alliance
Saturday, October 10, 10:30am-12:30pm
“Cannabis and the Treatment of Parkinson’s: Is Anything Known?”
Program: A discussion about what is currently know about the use of cannabis as a treatment option for those living with Parkinson’s.
Presenter: David Presti, PhD, Microbiology, Biophysics, Clinical Psychology, UC Berkeley
Hosted by PD Active
Archive for this presentation to be advised
Wednesday, October 14, 10-11am
“Sing Out Loud with Parkinson’s”
Program: Studies show that singing can help maintain strength in the muscles involved in speech and voice in people with Parkinson’s disease. Join us for a fun way to exercise your voice, speech and swallowing muscles – through SINGING! A speech language pathologist and pianist will lead us in vocal warmups and rehearsing a musical piece together.
Presenter: Alyson Chananie, MS, CCC/SLP, Speech Language Pathologist, JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute
Hosted by Parkinson’s Foundation
Thursday, October 15, 9-10am
“What to Watch This Election Season: A Roll Call of Parkinson’s Policy Priorities”
Program: We’ll review programs that serve our Parkinson’s policy priorities of furthering funding for research, supporting therapy development and approvals, and safeguarding and expanding access to care.
Presenters: Dave Iverson, moderator, MJFF Patient Council Emeritus; Ron Elving, NPR Senior Editor; Ted Thompson, JD, SVP, Policy, Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Hosted by Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Thursday, October 15, noon-1pm
“YOPD Series – Disability Insurance and Parkinson’s”
Program: Should you or shouldn’t you apply for disability? Short-term or long-term? Do you even have a choice? Applying and receiving disability benefits can be a complicated, confusing, and highly frustrating process. As can figuring out insurance, Medicare, and everything else that involves navigating the healthcare system. Other discussion topics include: how to know what does and doesn’t qualify someone for disability (just having PD doesn’t do it); long-term care coverage; coverage for care partner assistance; and what experts to seek out.
Presenters: YOPD Council, Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s
Hosted by Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s
Thursday, October 15, 22, and 29, 3:30-5:30pm
“Navigating Parkinson’s in the Workplace – Webinar Series”
Program: This is part of a 5-part weekly series addressing the unique challenges of working while living with Parkinson’s.
October 15: Listen to a small panel share their experiences with Parkinson’s in the workplace. Grab an opportunity to learn from others’ similar or disparate tales within a safe, confidential format.
October 22: Delve into the psychological and emotional aspects of this chronic disease and its impact on work and career.
October 29: We know there are legal protections and predilections, but how does the “law”, like the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA), actually work in “real life”?
Presenters: Kirsti Peterson, facilitator; Panelists with PD
Hosted by Parkinson Association of the Rockies
Tuesday, October 20, 11am-noon
“Spotlight – Virtual Visit”
Program: Have you done a virtual visit with your movement disorder specialist yet? Have you wondered how the doctor assesses your symptoms through video? Join us for a spotlight on telemedicine where we are going to demonstrate a virtual visit featuring non-motor symptoms
Presenter: Sarah Pirio Richardson, MD, Director, SWPADRECC, Albuquerque
Hosted by PMD Alliance
Tuesday, October 20, 1-2pm
“Exploring the Role of Cannabis in Parkinson’s Treatment”
Program: With medical and recreational marijuana now legalized in Canada, many people with Parkinson’s have sought to understand the effects it may have on treatment and self-management of disease symptoms. Dr. Jean Paul Lim, a complex care specialist, is dedicated to studying the benefits and side effects of medicinal cannabis use for a variety of conditions. In this webinar, he discusses real-world data on the potential ways that cannabis may be used to manage Parkinson’s symptoms.
Presenter: Jean Paul Lim, MD, complex care specialist
Hosted by Parkinson Society British Columbia
Wednesday, October 21, 9-10am
“Spotlight on Parkinson’s Disease: Roadmap to the Future”
Program: Please join us for expert perspectives to help you map out the future of living with Parkinson’s disease. This program is designed to help people with PD, family members and care partners.
Presenter: Holly Shill, MD, Director, Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center and Movement Disorder Program, Barrow Neurological Institute
Hosted by American Parkinson Disease Association
Wednesday, October 21, 11am-noon
“Utilizing technology for safe and effective delivery of LSVT LOUD”
Program: Has COVID-19 made it more difficult to receive speech treatment? Attend this webinar to learn how technology, namely telepractice delivery and the LSVT Companion System, can be utilized to receive effective LSVT LOUD speech treatment with safe social distancing.
Presenters: LSVT LOUD clinicians
Hosted by LSVT Global
Saturday, October 24, 8:30am-1:00pm
“2020 PANC Annual Virtual Conference”
Program: Parkinson Association of Northern California, based in Sacramento, presents an educational conference each year in October. This year’s conference will happen online. There are many excellent presenters and a program featuring an expert panel, movement disorder specialists, researchers and a virtual exhibition hall. There is a modest fee of $10 to join the event (access and additional materials are available once registration is complete).
See the agenda (click the “Read More” tab to view)
Presenters: Suketu Khandhar, MD, Director, Kaiser Permanente Northern California Neuroscience Program; Erica Byrd, MD, Sutter Medical Group Neurology; Soania Mathur, MD, CFP, Parkinson’s advocate; Jill Ostrem, MD, UCSF Neuromodulation; Norika Malhado-Chang, MD, UC Davis; Ashok Joshua Dayananthan, MD, UC Davis; Ehsan Hadi, MD, Mercy Medical
Hosted by: Parkinson Association of Northern California (PANC)
Tuesday, October 27, 10-11am
“Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) – Work it Out: Managing Parkinson’s in the Workplace”
Program: Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can significantly disrupt every aspect of one’s life, particularly when diagnosis occurs during prime working years. Remaining in or returning to employment, in particular, can cause anxiety. Regardless for the reasons for wanting to work (e.g., financial, social, sense of meaning), people with PD should be equipped with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions. This presentation is designed to provide those with PD, their care partners, and professional who interact with them with information about legal rights, aspects of disclosure (e.g., do I have to tell my employer?), and accommodations.
Presenters: Miriam Rafferty, PT, DPT, PhD, Research Scientist, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Assistant Professor, Northwestern University; Bradley McDaniels, PhD, CRC, Assistant Professor, Rehabilitation Counselor, University of North Texas; Kelly Weinschreider
Hosted by Parkinson’s Foundation
Wednesday, October 28, 1:00-2:00pm
“Dementia in Parkinson’s”
Program: It can be challenging to recognize and distinguish between cognitive changes in Parkinson’s, and the symptoms of dementia that may manifest in advanced stages of the disease. In this webinar, the speaker will provide an understanding of dementia, its different subtypes, and how they can affect a person with Parkinson’s. This presentation will also provide an overview of treatment options, including lifestyle changes and medications. Coping strategies for a person with dementia and their loved ones will also be discussed.
Presenter: Naaz Parmar, MD, Geriatrician, Vancouver Hospital
Hosted by Parkinson Society British Columbia
Wednesday, October 28, 2:30-3:30pm
“Living with Parkinson’s Disease: A Complete Guide for Patients and Caregivers”
Program: Question and answer session with Dr. Michael Okun. He will discuss his new book Living with Parkinson’s Disease: A Complete Guide for Patients and Caregivers. In the book, Dr. Okun details ways to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease.
Presenter: Michael Okun, MD, Chair of Neurology, Professor and Executive director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida College of Medicine
Hosted by Silicon Valley Parkinson’s Women Support and PD-Connect