Every month, Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach produces a list of Parkinson’s-related webinars and virtual meetings with speakers. Here’s our hefty February 2021 list. Note that a few webinars have registration deadlines several days PRIOR to the webinar dates. Be sure to register in advance!
A “webinar” has a handful of speakers at most, and attendees have both audio and video muted. (Most conferences are webinars.) A “virtual meeting” usually allows all attendees to be seen and heard.
We recommend you register NOW for anything of interest. That way, if there’s a recording, as a registrant you’ll receive an email alerting you to the recording availability.
Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach will try to attend as many of these events as possible and share our notes. Our notes are often posted here to our blog. We email our notes to the “Stanford PD Info” and “PD Caregivers” email lists, depending on the relevance to those audiences.
We publish to our blog an additional caregiver-specific webinar and virtual event list, which is sent to those on our “PD Caregivers” list. That list includes some events not included here since those events are for caregivers only. For rexample, in February, there is a two-day caregiver conference appropriate for Lewy body dementia caregivers.
If you are a caregiver to someone with PD (or are concerned about a caregiver to someone with PD), we encourage you to be added to our “PD Caregivers” email list.
Unless indicated, the webinar and virtual meetings listed below are:
- Times listed as PT. (We are based in California, after all.)
- One-hour in duration. We suggest you join five minutes before the official start-time. (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 or single, branded treatment. (Those are excluded.)
- Free.
After that long preamble, here’s our list of PD-related webinars and virtual meetings in February 2021….
Robin
parkinsons.stanford.edu
Monday, February 1, noon
The Pharmacist: an under-utilized team member
Description:
Learn about treatment and management of movement disorders from a pharmacist’s perspective.
Speaker:
– Dana Saffel, PharmD
Host: Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance (PMD Alliance)
Register for this virtual meeting.
Within a few days, the meeting recording will be posted to the PMD Alliance YouTube channel.
Wednesday, February 3, 9am
Understanding Deep Brain Stimulation
Description:
This talk focuses on DBS as a treatment for PD, essential tremor, and dystonia. Learn who is eligible, what is needed before treatment, and postoperative outcomes and care.
Speaker:
– Sarah Zurek, RN, DBS program coordinator, Hartford HealthCare
Host: Hartford HealthCare, Stamford, CT
Register by clicking on the blue button on this webpage.
Note: This program is offered monthly.
Wednesday, February 3, 10am
Engaging a Social Worker
Description:
Learn the role a social worker can play in helping people with PD and their families better understand and cope with the daily and ongoing challenges related to cognitive change. This talk will cover both practical and emotional strategies for coping. Part of the “Thinking Changes in Parkinson’s” series.
Speaker:
– Elaine Book, MSW, clinical social worker, Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre
Host: Parkinson’s Foundation
Register here.
Wednesday, February 3, 11am
YOPD Women, Diagnosis, and Symptoms
Description:
Part of new 11-month series on YOPD Women.
Host: Davis Phinney Foundation (DPF)
Register for the entire series from a link on this webpage.
Recordings will be available at some point from the DPF website.
Wednesday, February 3, noon
Dystonia in Movement Disorders
Description:
Dystonia — involuntary, painful muscle contractions — can involve different parts of the body such as curling toes and can impact movement and participation in daily life. The speaker will explore treatment options.
Audience:
Those with PD and other movement disorders
Speaker:
– Anwar Ahmed, MD, movement disorder specialist
Host: Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance (PMD Alliance)
Register for this virtual meeting.
Within a few days, the meeting recording will be posted to the PMD Alliance YouTube channel.
Thursday, February 4, 1pm
(Registration closes on February 2)
Swallowing and Saliva
Description:
Difficulties with chewing and swallowing are very common in PD. These issues can affect one’s ability to eat well and stay hydrated, and in some cases, can be dangerous. The speaker will explore the ways your healthcare team can help with swallowing issues. Saliva management (drooling/dry mouth) will also be addressed. Part of the “Speech, Swallow, and Communication” Series.
Speaker:
– Jasmine Cload, SLP, speech/language pathologist
Host: Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC)
Register on the PSBC website.
In about a week, the webinar recording will be posted to the PSBC website.
