On February 11th, Columbia’s Taub Institute hosted Dr. Lori Quinn, Associate Professor of Movement Science and Kinesiology at Teachers College at Columbia University to speak on exercise for Lewy Body disorders. Dr. Quinn explained why exercise is important for those with Lewy Body Disorders. When the speaker refers to Lewy Body disorders, she means Lewy Body dementias, including Parkinson’s Disease dementia. Exercise helps improve brain function and has a neuroprotective effect.

On February 16th, The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) hosted Lisa Sommers to speak about Parkinson’s disease (PD) and communication.  Lisa is the clinic director, Center for Language Speech, and Hearing, University of Massachusetts Amherst.  Lisa discussed the cognitive and communicative changes that happen during the course of PD and their personal impact. She detailed different treatment options such as LSVT Loud and pacing boards. 

On February 5th, the Parkinson’s Foundation (PF) hosted a webinar “Getting the Care You Need: Parkinson’s in the Hospital,” which focused on the challenges those with PD have in the hospital. 

The Parkinson’s Foundation hosted a webinar on “Motor Symptoms Co-Management:  Occupational Therapy and Neurology.” The speakers were a movement disorder specialist, occupational therapist, and a person with Parkinson’s disease (PD) The speakers reviewed the four cardinal motor symptoms of Parkinson’s (tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability), discussed what the neurologist and occupational therapist can do to help, and how it feels to have these symptoms.