Every month, Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach produces a list of Parkinson’s-related webinars and virtual meetings with speakers. Here’s our December 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 December 2023…
Friday, December 1, 10:30am-12pm
Overview of Corticobasal Degeneration and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Description: Learn more about atypical parkinsonism and rehabilitation, specifically for corticobasal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy. Experts will share the latest insights on ways to improve the quality of life for people with PD.
Speakers:
Irene Litvan, MD, UC San Diego
Cory Troyer, DPT
Julie Larsen, OTD, OTR/L
Host: UC San Diego (UCSD) Dept. of Neurosciences
A recording of the webinar will be posted to the UCSD Dept. of Neurosciences Community Symposium webpage
Saturday, December 2, 9am-1:30pm
6th Annual Life Beyond the Basics Conference
Description: Hear from medical experts about leading-edge strategies that can make living with Parkinson’s better.
Host: Parkinson’s Community Los Angeles (PCLA)
A recording of the conference will be posted to the PCLA YouTube channel
Monday, December 4, 12pm
Understanding PD
No description available. Part of the “Everything Parkinson’s” webinar series.
Host: Pacific Movement Disorders Center, Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI), Santa Monica, CA
At the webinar time, join by using this link bit.ly/PD-Webinars
Or participate by phone 669-900-6833, with meeting ID 660 963 7129
Password: MPF2020 (letters are all capitalized)
For more information contact Giselle Tamula, 310-582-7433, giselle.tamula@providence.org
The recording of the webinar will be posted on the Movement Disorders section of the PNI Health and Wellness webinars page
Monday, December 4, 2pm
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease: Anxiety, Depression, and Cognition
No description available. Part of the First Monday of the Month speaker series.
Speaker: Dr. Andreea Seritan, geriatric psychiatrist, UCSF
Host: PD-Connect, Corte Madera, CA
The webinar recording will be posted to the PD-Connect YouTube channel
Tuesday, December 5, 11am
What Goes Wrong with Balance in Parkinson’s Disease & Can We Change It?
Description: Learn the latest research on balance and what can go wrong with balance. Hear recommendations that can help you prevent falls, enhance mobility, and improve independence with everyday tasks, as well as ways to improve your coordination to gain confidence in your ability to move safely and better navigate your environment. Part of the “Let’s Keep Moving with APDA” series.
Speakers:
Tim Nordahl, DPT, Boston University
Daniel Peterson, PhD, Arizona State University
Host: American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
A recording of the webinar will be posted to the APDA YouTube channel Let’s Keep Moving with APDA playlist
Wednesday, December 6, 9am
Stem Cells for Parkinson’s – the Latest Updates
Description: Researchers will discuss the latest news in stem cell replacement therapies for Parkinson’s.
Speakers:
Tilo Kunath, PhD, University of Edinburgh
Agnete Kirkeby, PhD, University of Copenhagen
Cheney Drew, PhD, Cardiff University
Rachel Gibson, patient research advocate
Hosts: Cure Parkinson’s; University of Edinburgh; Journal of Parkinson’s Disease
A recording of the webinar will be posted to the Cure Parkinson’s YouTube channel
Wednesday, December 6, 10am
Understanding Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Description: The speaker addresses DBS as a treatment option for PD, essential tremor, and dystonia.
Speaker: Elizabeth Saunders, RN, BSN, Deep Brain Stimulation Program Coordinator
Host: Hartford Healthcare
For more information call 855-442-4373.
This webinar is offered monthly and is not recorded.
Thursday, December 7, 10am
Ask the Doctor Anything!
Description: The speaker will dedicate the entire program to answering your questions about all aspects of PD including diagnosis, managing symptoms, medications, surgery, navigating the holidays, travel, and anything else that you are wondering about! Part of the APDA’s “Dr. Gilbert Hosts” webinar series.
Speaker: Rebecca Gilbert, MD, PhD, movement disorder specialist, APDA Chief Scientific Officer
Host: American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
A recording of the webinar will be posted to the APDA YouTube channel in the Dr. Gilbert Hosts playlist
Thursday, December 7, 10-11:30am
Debriefing the [PD] Caregiver Role
Audience: PD caregivers who have lost a loved one in the past two years
Description: A group session to learn and share experiences about loss and grief.
Speaker: Elaine Book, MSW, RSW
Host: Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC)
We assume the group session will not be recorded.