Friday, February 5, 9am
Getting the Care You Need: Parkinson’s in the Hospital
Description:
Learn how you and your loved ones can prepare for a planned or unplanned hospital visit. Get tips on how to successfully communicate patient needs during these trying times.
Speakers:
– Fenna T. Phibbs, MD, neurologist, Vanderbilt
– Stan Jones, Aware in Care Ambassador, Parkinson’s Foundation
Host: Parkinson’s Foundation (PF) Tennessee-Kentucky Chapter
Register from this webpage.
Sunday, February 7, 10am
Urban Poling for PD
Audience: Just for women with PD
Description:
The speaker will address the research and benefits of poling. She will also demonstrate two techniques (depending on your balance and goals) and a sample of five seated and standing exercises for PD. (Poles not required to participate.)
Speaker:
– Mandy Shintani, OT, occupational therapist, gerontologist, and developer of trekking poles, Vancouver
Host: Twitchy Women
Register for this virtual meeting.
Tuesday, February 9, 10am
Motor Symptoms Co-Management: Occupational Therapy and Neurology
Description:
Speakers will discuss: the impact of medication and medication timing, and its importance for symptom management; how motor symptoms interfere with daily functioning and offer strategies for minimizing difficulties; tips for combining medication, activity and exercise to achieve the best results; and when referral for DBS or Duopa is appropriate.
Speakers:
– Lisa Warren, MHS, OTR/L, occupational therapist, UF Health Rehab
– Michael Okun, MD, movement disorder specialist, chair of UF Health Neurology
– Gretchen Rosswurm, People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council Chair
Host: Parkinson’s Foundation
Register here.
Wednesday, February 10, 10am
Creative Connections
Description:
Connect with others through exploring art. Art therapy can help improve physical, psychological and social functioning in people living with PD. Part of the “Social Engagement” series.
Speaker:
– Ashley Hildebrandt, ATR-BC, art therapist, Indiana University School of Medicine
Host: Parkinson’s Foundation
Register here.
Note: No recording will be made.
Wednesday, February 10, 11am
Advances in Deep Brain Stimulation
Description:
Recent developments in DBS.
Speaker:
– Matthew Mian, MD, neurosurgeon, CarePoint Neurosurgery, Swedish Medical Center
Host: Parkinson Association of the Rockies (PAR), Denver, CO
Register here.
Wednesday, February 10, noon
Tips and Tricks to Address Micrographia
Description:
Micrographia or small, cramped handwriting is an early sign of PD and a symptom that can worsen over time. The speaker offers tips and tricks that can help you regain control of your pen.
Speaker:
– Julia Wood, MOT, OTR/L, occupational therapist
Host: Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance (PMD Alliance)
Register for this virtual meeting.
Within a few days, the meeting recording will be posted to the PMD Alliance YouTube channel.
Thursday, February 11, 9am
(meet and greet at 8:45am)
Exercise for Lewy Body Disorders (including Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia)
Audience: Those dealing with Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia
Speaker:
– Lori Quinn, EdD, professor of movement science, Teachers College, Columbia University
Host: Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University
Register to attend the four-Thursday series by emailing Kate Smith, Columbia’s Taub Institute. You will be sent a link for joining.
Thursday, February 11, 9am
What You and Your Family Should Know
Description:
Learn what Parkinson’s is, what causes it, common symptoms, treatments, and strategies for managing symptoms.
Speaker:
– Nestor Galvez Jimenez, MD, neurologist, Cleveland Clinic Weston
Host: Parkinson’s Foundation (PF) Florida Chapter
Register here.
Thursday, February 11, noon
Bridging the Gap Between Urban and Rural
Description:
A panel of PD experts will address: assumptions and misunderstandings about communities; how data disparities affect our ability to tell certain communities’ stories and receive necessary support and funding; what policy makers and other decision makers often miss when it comes to addressing the unique needs of our communities; and what leaders and PD advocates can do today to help address health disparities that exist in their own communities. Part of “Health Disparities and Parkinson’s” series.
Panelists:
– Wendy Lewis, CEO, The Parkinson’s Council, Philadelphia
– Amber Winder, executive director, Parkinson’s Nebraska, Omaha
– Holly Chaimov, executive director, Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon, Beaverton
– Kathleen Crist, LMSW, executive director, Houston Area Parkinson Society
Host: Davis Phinney Foundation (DPF)
Register here.
