Every month, Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach produces a list of Parkinson’s-related webinars and virtual meetings with speakers. Here’s our April 2023 list.
What’s the difference between a webinar and a virtual meeting? A “webinar” has a handful of speakers at most, and attendees have both audio and video muted. A “virtual meeting” usually allows 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. Also, note that a few webinars have registration deadlines well in advance of the webinar dates.
Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach will try to attend as many of these events as possible and share our notes. Our notes about PD webinars are often posted to our blog. We email our notes to the “Stanford PD Info” and “PD Caregivers” email lists, depending on the relevance to those audiences.
If you are 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. (Again, caregiver-specific events are on our other list.)
- 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 April 2023…
Saturday, April 1, 7-10am
Cognition Changes [in PD]
Description: This event will focus on cognition changes in Parkinson’s and explores new treatments and strategies to address such changes.
Speakers:
Meagan Bailey, MD, Novant Health
Myriam Sollman, PhD, Prisma Health
Expert Panelists:
Holly Thomas, OT, Novant Health
Laura Schwagerl, PT, Novant Health
Corinne Lavoie, SLP, Novant Health
Host: Parkinson’s Foundation (PF) Carolinas Chapter
No information is available about the recording of this event.
Wednesday, April 5, 9am
Understanding Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Description: The speaker addresses DBS as a treatment option for PD, essential tremor and dystonia.
Speaker: Sarah Zurek, RN, DBS program coordinator
Host: Hartford Healthcare
Call 855-442-4373 or use this registration webpage
This webinar is offered monthly and is not recorded.
Thursday, April 6, 8am
Caregiving for People with Parkinson’s Disease
Description: This program will provide a forum for discussing the unique experiences and challenges of the degenerative nature of Parkinson’s and for sharing knowledge and helpful strategies. At the end of this session the speakers will stay on the line to offer personal support.
Speakers:
Lucy Barylak, MSW
Elliot Montgomery Sklar, PhD
Host: WellMed Teleconnection
A recording of the webinar will be posted to the WellMed Teleconnection website
Thursday, April 6, 12pm
Navigating the Minefield that is Parkinson’s – Lessons Learned
Description: The speaker will share his journey over the years with PD as well as the lessons he learned while flying solo. He will also share practical tips for daily living.
Speaker: John Baumann, person with Parkinson’s
Host: PMD Alliance
The webinar recording may be posted to the PMD Alliance YouTube channel
Thursday, April 6, 1pm
Finding Balance, Breath by Breath: Mindfulness for Navigating PD
Speakers:
Kimberly Carson, MPH, C-IAYT, E-RYT, Mindful Yoga Works
Suketu Khandhar, MD, Kaiser Permanente
Host: Parkinson Association of Northern California (PANC)
A recording of the webinar may be posted to the PANC YouTube channel.
Tuesday, April 11, 7:45am-12pm
Minnesota Spring Parkinson’s Symposium
Description: Topics include managing exercise as Parkinson’s progresses, urinary issues and constipation, and research into gait and balance. There will also be a panel discussion highlighting the stories and experiences of people with PD.
Speakers:
Beth Wittry, PT, DPT, Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
Colum McKinnon, PhD, Udall Center at Univ. of Minn., Minneapolis, MN
Martha Nance, MD, Struthers Parkinson Center, Minneapolis, MN
Hosts:
APDA Minnesota
Parkinson’s Foundation
Udall Center at the University of Minnesota
The entire program will be recorded and available for viewing on the three host organizations’ websites two weeks after the symposium, including the APDA Minnesota Chapter’s website.
Tuesday, April 11, 12pm
How to Deal with Mood Disorders in PD
Description: Learn why people with PD are prone to mood disorders, like depression and anxiety, and more importantly what can be done to treat these disorders.
Host: PMD Alliance
The webinar recording may be posted to the PMD Alliance YouTube channel.
Tuesday, April 11, 12pm
Sexuality, Intimacy and Parkinson’s
Description: A clinical sexologist will discuss tools and tips for maintaining a sexual/intimate relationship, sexual challenges for people with PD including erectile issues, vaginal dryness and pain, maintaining and expanding emotional and physical intimacy, and communicating about sexuality with one’s partner and health care professionals.
Speaker: Sheila Silver, MA, DHS, ACS
Host: Parkinson Canada
The webinar recording may be posted to the Parkinson Canada YouTube channel
Tuesday, April 11, 4-11pm
INSIGHT 2023 Living Brave Parkinson’s Conference, Day 1
Description: Over 25 presentations from Parkinson’s experts, covering medicine, research, care, health, and wellbeing.