Thursday, December 7, 2-3:30pm
Personal Care [for Parkinson’s]
Description: The instructor will provide family care partners and people with PD ideas for bathing, cooking/feeding, toileting, and mobility. This is the first of a two-part class.
Speaker: Mindy Laidlaw, OT
Host: Parkinson Resources Oregon (PRO)
Maximum 20 attendees. Registration webpage
There is no information about the recording of this class.
Saturday, December 9, 2-3:15pm
PD Essentials
Audience: Newly Diagnosed
Description: This program will give you an overview of PD and provide you with information about community resources and support. People with PD, family, and friends are all welcome to learn and ask questions.
Multiple speakers
Host: American Parkinson Disease Association, Northwest Chapter (APDA NW)
This event is offered periodically throughout the year and will probably not be recorded.
Sunday, December 10, 9am
Ask Sharon Anything About PD
Audience: Women with PD
Description: An open conversation with Sharon Krischer.
Originally scheduled: a conversation with Brian Pepin about Strive PD, which allows your Apple Watch and/or your DBS system to track your PD symptoms, your exercise information, and your medication regimen, and send all of that data directly to your doctor.
Speaker: Sharon Krischer, Twitchy woman founder
Host: Twitchy Woman
Registration webpage
The webinar recording will be posted to the Events page of the Twitchy Woman website
Tuesday, December 12, 11am
SPEAK OUT! – Meet The Expert
Description: Learn about the Parkinson Voice Project’s (PVP’s) rigorous SPEAK OUT!® program, a research-based medical therapy that helps those with Parkinson’s maintain a strong voice and healthy swallowing capabilities.
Speaker: Doreen Nicholas, SLP, Parkinson Voice Project speech-language pathologist
Host: Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation (NWPF)
A recording of this webinar may be posted to the NWPF YouTube channel
Tuesday, December 12, 11am
Understanding Depression in Parkinson’s Disease
Description: The speaker will shed light on the symptoms of depression and PD and how to manage depression through cognitive-behavioral therapy, which reframes thoughts to address faulty cognitive thought patterns. This is the second episode of the new APDA Unlocking Strength Within webinar series.
Speaker: Natalie Diaz, MD, Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Torrance, CA
Host: American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
A recording of the webinar will be posted to the APDA YouTube channel Unlocking Strength Within playlist
Wednesday, December 13, 10am
Hospital Safety [with PD]
Description: Learn about the Parkinson’s Foundation new and improved Hospital Safety Guide, review “My Five Parkinson’s Care Needs,” a resource built into the guide, and hear from community volunteers with both personal and professional experience navigating hospital visits. Part of the “Wellness Wednesday” webinar series.
Speakers:
Richard Huckabee, person with Parkinson’s
John Cox, person with Parkinson’s
Kelly Tran, pharmacist
Heather Bays, Inpatient rehabilitation physical therapist
Mary Ochoa, inpatient speech-language pathologist, daughter of a 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, December 13, 10am
Parkinson Terminology
Audience: Newly Diagnosed
Description: The speaker will discuss some of the things your neurologist or healthcare provider may ask you to do and why that is important. We will also become more familiar with disease terminology to help make your next office visit more informative. Part of the Parkinson’s Disease Learning & Educational Resource (PDLER) series.
Speaker: movement disorders specialist, Banner Sun Health Research Institute
Host: Banner Health
For more information call 800-230-2273.
This webinar will not be recorded.
Wednesday, December 13, 11am
Ask Us! Your Parkinson’s Questions Answered
Description: Members of Parkinson Canada’s Information & Referral team will be on hand to answer your Parkinson’s and care partners’ questions. Most questions answered will be collected during attendee registration, but some will be asked live during the event.
Host: Parkinson Canada
A recording of the webinar may be posted to the Parkinson Canada YouTube channel
Wednesday, December 13, 12pm
Discover Music Therapy for PD
Description: A discussion of how music therapy has been shown to improve the quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson’s by addressing various physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects of PD.
Speaker: Maggie Johnson, MT-BC, EarthTones NW
Host: Brian Grant Foundation (BGF)
A recording of the webinar will be posted to the BGF website
Thursday, December 14, 1pm
Environmental Exposures in Veterans with Parkinson’s
Description: Research suggests that PD can be linked to genetic and environmental factors. This webinar will discuss how, for some veterans, environmental exposure and toxins can increase the risk of PD, and the role head trauma plays in the development of PD.
