Every month, Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach produces a list of caregiving-related webinars and virtual events (conferences, symposia, and teleconferences). Here’s our lengthy March 2021 list of caregiving webinars and virtual events. Most of the webinars listed are for a general audience and are free. Be sure to register in advance! Some of the events have registration deadlines.
The list below is webinars and virtual events (such as a conference, symposium, or teleconference) we know about in March 2021 that are focused on Caregiving. Note: the first webinar is on March 1st and some events have registration deadlines early in the month!
There are a lot of virtual events this month and a few unusual topics:
- March 5: Motivation and Parkinson’s, webinar
- March 5: SPARK – Robin Williams and his Battle with Lewy Body Dementia, a free screening of this film
- March 12th: Racial Inequities in the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease, webinar
- March 17: Polypharmacy and Older Adults, webinar
We encourage you to register for any of these events you are interested in. That way, if you aren’t able to attend the live event, you will be alerted when the recording is available.
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. (Commonly the speaker talks for 30-40 minutes and there’s a question-and-answer session for the remaining time.)
- If there is no speaker indicated, the speaker is unknown at the time of this email.
- For a general audience.
- Not focused on a single medication. (Those are excluded.)
- Free.
- Posted to the host website or YouTube channel in about a week.
– Denise
Monday, March 1, 1pm
Caring for a Loved One with PD: Caregiver Issues and Changing Roles
Description:
The diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease means change for a family unit. While much is unknown, roles will evolve. Guilt and fear can creep in and erode the strongest relationships between spouses, partners, and/or family members. How can a family prevent caregiver burden, and how can someone with a movement disorder navigate the evolution of their care?
Host: Indu Subramanian, MD, movement disorder specialist
Speaker: Megan Gomez, PhD, psychologist
Host: PMD Alliance
Register here
A recording of the webinar may be posted to the PMD Alliance YouTube channel, along with other wHolistic series webinars.
Tuesday, March 2, 4pm
Understanding Atypical Parkinson’s
Description:
Atypical Parkinson’s diagnoses and how they differ from idiopathic Parkinson’s disease
Speaker: Eugene Lai, MD
Host: Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS)
Register here.
Within a week, webinar recording will be posted to the HAPS YouTube channel.
Wednesday, March 3, 10am
Thinking Changes in Parkinson’s: Engaging Physical Therapy
Description:
The role of physical therapy in working with individuals experiencing cognitive changes from Parkinson’s disease. Cognitive and physical changes need to be addressed early on and throughout the course of the disease and physical therapy can provide management strategies for both. From difficulty with organizational skills to the challenges of hallucinations and staying active, physical therapy can help both the individual and the care partner maintain a high quality of life.
Speaker: Heather J. Cianci, PT, MS, GCS
Host: Parkinson’s Foundation (PF)
Register here.
A recording of the webinar will be available on the PF website.
Thursday, March 4, 8:45am
Fall Prevention for Lewy Body Disorders
Description:
This is the third of the Living with Lewy Body Disorders spring lunchtime webinar series.
Speaker: Ashwini K. Rao, MD, Professor of Rehabilitation & Regenerative Medicine in the Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Host: Columbia University
To register or request more information, email Kate. You will receive an emailed Zoom link.
We find no evidence this webinar series is being recorded. When you register, you can ask Kate if a recording will be posted to the web.
Thursday, March 4, 10:30am
Parkinson’s Wellness Series
Description:
Learn about an emerging field called Lifestyle Medicine and how its therapeutics can be applied to your life to help prevent and reverse chronic disease!
Speaker: D. Andrew Roquiz, MD
Host: Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s
Register here.
A recording of the webinar may be posted to the Neuro Challenge YouTube channel.
Thursday, March 4, 12pm
Care Partners and Self Care throughout the journey
Description:
This is the first of a 4-part series of virtual panel discussions designed by and for Parkinson’s care partners. This session has three panelists who will focus on what self-care is, what it can look like, why it is important and how to practice self-care as a care partner throughout the PD experience. When self-care gets pushed to the bottom of the list, learn how to put the spotlight on it. When self-care is not even on the list, learn how to bring it into your life.
Moderator: Julie Carter, RN, MN, ANP
Panel #1: Amanda Janicke, MA, LCSW
Self-care: What does it mean and will it really help?
Panel #2: Julia Wood, MOT, OTR/L
Yes, you really can weave self-care into your life: Start with self-compassion
Panel #3: Angela Robb and Alan Ater
How can I realistically include self-care in my life when there is so much going on?
Host: World Parkinson Coalition (WPC)
Information about all four topics in this series. Register for one or all.
The webinar recording will be posted to the WPC website.
