Every month, Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach produces a list of Parkinson's-related webinars and virtual events. Here's our December 2020 list of PD webinars and virtual events. Note that one webinar is in Spanish. There seems to be a minor slow-down in the pandemic-time webinar parade, perhaps since the holidays are upon us. Be sure to register in advance!
Archives for November 2020
“Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia” – Webinar Notes
November 20, 2020 By
Parkinson Society British Columbia hosted a webinar on Dementia in Parkinson's. The speaker was geriatrician Naaz Parmar. Just because you have PD doesn’t mean you can’t also have dementia. In this talk Dr. Parmar covered the definition of dementia, when should you have an assessment and what does that look like, the different types of dementia and finally, treatments. Her argument about getting an early, accurate diagnosis for cognitive or memory changes is compelling.
“Driving and Road Safety for People with PD” – Lecture Notes
November 17, 2020 By
Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance offered a webinar in early November on driving and road safety with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The speaker was Dr. Ergun Uc, a professor of neurology at the University of Iowa and movement disorder specialist with the Iowa City Veteran Affairs. He discussed research into how PD has affected their driving, and ways to make sure drivers with PD can be safe on the road.
“Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension: Diagnosis, Management, and Research” – Lecture Notes
November 16, 2020 By
The Multiple System Atrophy Coalition hosted a two-day conference in late October on various aspects of multiple system atrophy (MSA), which is a disorder similar to Parkinson’s disease (PD). (MSA is called an atypical parkinsonism disorder.) One of the talks, presented by Katie Kompoliti, MD, a movement disorder specialist at Rush University, focused on neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH), which can occur in PD as well. Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension refers to a neurological disorder causing a large decrease in blood pressure when a person stands after sitting or lying down.
“Blood Pressure Issues” – Lecture Notes
November 16, 2020 By
The Multiple System Atrophy Coalition offered a two-day conference in late-October on various aspects of multiple system atrophy (MSA), which is a disorder similar to Parkinson’s disease (PD) (MSA is called an atypical parkinsonism disorder). One of the talks, presented by Tom Chelimsky, MD, a neurologist at Wisconsin Medical College, focused on blood pressure issues in multiple system atrophy patients, but his advice applies to Parkinson’s patients.
Nature: Synergy of pandemics-social isolation is associated with worsened Parkinson severity and quality of life
November 13, 2020 By
This recently published research article in the journal Nature demonstrates the importance of "belonging" to a social network, such as a support group, if you have Parkinson's Disease (PD). This is especially true during the pandemic of isolation within the larger pandemic of COVID-19. The data suggest that people who have regular opportunities for socialization do better with PD, and that it is "neuroprotective," just like exercise. No doubt this applies to us all -- whether we have PD or not!
NYT: When It Comes to Living With Uncertainty, Michael J. Fox Is a Pro
November 13, 2020 By
In his fourth memoir, “No Time Like the Future,” the actor and activist opens up about his newfound, uniquely upbeat brand of pessimism.
“Fireside Chat with Soania Mathur, MD” – Discussion Notes
November 13, 2020 By
The Parkinson Association of Northern California (PANC) hosted a day-long conference on Parkinson’s disease (PD). One of the talks was a fireside chat on living with Parkinson’s. The moderator was Suketu Khandhar, MD, movement disorder specialist at Kaiser Permanente. The keynote speaker was Soania Mathur, MD, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 28 years old and has been living with Parkinson’s for 21 years.
Register Now for Two-Day Virtual Parkinson’s Symposium, November 19 and November 20
November 12, 2020 By
This two-day virtual symposium features speakers from the upper midwest. On Thursday, November 19, speakers address what's new in PD treatment; challenging non-motor symptoms; and hallucinations and delusions. On Friday, November 20, speakers address thriving with purpose in this uncertain world; exercise research; and the what/why of PD medications. Register now.
“Being a PD Caregiver” – Webinar Notes
November 12, 2020 By
On October 19, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) hosted a webinar on "Being a PD Caregiver." The guest speaker was Lianna Marie, RN, whose mother had Parkinson's Disease. Lianna evolved from being a motivator and cheerleader to a caregiver. Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach listened to the webinar and are sharing our notes.