Every month, Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach produces a list of Parkinson’s-related webinars and virtual events (conferences and symposia). Here’s our November 2020 list of PD webinars and virtual events. There seems to be no slow-down in the pandemic-time webinar parade, despite the fact that the holidays are approaching. Since November is National Caregivers Month, there are several virtual events for PD caregivers. Most of the webinars listed are for a general audience and most are free. Be sure to register in advance!
If you are a PD caregiver, we encourage you to be added to our “PD Caregivers” email list. We publish an additional caregiver-specific webinar and virtual event list to “PD Caregivers”.
Our staff will try to attend as many of these events as possible, and share our notes. Our notes about PD webinars are often posted here to the blog.
And we often email our notes to the “Stanford PD Info” and “PD Caregivers” email lists, depending on the relevance to those audiences.
About the list below, unless indicated, all webinars and virtual events are:
- Times listed as PT. (We are based in California, after all.)
- One-hour in duration. (Usually the speaker talks for 30-40 minutes and there’s a question-and-answer session for the remaining time.)
- For a general audience.
- Not focused on a single medication. (Those are excluded.)
- Free.
After that long pre-amble, here’s our list of PD-related webinars and virtual events in November 2020….
Robin
Monday, November 2, 2020, 11am
Parkinson’s and The Good Life
Description: During the first half of this webinar, Dr. Santos will discuss what new results in psychological science teach us about how to be happier, how to feel less stressed, and how to flourish more no matter your situation. During the second half of the webinar, Davis Phinney and Connie Carpenter Phinney will help us unpack what we learned. At the end, we’ll offer some ideas for “rewirement” activities to help you create new happiness habits, boost your mood, and improve your overall well-being.
Speaker: Laurie Santos, PhD, professor of psychology, Yale
Host: Davis Phinney Foundation (DPF)
Register with DPF (from this webpage)
In about a week, the webinar recording will be posted to the DPF website
Monday, November 2, 2020, noon
COVID Fatigue & PD: Social Connection as Medicine
Description: We are social creatures and our need for connection goes beyond just wanting to see people and have fun. We know that social isolation can have a negative impact on one’s health but never has it been forced upon our society collectively as it has this year. The medical community recognizes now more than ever the impact human connection and socialization has on the wellbeing of everyone, especially those dealing with Parkinson’s. The speakers discuss their recent co-authored paper about social connection as medicine, and how you can be involved in their future study. (Waiting Room opens 5 minutes before the start-time.)
Speakers:
Laurie Mischley, ND, PhD, MPH
Indu Subramanian, MD
Host:
PMD Alliance
Register with PMD Alliance
Within days, the recording will be posted to PMD Alliance’s YouTube channel
Wednesday, November 4, 2020, 10am
10 Strategies to Thrive with Parkinson’s Disease during a Pandemic
Description:
Much has been written about how we are all coping or not coping during this global pandemic. Add living with a chronic disease to that equation, and the bar is raised even higher. The speaker will address some of the top strategies for coping amidst the challenges of PD and our current global health crisis. Learn about simple lifestyle choices including ways to take care of yourself mentally and physically, right now, in order to strengthen your networks and relationships to better navigate through this pandemic.
Speaker:
Amy Chesire, LCSW-R, University of Rochester Movement Disorders, Rochester, NY
Host:
Parkinson’s Foundation (PF)
Register on PF’s website
At some point, a recording will be posted to PF’s website
Wednesday, November 4, 2020, 11am
Holistic & Supportive Care for Living Well with Parkinson’s
Description:
If you’ve been living with Parkinson’s for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the terms holistic care, supportive care, or palliative care. But you may not know what they mean when it comes to your care, now and in the future. The speaker will discuss: what your medical team means when they talk to you about palliative care; types of providers who deliver palliative care; how to advocate and receive the kind of supportive care you need even if your community doesn’t have a palliative care center for people with PD; and how to build your Parkinson’s roadmap.
Speaker:
Dr. Christopher Tarolli
Host:
Davis Phinney Foundation (DPF)
Register with DPF (from this webpage):
In about a week, the webinar recording will be posted to the DPF website.
Thursday, November 5, 2020, 9am
Dr. Gilbert Hosts: Advances in DBS
Description:
This is a question-and-answer session about advances in deep brain stimulation (DBS) for PD.
Speaker:
Alon Mogilner, MD, neurosurgeon, Center for Neuromodulation, NYU Langone Medical Center
Host:
American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
At some point, webinar recording will be posted to the APDA website.