Host: PD Warrior, Australia
Free registration allows access to conference recordings for 24 hours after each presentation. Premium registration ($89 per person) allows access to conference recordings until May 31, 2023.
Wednesday, April 12, 10am
Freezing and Fall Prevention in Parkinson’s
Description: Learn how freezing and other movement and non-movement symptoms can contribute to falls and how to lessen the risk.
Speaker: Colum McKinnon, PhD, Udall Center at University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Host: Parkinson’s Foundation
A recording of the webinar will be posted to the PF YouTube channel.
Wednesday, April 12, 11am
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Audience: Newly Diagnosed
Description: The speaker will explore the potential causes and explain the changes your body may be experiencing as well as help you understand your diagnosis and provide answers to many of your questions. Part of the Parkinson’s Disease Learning & Educational Resource (PDLER) series.
Speaker: movement disorders specialist, Banner Sun Health Research Institute
Host: Banner Health
This webinar will not be recorded.
Wednesday, April 12, 12pm
Finding Joy in Exercise [in PD]
Description: A panel discussion on the importance of exercise and PD and how finding something you enjoy, like hiking and dance, can change your outlook on PD.
Panelists:
Nate Coomer, PT, DPT, NCS
Chris Daigre, founder of danceDaigre
Derek Torrey, board president, Pass to Pass
Host: Brian Grant Foundation (BGF)
A recording of the webinar will be posted to the BGF website.
Wednesday, April 12, 12pm
Move to Improve Brain Health [in PD]
Description: Find out which types of exercise are best for movement disorder patients to improve their brain health.
Speaker: Sergio Ramos, neuro-physical therapist
Host: PMD Alliance
The webinar recording may be posted to the PMD Alliance YouTube channel
miércoles 12 de abril, 3pm
El Sintomario de Parkinson
Descripción: El ponente está recopilando The Symptom, un diccionario ilustrado de los síntomas del Parkinson, como una herramienta para ayudar a los pacientes a expresar lo que sienten, así como lograr diagnósticos más tempranos al facilitar la identificación de los síntomas. Esta charla/taller utilizará libremente palabras e imágenes como herramientas para describir cómo se manifiesta el Parkinson en cada uno de nosotros.
Oradora: Laura Crawford, PMD Alliance Ambajadora
Anfitriona: PMD Alliance
La grabación del seminario web se puede publicar en el canal de YouTube de PMD Alliance.
Wednesday, April 12, 4-11pm
INSIGHT 2023 Living Brave Parkinson’s Conference, Day 2
Description: Over 25 presentations from Parkinson’s experts, covering medicine, research, care, health, and wellbeing.
Host: PD Warrior, Australia
Free registration allows access to conference recordings for 24 hours after each presentation. Premium registration ($89 per person) allows access to conference recordings until May 31, 2023.
Thursday, April 13, 11am
Moving Better with Parkinson’s: The Alexander Technique
Description: Speakers will give an overview of the Alexander Technique, a method that teaches you to be more aware of your body, and can help improve posture and movement. The Technique can teach people with PD how to better manage physical symptoms; improve posture, balance and gait; and more. The method can also be used to reduce anxiety and stress and increase confidence.
Speakers:
Shula Sendowski, AmSAT certified Alexander Technique instructor
Julie Shelton, AmSAT certified Alexander Technique instructor
Host: Parkinson’s Community Los Angeles (PCLA)
A recording of the webinar will be posted to the PCLA YouTube channel
Thursday, April 13, 1pm
Nutrition Tips for Parkinson’s
Speakers:
Erin Nella, RD, CNSC, UC Davis
Norika Malhado-Chang, MD, UC Davis
Host: Parkinson Association of Northern California (PANC)
A recording of the webinar may be posted to the PANC YouTube channel.
Thursday, April 13, 2pm
Dysautonomia and PD: How to Manage NOH
Description: The speaker will share how she manages Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension. She will address such practical topics as how to take your blood pressure (BP), why it is important to track and monitor your BP, as well as how to interpret and document your data. This is the final episode of the Autonomic Dysfunction Series.
Speaker: Jean Donovan, RN, MSN, MAPA (retired), PhD, person with Parkinson’s
Host: Parkinson’s Resources Oregon (PRO), Beaverton, OR
A recording of the webinar will be posted to the PRO YouTube channel
Friday, April 14, 12-3pm
Parkinson’s, Research and Care
Description: Participants will learn how research helps shape treatments and identify new care strategies for managing PD symptoms. This program will also provide information on current research in Parkinson’s.
