The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) hosted a webinar in December 2020 on managing burnout in caregivers for Parkinson’s disease (PD). There were four panelists: a social worker, two caregivers, and a person with Parkinson’s. They talked about being a caregiver to people with Parkinson’s disease while managing stress. They also answered audience questions throughout the session. 

On February 3rd, the Parkinson and Movement Disorder Alliance hosted Anwar Ahmed, MD, a movement disorder specialist. Dystonia is not a diagnosis, rather a symptom of abnormal and involuntary sustained muscle contractions or pulling, and posture movements. 

The World Parkinson Coalition (WPC) hosted a session in early December 2020 for care partners of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this combined presentation, panel discussion, and question and answer session, four speakers talked about creative, non-medical approaches to managing care partner wellness as they support their person with Parkinson’s (PWP). The panelists included a movement disorder specialist, a social worker, a person with Parkinson’s, and his care partner. 

The webinar “YOPD Women, Diagnosis, and Symptoms” was presented by the YOPD Women Council at the Davis Phinney Foundation.  YOPD is Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease, where Parkinson’s is diagnosed earlier in life.  This was the first in a new webinar series for YOPD women, to be held the first Wednesday of every month. The panelists spoke of their experience with Parkinson’s, how they came to be diagnosed, unique symptoms they’ve had, and recommendations for how women can advocate for themselves. 

On February 10th and 11th Dementia Alliance of North Carolina hosted the first Dr. Daniel Kaufer Memorial Caregiver Conference.  The theme of the conference was Behaviors: Awareness, Attitude (Day 1), and Action (Day 2).  I attended three sessions on Day 1.  These notes have relevance for those dealing with Parkinson’s Disease and dementia.