In about a week, the webinar recording will be posted to the DPF website.
Thursday, February 11, 1pm
(Registration ends on February 9)
Speech and Voice
Description:
Up to 90% of people with PD will have trouble with communication, most typically characterized by low vocal volume. Our ability to speak is vital to our relationships, activities, health, and quality of life. This webinar is well-suited for those who already experience issues with communication. Part of the “Speech, Swallow, and Communication” Series.
Speaker:
– Jasmine Cload, SLP, speech/language pathologist
Host: Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC)
Register on the PSBC website.
In about a week, the webinar recording will be posted to the PSBC website.
Thursday, February 11, 4pm
Parkinson’s and Freezing
Description:
Useful strategies to get out of tricky, sticky situations will be shared.
Speaker:
– Maggie Abbott, DPT, physical therapist
Host: Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS)
Register here.
In about a week, the webinar recording will be posted to the HAPS YouTube channel.
Thursday, February 11, 7pm
(Registration ends on February 9; Registration limited to 35 couples)
Intimacy and Parkinson’s
Description:
About half of all men and women with PD will experience problems with intimacy and sexual functioning. These problems can be affected by motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms, medication effects, and relationship issues. The speakers will review challenges with sexual intimacy and will explore options to address emotional distance influenced by physical limitations and role transitions brought on by PD.
Speakers:
– Elaine Book, social worker, Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre
– Tricia Wallace, clinical counselor, Parkinson Society British Columbia
Host: Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC)
Register on the PSBC website.
Note: Couples are strongly encouraged to participate in this webinar together. Participants can be anonymous.
We are unclear if this webinar will be recorded. But, if it is, the recording will be posted in about a week to the PSBC website.
Tuesday, February 16, 10am
Parkinson’s Disease and Communication
Speaker:
– Lisa Sommers, CCC-SLP, clinic director, Center for Language Speech, and Hearing, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Host: American Parkinson Disease Association Massachusetts (APDA MA)
Register with APDA for this webinar.
Tuesday, February 16, 11am
Telemedicine and Parkinson’s
Description:
Speakers will address the state of telemedicine in the US, the laws that impact its use, and the efforts being made to ensure that it’s legal, safe, and sustainable for the largest number. The speakers will also discuss the logistics of a telemedicine call, how to learn if you can schedule a telemedicine appointment, and what to do to make sure you get the most out of your medical team during these virtual sessions. Part of the “Live Well Today” series.
Speakers:
– Roseanne Dobkin, PhD, licensed psychologist
– Ray Dorsey, MD, neurologist, University of Rochester Medical Center
Host: Davis Phinney Foundation (DPF)
Register from this webpage.
In about a week, the webinar recording will be posted to the DPF website.
Thursday, February 16, 11am
(Registration ends on February 10)
Parkinson’s and Diagnosis
Audience: Those newly diagnosed with PD
Description:
Learn how Parkinson’s is diagnosed, the causes of disease onset, and epidemiology of disease progression. Early symptoms, as well as both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s will also be discussed. Part of the “New Diagnosis” series.
Speaker:
– Jonathan Squires, MD, movement disorder specialist, Movement Disorders Clinic at the UBC Centre for Brain Health
Host: Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC)
Register on the PSBC website.
Tuesday, February 16, noon
The role of Neuro-ophthalmology in Parkinson’s care
Description:
Trouble reading? Double vision? Dry eyes? Many people with Parkinson’s report complications with their vision. Learn about neuro-ophthamology – a specialty who focuses on the connection between visual symptoms and neurological diseases.
Speaker:
– Shahnaz Miri, MD, neuro-ophthalmologist
Host: Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance (PMD Alliance)
Register for this virtual meeting.
Within a few days, the meeting recording will be posted to the PMD Alliance YouTube channel.
Tuesday, February 16, 4pm
(90 minutes)
Understanding Atypical Parkinson’s
Description:
This talk is about Atypical Parkinson’s diagnoses (sometimes called Parkinson’s Plus) and how they differ from idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.
Speaker:
– Eugene Lai, MD, movement disorders specialist, Houston Methodist
Host: Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS)
Register here.
In about a week, the webinar recording will be posted to the HAPS YouTube channel.
Wednesday, February 17, 9am
Cognition and PD
Description:
In this continuation of the “Dr. Gilbert Hosts” series, the guest speaker discusses the cognitive effects of PD.