Thursday, November 5, 2020, noon
How the Brain Progresses with PD
Description:
Cognitive changes are common and vary widely in Parkinson’s. Tracking these changes is important for physicians to manage the complexities of symptoms and how they can be interrelated with other neuropsychological symptoms, but understanding the decline and how to effectively track often subtle changes can be challenging. The webinar’s focus is how the brain progresses with PD and how to effectively communicate these changes with your doctor. (Waiting Room opens 5 minutes before the start-time.)
Host:
PMD Alliance
Register with PMD Alliance.
Within days, the recording will be posted to PMD Alliance’s YouTube channel.
Friday, November 6, 2020, noon
Driving and Road Safety for People with PD
Description:
Driving equates to independence as well as providing the means to do necessary things such as going to the grocery, seeing your doctor, or getting out to socialize. We can’t deny that Parkinson’s can impact driving in a variety of ways and safety should be a priority, but how do you know for sure when it’s time to give up the keys and are there things you can do to maintain your ability to drive longer? The speaker discusses his research regarding prediction of driver safety in PD and the effects of exercise in driver rehabilitation. (Waiting Room opens 5 minutes before the start-time.)
Speaker:
Ergun Uc, MD
Host:
PMD Alliance
Register with PMD Alliance.
Within days, the recording will be posted to PMD Alliance’s YouTube channel.
Monday, November 9, 2020, noon
A Conversation with Rasheda Ali-Walsh
Description:
Rasheda Ali-Walsh was just twelve years old when her father Muhammad Ali was diagnosed. She later went on to write a book, “I’ll Hold Your Hand So You Won’t Fall: A Child’s Guide to Parkinson’s” to encourage education and communication among children and family members. (Waiting Room opens 5 minutes before the start-time.)
Speaker:
Rasheda Ali-Walsh, author and advocate
Host:
PMD Alliance
Register with PMD Alliance.
Within days, the recording will be posted to PMD Alliance’s YouTube channel.
Tuesday, November 10, 2020, 10am
Partnering: The Dance of Relationships and Romance
Audience:
Patients with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD)
Description:
The stress of work, family and PD symptoms can be taxing on intimate relationships. For the patient and their partner, learning how to reconnect when they feel distant and putting in place behaviors that support closeness and intimacy is key. This presentation will offer strategies that help couples stay connected, both emotionally and physically.
Speaker:
Sheila Silver, PhD, board-certified clinical sexologist in private practice in Portland
Hosts:
Parkinson’s Foundation (PF)
Register with PF.
Within a few days, webinar recording will be posted to the PF website.
Wednesday, November 11, 2020, noon
Defining a Multidisciplinary Approach to PD
Description:
Seeing a movement disorder specialist is important in managing a movement disorder, however, it should not stop there. The complexity of symptoms warrants a more holistic, team approach utilizing the expertise of other practitioners. The speaker defines what a multidisciplinary approach encompasses and how this can improve care and quality of life. (Waiting Room opens 5 minutes before the start-time.)
Speaker:
Suketu Khandhar, MD
Host:
PMD Alliance
Register with PMD Alliance.
Within days, the recording will be posted to PMD Alliance’s YouTube channel.
Thursday, November 12, 9am
Sleep Tight! Night-Time Issues in Parkinson’s
Description:
The speaker will discuss sleep issues in Parkinson’s including insomnia, restless legs, nightmares, and hallucinations.
Speaker:
Mary Jenkins, MD, movement disorders neurologist, Western University, London (Ontario)
Host:
Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario (Canada)
Register with Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario.
Thursday, November 12, 2020, 11am
Mental Wellness for Parkinson’s Care Partners
Audience:
Parkinson’s care partners
Description:
The speaker will discuss: common challenges of being a Parkinson’s care partner; signs you might be on the verge of burnout; strategies for avoiding burnout; a common challenge many care partners face and how to reduce the stress it causes; and a simple roadmap for daily mental health care.
Speaker:
Elaine Book, social worker
Host:
Davis Phinney Foundation (DPF)
Register with DPF (from this webpage):
In about a week, the webinar recording will be posted to the DPF website.
Thursday, November 12, 2020, noon
What’s in Your Pill Box?
Description:
Have you heard the term “polypharmacy”? This is the use of multiple medications by a single person for one or more conditions. While confusing, frequently multiple medications are necessary and important in maximizing symptom management for this complex disease but must be balanced by risk of adverse events. We discuss what is in your pillbox and the reason polypharmacy is used as well as how it can maximize quality of life. (Waiting Room opens 5 minutes before the start-time.)