Friday, March 5, 12pm
SPARK – Robin Williams and his Battle with Lewy Body Dementia
Description:
The Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) and the producers of Robin’s Wish created a 45-minute documentary adaptation, SPARK: Robin Williams and his Battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Following a short presentation about LBD, there will be a screening of SPARK. The film will highlight key messages to enhance understanding of LBD, improve diagnosis and detection, and offer LBD families a way to feel connected to resources and support. After viewing the film, a select group of speakers will present about the disease and facilitate a Q and A session.
Speakers:
Samantha Holden, MD, movement disorder specialist
Evan Phys, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist
Karina Drake, MD, geriatric psychiatrist
Host: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Register here.
This event will not be recorded.
Friday, March 5, 1pm
Motivation and Parkinson’s
Description:
James Morley, MD, PhD has been studying the impact motivation and attitude have on life after a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Hear from Dr. Morley and one of his patients and study participants about how to chase and bolster the motivation needed to exercise, cope, and live well with Parkinson’s.
Host: Indu Subramanian, MD, movement disorder specialist
Speaker: James Morley, MD, PhD
Guest: James Creveling, PD patient
Host: PMD Alliance
Register here.
A recording of the webinar may be posted to the PMD Alliance YouTube channel, along with other wHolistic series webinars.
Thursday, March 9, 6:30am-10am
18th Annual Wilson Caregiver Conference
Description:
Looking back over the past year, what have we learned about ourselves and those we care for during the pandemic? What has gone well, and what has not worked at all? What changes would we like to take with us as we move forward into a new reality, and what will we purposely leave behind? Explore how dementia care partnering has been impacted by the pandemic and lessons learned.
Keynote speaker: Teepa Snow
Host: Dementia Alliance of North Carolina (DA-NC)
Register here.
The webinar recording will be posted to the DA-NC YouTube channel.
Wednesday, March 10, 10am
Living Well Until the End: How the End of Life Should Match Individual Goals
Description:
The end of life is not something that is regularly discussed. Often, when faced with issues of mortality, people suffer needlessly for a variety of reasons, from cultural and clinical misunderstandings to matters of healthcare access. It is important for communities and healthcare systems to work together to improve end-of-life experiences and normalize end-of-life planning to ensure individuals can live out their lives according to their values and with goals realized.
Speaker: Shoshana Ungerleider, MD, physician and founder of End Well
Hosts: American Society on Aging and Home Instead
Register here.
A recording of the webinar may be posted to the Home Instead YouTube channel.
Wednesday, March 10, 10am
Shedding Light on Cognitive Changes in Parkinson’s Disease
Description:
This webinar will provide guidance on how to get diagnosed, as well as how to start planning for the next steps. Also, hear from a Care Partner, and Care Partner Support Group Facilitator, who will share a little of her journey, navigating the challenges of cognitive impairments in her relationship with her partner.
Speaker: Kathleen Clarkson, MD, geriatrician
Hosts: Parkinson Canada
Register here.
A recording of the webinar may be posted to the Parkinson Canada SoundCloud and YouTube channel.
Wednesday, March 10, 10:30am (2nd & 4th Wednesdays, monthly)
Laughter is Good Medicine with Laugh to Feel Good
Description:
Skilled facilitator (s) will guide you through a series of playful exercises to ignite self-expression, creativity and most importantly, LAUGHTER! You will take away a greater sense of how to use your voice and body while having laughed, played, and bonded in unique ways. There are no mistakes, and you don’t have to be “funny” to play. Perfect for those with Parkinson’s and Caregivers, people who want to move and laugh safely.
Speaker: TBA
Host: Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s
Register here.
A recording of the webinar may be posted to the Neuro Challenge YouTube channel.
Thursday, March 11, 8:45am
Palliative Care / Hospice Care Planning
Description:
This is the fourth of the Living with Lewy Body Disorders spring lunchtime webinar series.
Speaker: Reena Gottesman, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Host: Columbia University
To register or request more information, email Kate. You will receive an emailed Zoom link.
We find no evidence this webinar series is being recorded. When you register, you can ask Kate if a recording will be posted to the web.
Thursday, March 11, 4pm (offered monthly in 2021)
Parkinson’s & Freezing
Description:
Learn about the triggers that can cause a freeze and take away useful strategies to get out of tricky, sticky situations.
Speaker: Maggie Abbott, PT, DPT
Host: Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS)
Register here.
The webinar recording will be posted to the HAPS YouTube channel in December, following the last presentation of this monthly webinar.
Monday, March 12, 1pm
Racial Inequities in the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Description:
Racial injustice has been at the forefront of public debate, but did you know these inequalities have dire stakes in the medical space? For example, in the PD and movement disorder community, African Americans are often diagnosed later and with greater disease severity.
Host: Indu Subramanian, MD, movement disorder specialist
Speakers:
Casey Halpern, MD
Disep Ojukwu, MD, MBA, MPH
Host: PMD Alliance
Register here.