Speakers:
Jeffrey Kordower, PhD, ASU Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center
Tom Beach, MD, PhD, Banner Sun Health Research Institute
Host: Parkinson’s Foundation
No information is available about the recording of this program
Sunday, April 16, 10am
Aware in Care Kits
Audience: Women with PD
Description: What is an Aware in Care kit and why do you need one? This week’s guest will talk about this valuable free tool from the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Speaker: Kenneth Thurman
Host: Twitchy Woman
Only women with PD should participate. Registration webpage
The webinar recording will be posted to the Events page of the Twitchy Woman website
Wednesday, April 17, 12pm
It’s Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month!
Description: The moderator will discuss ways to engage with the PD community and raise awareness, and also answer some of the most popular and unanswered questions we receive from people with PD and care partners on a wide range of topics! PD Awareness Month is a great opportunity to recommit to yourself, to learn more, and connect with others. This is part of the “Dr. Gilbert Hosts” webinar series.
Moderator: Rebecca Gilbert, MD, PhD, APDA Chief Scientific Officer
Host: American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
A recording of the webinar may be posted to the APDA YouTube channel in the Dr. Gilbert Hosts playlist
Tuesday, April 18, 10am
Driving Safety 101: Is It Time to Turn in the Keys?
Note: This webinar may not be specific to PD.
Description: Learn to identify warning signs that may indicate that an older driver can no longer operate an automobile safely, recognize the natural change in your loved ones and learn how to support their driving safety, and identify resources to equip older drivers with information that will help them safely stay on the road for as long as possible.
Speaker: Nancy Lo, GrandDriver Coordinator, Virginia Dept. for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
Host: American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Virginia chapter
The webinar recording may be posted to the APDA Virginia chapter YouTube channel
Tuesday, April 18, 12pm
Preventing Fractures in People with Parkinson’s Disease: The TOPAZ Study
Description: People with PD have a very high risk of fractures due to multiple falls and few receive treatments that strengthen bone. The TOPAZ Study seeks to determine if treatments to improve bone density reduce fractures in people with PD who have multiple falls. TOPAZ study researchers will discuss the study and the research regarding people with PD and the risk, and long-term consequences, of fractures.
Speakers:
Michael Schwarzschild, MD, PhD, Harvard University
Kenneth Lyles, MD, Duke University
Host: PMD Alliance
The webinar recording may be posted to the PMD Alliance YouTube channel
Tuesday, April 18, 4pm
Speak Out and Loud Crowd, Speech Therapy
No description available
Speaker: AnnMarie L. Bates, MS, CCC-SLP, CMU
Host: Michigan Parkinson Foundation (MPF)
To access the Zoom link, visit https://parkinsonsmi-org.zoom.us
Meeting ID: 660 963 7129
Enter the Password, MPF2020 (letters are all capitalized)
Or participate by phone, 646-558-8656
The webinar recording may be posted to the MPF YouTube channel.
Tuesday, April 18, 5:30-7pm
Occupational & Physical Therapy; Coping with PD on the Daily
Description: Panelists will summarize the physical and occupational challenges confronting people with Parkinson’s. They will share exercises and tips on how to effectively manage day to day life with Parkinson’s.
Speakers:
Katrina Long EdD, MS, OTRL, San Jose State University
Anuja Chandrana, PT, DPT, NCS
Host: PD Active, Berkeley, CA
The webinar recording may be posted to the PD Active Round Tables playlist on YouTube
Wednesday, April 19, 10am
Building Your PD Mental Health Team
Description: Recognizing mood changes and deciding when it’s time to seek help are the first steps to building your mental health team. An important part of this process is finding and connecting with the right specialists. Participants will learn how others are managing mental health challenges and building their mental health team during this candid, virtual conversation. Part of the Wellness Wednesday educational series.
Speakers:
Jessica Shurer, MSW, LCSW, CurePSP
Lance Wilson, LSW, Jefferson Health
Rosemary Pierce, BSN, Person with Parkinson’s
Dan Novak, PhD, Person with Parkinson’s
Host: Parkinson’s Foundation (PF)
A recording of the webinar will be posted to the PF YouTube channel in the Wellness Wednesday playlist
Wednesday, April 19, 12pm
Chasing Wind: The Chinese Medical Concept of Movement Disorders
Description: In Chinese medicine, just as wind in nature sways the tops of trees, symptoms from excess wind include vibration and involuntary movement, including tremors. The speaker will unpack the role of oriental and integrative medicine in healing and promoting wellbeing in PD patients.