Host:
PMD Alliance
Register with PMD Alliance
Within days, the recording will be posted to PMD Alliance’s YouTube channel
Friday, November 13, 10am-noon
New Frontiers in Research & Care
Audience:
Northern California PD community
Description:
Topics include what is PD research; how to participate in research remotely from home; and updates on studies and trials in the Northern California area.
Speakers:
Caroline Tanner, MD, movement disorder neurologist, UCSF
Mark Sedrak, MD, functional neurosurgeon, Kaiser Redwood City
Hosts:
Parkinson’s Association of Northern California (PANC), Sacramento, and Parkinson’s Foundation (PF)
Register with PF
Friday, November 13, 10:30am
Parkinson’s Disease and the Eye: How PD affects your vision
Description:
The speaker will review the many ways PD and its mimickers can adversely affect a patient’s vision. He will make practical suggestions on things that can be done to improve vision in PD patients and how to work with your eyecare provider to maximize your functional vision.
Speaker:
Steven Hamilton, MD, neuro-ophthalmologist, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle
Register with APDA Northwest
At some point, webinar recording to be posted to the APDA Northwest’s YouTube channel
Saturday, November 14, 7:30am-1pm
PD Caregiver Conference
Audience:
Those caring for individuals with PD
Description:
Speakers will address specific symptoms that can make caring for an individual with Parkinson’s challenging, discuss positive and proactive caregiving strategies, celebrate the dedication with which caregivers face each day, and discuss the importance of self-care. Specific topics include nutrition, hallucinations, REM sleep disorders, driving with PD, and navigating care transitions. (Event recording is still being arranged.)
Speakers:
Kathleen Crist, LMSW
Sue Levin, PhD
Joohi Jimenez-Shahed, MD
Celeste Harris, LMSW
Christine Salinas, OTR
Maggie Abbott, DPT
Host:
Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS)
Register here by November 5th
Saturday, November 14, 2020, 10:30am-12:30pm
Surgical Options for PD: DBS and Beyond
Description:
The speaker will address various surgical alternatives for Parkinson’s Disease, including deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery.
Speaker:
Jaimie Henderson, MD, neurosurgeon, Stanford University
Host:
PD Active
Suggested donation to the host (pdactive.org): $10
Register with PD Active
Monday, November 16, 2020, noon
Dyskinesia in Parkinson’s
Description:
Wiggling, writhing, jerky or slow dance-like movements. These are commonly seen in Parkinson’s, but they are not a symptom of the disease. Dyskinesias are a side-effect of medication and while they do affect many people, there are a significant number of people despite prolonged use of medications, who never develop them. We discuss the clinical features, pathogenesis and treatment options for levodopa-induced dyskinesia. (Waiting Room opens 5 minutes before the start-time.)
Speaker:
Oscar Gershanik, MD
Host:
PMD Alliance
Register with PMD Alliance
Within days, the recording will be posted to PMD Alliance’s YouTube channel
Tuesday, November 17, 2020, noon
Celebrating 20 Years of Scientific Progress Closer to Cures
Description:
Learn about recent progress in the Parkinson’s therapeutic pipeline and what’s to come next.
Host:
Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF)
Wednesday, November 18, 2020, 10 am
Care Partner Town Hall: Self-Care @ Home
Audience:
Those providing care and support for a loved one living with Parkinson’s
Description:
Self-care is an essential part of your caregiving tools. The speakers will discuss ways to help you stay well in this critical role by carving out time to focus on you. We will also explore caregiving resources and recognize National Family Caregiving Month, with a special shout-out to our Parkinson’s care partners.
Speakers:
Amanda Janicke, LCSW, Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline Information Specialist
Anna Hedges, MSW, Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline Information Specialist
Host:
Parkinson’s Foundation (PF)
Register on the PF website
Within a few days, webinar recording will be posted to the PF website
Thursday, November 19, 7:30-11:30am and Friday, November 20, 7:30-11:30am
Virtual Parkinson’s Symposium (two-day event)
Description:
This two-day virtual symposium features speakers from the upper midwest. On Thursday, speakers address what’s new in PD treatment; challenging non-motor symptoms; and hallucinations and delusions. On Friday, speakers address thriving with purpose in this uncertain world; exercise research; and the what/why of PD medications. (Note: agenda will appear online soon.)