A recording of the webinar may be posted to the PMD Alliance YouTube channel, along with other wHolistic series webinars.
Monday, March 15, 1pm
Falls Prevention in Parkinson’s Disease
Description:
Fall risk factors linked to Parkinson’s, as well as strategies and interventions to prevent and reduce falls. Health concerns and consequences of falling, as well as home accessibility improvement options will also be discussed.
Speaker: Naaz Parmar, MD, Geriatrician
Host: Parkinson Society British Columbia (PS BC)
Registration closes March 10. Register here.
The webinar recording may be posted to the PS BC YouTube channel.
Tuesday, March 16, 11am
Living Well with Chronic Pain and Illness
Description:
Living with chronic pain and illness and how to live well with it at every turn.
Speaker: Toni Bernhard, author of How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness: A Mindful Guide
Host: Davis Phinney Foundation (DPF)
Register here.
The webinar recording will be posted to the DPF website.
Wednesday, March 17, 10 am
Polypharmacy and Older Adults
Description:
This webinar for the multidisciplinary care team will provide an overview of polypharmacy, including its risk factors and an examination of associated poor medical outcomes. Additionally, strategies for the care team to mitigate medication related problems, adverse drug reactions, and drug interactions and examine case studies to help act upon these lessons learned.
Speaker: Michael J. Schuh, PharmD, MBA, FAPhA, clinical pharmacist
Host: Right at Home and American Society on Aging
Register here.
A recording may be posted at the bottom of the Right at Home continuing education webpage.
Wednesday, March 17, 10:30am
Creative Writing Workshop
Description:
Writing is accessible to everyone, and often people affected by Parkinson’s (both patients and caregivers) find it very therapeutic. This Creative Writing Workshop Series aims to introduce creative writing as a healing and recreational exercise for free self-expression, as a hobby and an art form, to interested participants regardless of skill level or experience. Attendees will actively explore selected writing forms and notable texts, try in-class and take-home writing exercises, and receive constructive feedback.
Speaker: Edward Shen
Host: Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s
Register here.
Thursday, March 18, 9am
Brain Boost: A Conversation on Thinking, Memory and Parkinson’s
Description:
Panelists will discuss thinking and memory changes that can happen in Parkinson’s disease. They will discuss ways to manage these changes, tips to boost brain health and the latest research toward new treatments.
Panelists: TBA
Hosts: Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF)
Register here.
A recording of the webinar will be posted to the MJFF website:
Friday, March 19, 9am
Spring into Creativity! A Month of Music and Wellness
Session 3- Spring Concert!
Description:
In the first part of the final session of this Month of Music and Wellness Series renowned pianist Lee Dougherty Ross who will share several classic tunes for you to sit back, relax and enjoy! The second half of the session will be dedicated to our Neuro Challenge Community and is an opportunity to share your love of music. You are encouraged to bring/talk about your instrument and demonstrate if you would like! (If you are not musically inclined or do not wish to share, please join us for Lee’s concert and come to hear about your fellow community member’s musical talents!)
Speaker: Lee Dougherty Ross, renowned pianist
Host: Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s
Register here.
A recording may be posted to the Neuro Challenge YouTube channel.
Thursday, March 25, 9am
Dementia, Depression, and Delirium
Description:
This is the third of a 3-part Caring with Melanie webinar series. Melanie Bunn leads Bunn Consulting as a Dementia Training Specialist for both Dementia Alliance of North Carolina and Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care.
Speaker: Melanie Bunn, nurse, teacher, trainer, consultant, support group facilitator
Host: Dementia Alliance of North Carolina (DA-NC)
$10 for a single event, $20 for all three. Register for one or all.
The webinar recording will be posted to the DA-NC YouTube channel.
Tuesday, March 30, 2pm
Mental Health in Parkinson’s Disease
Description:
Mental health challenges that are commonly found in Parkinson’s disease, including depression and anxiety. This webinar will foster an understanding of mental health symptoms, as well as treatment options and practical tips for coping.
Speaker: Courtney Doherty, Registered Clinical Counsellor
Host: Parkinson Society British Columbia (PS BC)
Registration closes March 24. Register here.
The webinar recording may be posted to the PS BC YouTube channel.
Wednesday, March 31, 10am
Next Steps in Care: Seeking Outside Help
Description:
Care needs in Parkinson’s change as symptoms progress. This program will provide you with tools to help you decide when it’s time to ask for outside help. Learn what you need to know to find the right kind of caregiver to meet your needs and discuss next steps to consider for care as Parkinson’s advances.
Speakers:
Rose Wichmann, PT
Joan Hlas, MSW, LISW
Host: Parkinson’s Foundation (PF)
Register here.
A recording of the webinar will be available on the PF website.