Speaker: Robert Bibeau, Doctor of Oriental Medicine
Host: PMD Alliance
The webinar recording may be posted to the PMD Alliance YouTube channel
Wednesday, April 19, 1:30pm
PD 101
Audience: Newly Diagnosed
Description: If you or your loved one have been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, chances are you are looking beyond your doctor for answers to your questions and for support on how to live well on this new journey!
Host: Neuro Challenge, Sarasota, FL
This webinar is offered monthly and is not recorded.
Thursday, April 20, 1pm
The Fundamentals of Joyful Exercise
Speakers:
Sabrina Burri, PT, DPT, Kaiser Permanente
Nicklesh Thakur, DO, Kaiser Permanente
Host: Parkinson Association of Northern California (PANC)
A recording of the webinar may be posted to the PANC YouTube channel.
Thursday, April 20, 9am
Major Research Breakthrough: A New Biomarker for Parkinson’s
Description: The panel of this special Third Thursday webinar will discuss the most significant breakthrough to date in the search for a Parkinson’s biomarker. Announced by the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) on April 12, researchers have found a highly accurate biological test for Parkinson’s disease, capable of objectively and reliably detecting the disease at the molecular level — even before the onset of symptoms.
Host: Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF)
A recording of the webinar may be posted to the MJFF YouTube channel.
viernes 21 de abril, 12pm
Café con la doctora: La disfunción autonómica y la enfermedad de Parkinson
Descripción: Un neurólogo responderá sus preguntas en vivo durante el programa, que se llevará a cabo íntegramente en español. Ella discutirá por qué algunas personas con EP se marean y qué hacer al respecto, cómo los problemas respiratorios pueden estar relacionados con la EP, por qué algunas personas con EP sudan más que otras, cambios en el estilo de vida que pueden mejorar la calidad de vida y más.
Oradora: Natalie Diaz, MD, Pacific Neuroscience Institute
Anfitriona: American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
La grabación del seminario web se puede publicar en el canal de YouTube de APDA.
Tuesday, April 25, 10am
Proactive Physical Therapy for PD
Description: The speaker will explain how to be proactive when it comes to physical therapy for Parkinson’s, the benefits of starting PT early, how to navigate the healthcare system, and also share some tips and tricks for getting started with PT no matter where you are in your PD journey. Part of the Let’s Keep Moving With APDA education series.
Speaker: Nick Wendel, PT, DPT
Host: American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
A recording of the webinar will be posted to the APDA YouTube channel
Wednesday, April 26, 12pm
Mind Over Bladder & Unbind the Bowel
Description: The speaker will discuss common bladder and bowel issues people with PD may experience. She’ll explain normal bladder function, and what the pelvic floor muscle is and how it supports bladder health. Then she’ll dive into practical lifestyle changes that can improve bladder and bowel function, resources for incontinence, and helpful exercises.
Speaker: Erica Vitek, MOT, OTR, BCB-PMD, PRPC, occupational therapist and board-certified pelvic rehabilitation practitioner
Host: PMD Alliance
The webinar recording may be posted to the PMD Alliance YouTube channel
Thursday, April 27, 1pm
Wellness Within the Context of Illness
Speakers:
Eric Egli, PhD (retired psychologist)
Ehsan Hadi, MD, Dignity Health
Host: Parkinson Association of Northern California (PANC)
A recording of the webinar may be posted to the PANC YouTube channel.
Friday, April 28, 11am
Palliative Care & Parkinson’s Disease: Patient-Centered Care for your PD Journey
Description: The speaker will provide an overview of palliative care and how it can benefit you and your family.
Speaker: Adriana Gonzalez, LCSW
Host: Parkinson’s Community Los Angeles (PCLA)
A recording of the webinar will be posted to the PCLA YouTube channel
Friday, April 28, 12pm
Women and Parkinson’s
Description: Men and women experience PD differently, as it relates to symptoms, medications, medical care and support services. This webinar focuses on women-specific issues to help improve the health and well-being of women with PD.
Speakers:
Holly Shill, MD, FAAN, Barrow Neurological Institute, Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center
Vanessa Leschak, Certified Nutritionist, Parkinson’s Disease Nutrition
Host: Parkinson’s Foundation (PF)
A recording of the webinar will be posted to the PF YouTube channel
Saturday, April 29, 7-10:30am
Georgia Parkinson’s Symposium
Description: Speakers will discuss PD symptoms, treatments, and progression as well as factors to help live your best life with PD, including diet, exercise, and staying connected. This program also features a live Q & A with Parkinson’s experts from Emory Brain Health Center and Wellstar Neurology, a fall prevention workshop and more.
Multiple speakers
Host: Parkinson’s Foundation Georgia Chapter
No information is available about the recording of this symposium.