Speakers:
Kristine Domingo, MD, DO, movement disorders specialist, University of Minnesota
Susan Vold, RN, PD specialty nurse, M Physicians, Minneapolis
Mary Helen Conroy, life reinvention coach
Kristen Pickett, PhD, assistant professor of kinesiology and occupational therapy, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Lynn Struck, MD, movement disorders specialist, UnityPoint, Des Moines, IA
Hosts:
Three American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) chapters including APDA Iowa, APDA Minnesota, APDA Wisconsin
Register on the APDA website
Thursday, November 19, 2020, 9am
What’s Next for Parkinson’s: Big Trials, New Treatments and Steps toward Prevention
Description:
Hear the latest news in Parkinson’s research. Our panelists will look ahead to treatments up for approval soon, new trials starting early next year and a major expansion of our landmark PPMI study to enable preventive therapies. We’ll also discuss initiatives to better understand Parkinson’s genetics across populations. Presenters include researchers and MJFF staff.
Host:
Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF)
Register on the MJFF website
At some point, the webinar recording will be posted to the MJFF website
Thursday, November 19, 10am
Fall Prevention and Living Safely at Home with Parkinson’s
Description:
One-third of people over 65 have a fall each year and the risk of falling increases as people age. People with PD experience an additional set of unique challenges particularly as Parkinson’s symptoms change over time and can increase your risk of falling. Learn the best ways to manage and prevent falls in your home especially if you are experiencing postural instability, backwards balance loss and freezing. Understand how to get up safely if you do fall, key ‘tips and tricks’ and when to consider a “home safety evaluation”. Learn about the AARP’s HomeFit Guide.
Speakers:
Rose Wichmann, PT, director of Parkinson’s programs, Struthers Parkinson’s Center
Danielle Arigoni, director of livable communities, AARP
Hosts:
Parkinson’s Foundation (PF) and AARP
Register on the PF website
Thursday, November 19, 2020, noon
Introducing the PD Care Website Tool
Description:
How do you communicate all your symptoms and changes when you visit the doctor or communicate your medication schedule, symptoms, and other needs when you go to the hospital? The speaker introduces the PD Care website and tool that goes beyond existing hospital kits, helping to prepare for appointments, communicate information to providers and assist individuals when they arrive at a hospital on an emergency basis. (Waiting Room opens 5 minutes before the start-time.)
Speaker:
Yasar Torres-Yaghi, MD
Host:
PMD Alliance
Register with PMD Alliance
Within days, the recording will be posted to PMD Alliance’s YouTube channel
Friday, November 20, 2020, 10am
Behavior & PD And What the Family Should Know
Description:
Mood, behavioral, and psychological changes in Parkinson’s are common but not always fully understood by family members. Understanding what is caused by changes in the brain or a reaction to the disease can be helpful in responding to loved ones. (Waiting Room opens 5 minutes before the start-time.)
Host:
PMD Alliance
Register with PMD Alliance
Within days, the recording will be posted to PMD Alliance’s YouTube channel
Saturday, November 21, 2020, 9-11am
Care Partner Summit
Audience:
Care partners of people with Parkinson’s
Description:
This summit aims to give care partners a better understanding of PD and strategies on maintaining a healthy mindset and positive outlook. A speaker will address being a care partner during the holidays and another will address the importance of self-compassion. Participants will be able to choose from breakout rooms with assigned topics to share their experiences and ideas openly with other care partners. (Event is open one hour before and one hour after to visit sponsors.)
Speakers:
Cari Friedman, LCSW, social worker, Parkinson Association of the Rockies
Evan Plys, PhD, clinical psychologist, University of Colorado
Host:
Parkinson Association of the Rockies (PAR), Denver
Register on the PAR website
At some point, the recordings of the presentations (minus the Q&A) will be posted to the PAR YouTube channel
Monday, November 23, 2020, noon
Overcome PD Barriers & Stay Active: Strategies from a Physical Therapist
Description:
Exercise in Parkinson’s can be challenging when you are faced with barriers such as fatigue, apathy, pain, and stiffness. The battle between inactivity and fighting to stay independent is real. The speaker will address ways to overcome these barriers in order to stay active and strategies for consistency in self-management. (Waiting Room opens 5 minutes before the start-time.)
Speaker:
Alison Kraus, PT, DPT, NCS
Host:
PMD Alliance
Register with PMD Alliance
Within days, the recording will be posted to PMD Alliance’s YouTube channel
Monday, November 30, 2020, noon
Keeping Active and Motivated in Winter
Description:
As the winter season sets in, you might be finding yourself indoors more often and being less active. The speaker shares ideas on how you can keep active and motivated. She will offer practical tips, new exercises, and recommendations on frequency and intensity of exercise.
Speaker:
Shelly Yu, physiotherapist, PSBC
Host:
Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC)
Register with PSBC by November 25th!
The recording will be posted to PSBC’s website