Speaker:
– Kathleen Poston, MD, movement disorder specialist, Stanford
Host: American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
webinar with APDA for this webinar.
Soon after the webinar, the recording will be posted to the APDA website.
Thursday, February 18, 9am
New to Parkinson’s? Steps to Take Today
Audience: Those newly diagnosed with PD
Description:
Panelists will discuss practical tips for navigating a new PD diagnosis as well as how to build your care team, ways to connect with the community and opportunities to participate in research
Host: Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF)
Register on the MJFF website.
Wednesday, February 17, 11am
(Registration ends on February 10)
Parkinson’s and Treatment
Audience: Those newly diagnosed with PD
Description:
This session will focus on symptom management through medication, as well as advanced and alternative therapies. The speaker will elaborate on motor and non-motor symptoms. Part of the “New Diagnosis” series.
Speaker:
– Melissa Mackenzie, MD, movement disorder specialist, Movement Disorders Clinic at the UBC Centre for Brain Health
Host: Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC)
Register on the PSBC website.
Thursday, February 18. 9am
(8:45am meet and greet)
Cognitive Impairment in Lewy Body Disorders (including Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia)
Audience: Those dealing with Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia
Speaker:
– Elise Van Vliet, PhD, neuropsychologist, Taub Institute, Columbia
Host: Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University
Register to attend the four-Thursday series by emailing Kate Smith, Columbia’s Taub Institute. You will be sent a link for joining.
Thursday, February 18, noon
Death and Dying and Parkinson’s
Description:
Speakers will discuss: how to find the bright side of PD; strategies for managing feelings of loss; simple practices you can do to ease emotional pain and meet difficult emotions; how to manage anticipatory grief in yourself and others; how to re-channel your energies on things that bring you hope; and actions you can take to live well with Parkinson’s now. Part of the “YOPD Council” series.
Speakers:
– YOPD Council leaders
Host: Davis Phinney Foundation YOPD Council
Register on DPF for the webinar.
Within a week or so, the webinar recording will be posted to the DPF website.
Thursday, February 18, 1pm
(Registration ends on February 16)
Language, Cognitive Communication, and Technology
Description:
Language, cognition, and communication are closely linked. The speakers will provide info and tips on how to manage changes that can occur in these areas with PD. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies will also be discussed. AAC can be an important tool to help people with PD communicate if they have difficulties with speech or voice. Part of the “Speech, Swallow, and Communication” Series.
Speakers:
– AJ Hildebrand, Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults
– Jasmine Cload, SLP, speech/language pathologist
Host: Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC)
Register on the PSBC website.
In about a week, the webinar recording will be posted to the PSBC website.
Friday, February 19, noon
The Impact of Dyskinesias and Off [Episodes] on Quality of Life
Description:
The speaker will address dyskinesias (uncontrolled movements), a complicated side effect from long-term use of carbidopa and levodopa. The speaker will also address off episodes that happen when medications are wearing off, never kicked in, or only partly worked. Both of these issues are frustrating and impact quality of life.
Audience:
Those with PD and other movement disorders
Speaker:
– Jill Farmer, DO
Host: Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance (PMD Alliance)
Register for this virtual meeting.
Within a few days, the meeting recording will be posted to the PMD Alliance YouTube channel.
Saturday, February 20
8am movement activity, 9am welcome (6 hours)
Newly Diagnosed
Audience: Those newly diagnosed with PD
Description:
Speakers at this all-day conference offer Information and inspiration to help on the Parkinson’s journey. Learn how to live well and thrive with PD. Part of the “Victory Summit: Virtual Event” series.
Host: Davis Phinney Foundation (DPF)
Register here.
Note: First 500 registrants may request a program bag that will be sent before the event.
In about a week, the webinar recording will be posted to the DPF website.
Sunday, February 21, 10am
Dr. Soania Mathur
Audience: Just for women with PD
Description:
Dr. Soania Mathur was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease at age 27. She dedicates her time to patient education, writing, and Parkinson’s advocacy. She is passionate about sharing with patients the coping strategies available to them in order to face the challenges of adjusting physically and emotionally to this disease.
Speaker:
– Soania Mathur, MD, (retired) family physician, Canada
Host: Twitchy Women
Register for this virtual meeting.
Wednesday, February 24, 9am
How the Transmission of Alpha-Synuclein Elicits Parkinson’s Disease Pathologies
Description:
The speaker will: describe her research using patient-derived stem cells to recapitulate vulnerable cell-populations to study disease; demonstrate that a single alpha-synuclein mutation can elicit the accumulation and aggregation of proteins, characteristic of PD; illustrate that alpha-synuclein spreads from cell-to-cell and explains that extracellular vesicles (exosomes) might be facilitating this spread, triggering disease in previously healthy cells; and give us a sneak-peak at the ongoing research she is involved in.
Speaker:
– Morgan Stykel, PhD candidate
Host: Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario
Register here.
Wednesday, February 24, 11am
(45 minutes, Registration ends on February 10)
Living Well with Parkinson’s: Exercise
Audience: Those newly diagnosed with PD
Description:
This session will highlight exercise as a non-pharmacological treatment for PD. The speaker will discuss the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing symptoms and living well with PD. Part of the “New Diagnosis” series.
Speaker:
– Michelle McCarthy, neuro physiotherapist, Movement Disorders Clinic at the UBC Centre for Brain Health
Host: Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC)
Register on the PSBC website.
Wednesday, February 24, 11:45am
(30 minutes, Registration ends on February 10)
Panel: Question & Answer Session
Audience: Those newly diagnosed with PD
Description:
Previous speakers answer your questions about being newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Part of the “New Diagnosis” series.
Panelists (all from Movement Disorders Clinic at the UBC Centre for Brain Health)
– Jonathan Squires, MD, movement disorder specialist
– Melissa Mackenzie, MD, movement disorder specialist
– Michelle McCarthy, neuro physiotherapist
Host: Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC)
Register on the PSBC website.
Thursday, February 25, 7:15am
(3 hours)
Building Your Healthcare Team: Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
Description:
This morning symposium focuses on the role PT, OT, and ST play in treating PD.
Host: American Parkinson Disease Association Minnesota (APDA MN)
Register on the APDA website. (scroll down)
Thursday, February 25, 9am
(8:45am meet and greet)
Palliative Care/Hospice Care Planning in Lewy Body Disorders (including Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia)
Audience: Those dealing with Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia
Speaker:
– Reena Gottesman, MD, neurologist, Columbia University Medical Center
Host: Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University
Register to attend the four-Thursday series by emailing Kate Smith, Columbia’s Taub Institute. You will be sent a link for joining.
Thursday, February 25, 10am
(2 hours)
Better Lives, Together
Description:
In this two-hour summit, the first speaker addresses research into environmental exposures and PD. The second speaker addresses holistic health and wellness for PD.
Speakers:
– Beate Ritz, MD, PhD, UCLA
– Maya Katz, MD, movement disorders specialist, Stanford
Host: Parkinson’s Foundation (PF) Fresno Chapter, Fresno, CA
Register here.
Friday, February 26, 9am
Alternative Therapies for Parkinson’s
Description:
The speaker will discuss the wide variety of alternative therapies available to people with PD.
Speaker:
– Alexander Baumgartner, MD, neurologist, University of Colorado Movement Disorders Center
Host: Parkinson Association of the Rockies (PAR), Denver, CO
Register here.
Friday, February 26, 10am
(2 hours)
Parkinson’s Falls Prevention Workshop
Description:
Learn the four pillars of falls prevention; tips and tricks for falls prevention; about medical and medication alert services available through Lifeline and Fraser Health.
[Editor’s Note: Perhaps the latter part of this workshop has no relevance outside of British Columbia.]
Speakers are from Fraser Health, British Columbia
Host: Impact Parkinson’s, British Columbia (Canada)
Register with Impact Parkinson’s:
Email or call 604-525-2631
Friday, February 26, 11:30am
(Registration ends February 24)
Boxing with Allie
Description:
Rock Steady Boxing has been shown to decrease Parkinson’s disease symptoms, delay disease progression, and enhance one’s quality of life. Learn basic boxing moves that will challenge your stamina, coordination, and balance. No experience and no equipment is required to participate. First of a two-part “Boxing with Allie” series.
Speaker:
– Allie Saks, occupational therapist, Rock Steady Boxing coach, Vancouver
Host: Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC)
Register on the PSBC website.