Speaker: Caroline Tanner, MD, PhD, San Francisco VA Medical Center
Host: Parkinson’s Foundation (PF)
A recording of the webinar may be posted to the PF YouTube channel
Thursday, December 14, 2-3:30pm
Personal Care [for Parkinson’s]
Description: The instructor will provide family care partners and people with PD ideas for bathing, cooking/feeding, toileting, and mobility. This is the first of a two-part class.
Speaker: Mindy Laidlaw, OT
Host: Parkinson Resources Oregon (PRO)
Maximum 20 attendees. Registration webpage
There is no information about the recording of this class.
Friday, December 15, 1pm
Understanding the Complexities of Executive Function [in PD]
Description: A discussion about what “executive functioning” means, the neural mechanisms or areas of the brain associated with executive functions, the unique executive functioning challenges typically experienced by patients with PD, and the cognitive and behavioral strategies that help to improve weaknesses in executive functioning. This is part of the APDA’s Take Control webinar series.
Speaker: Ariana Tart-Zelvin, PhD, Swedish Center for Healthy Aging
Host: American Parkinson Disease Association Northwest chapter (APDA NW)
A recording of the webinar will be posted to the APDA NW YouTube channel
domingo 17 de diciembre, 6:30-10:30am
Viviendo mejor con Parkinson
Descripción: Aprenda sobre la enfermedad de Parkinson, el papel de la genética, la salud mental, la nutrición y el ejercicio.
Varios oradores
Anfitrionas:
Parkinson’s Foundation (PF); Parkinson’s Foundation Puerto Rico
Se puede publicar una grabación de este seminario en el canal de YouTube de la Parkinson’s Foundation
Sunday, December 17, 9am
Tremble Clefs
Audience: Women with PD
Description: Tremble Clefs is a therapeutic singing group for people with Parkinson’s. The speaker will talk about Tremble Clefs and lead attendees in song.
Speaker: Karen Skipper, Orange County Tremble Clefs
Host: Twitchy Woman
The webinar recording will be posted to the Events page of the Twitchy Woman website
lunes 18 de diciembre, 1pm
La presión arterial, el pulso y el Parkinson
Descripción: Cuando la presión arterial no vuelve a la normalidad rápidamente después de ponerse de pie, se denomina hipotensión ortostática o postural. Esta forma de presión arterial baja ocurre en aproximadamente un tercio de las personas que viven con la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP). En este programa, un especialista en trastornos del movimiento revisará la patología cardiovascular y cardíaca relacionada con el Parkinson, la hipotensión como complicación no motora y las estrategias y desafíos para el manejo de la presión arterial.
Orador: José C. Cabassa, MD, Moving Brains Neurological Care, New York, NY
Anfitriona: PMD Alliance
La grabación del seminario web se puede publicar en el canal de YouTube de PMD Alliance
Monday, December 18, 3:30pm
Mindfulness with Moldauer
Description: Learn how to free yourself from stress, anxiety, pain, depression, and the emotional strain of chronic illness such as Parkinson’s by improving your emotional life and tranquility using mindfulness and meditation.
Speaker: Linda Moldauer, Parkinson’s care partner using mindfulness and meditation
Host: Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation (NWPF)
A recording of this webinar may be posted to the NWPF YouTube channel
Tuesday, December 19, 4pm
May not be specific to PD
Holiday Coping [for people with PD and care partners]
No description available
Speaker: Laurie Boore-Clor, MD, Henry Ford Health
Host: Michigan Parkinson Foundation (MPF)
At the webinar time, visit https://parkinsonsmi-org.zoom.us
Meeting ID: 660 963 7129
Password: MPF2020 (letters are all capitalized)
Or participate by phone: 646-558-8656
The webinar recording may be posted to the MPF YouTube channel
Wednesday, December 20, 1pm
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 most months and is not recorded.
Thursday, December 21, 9am
Tools for Diagnosing and Visualizing Parkinson’s Disease
Description: DaTscan, which has been FDA-approved since 2011, has been a critical tool for doctors and researchers to help diagnose PD. This year the Fox Foundation announced the discovery of a biomarker, a test that uses spinal fluid, that can detect PD at the cellular level. Researchers are also working on a tool to visualize clumps of alpha-synuclein protein in the living brain. Expert panelists will discuss how these tools work together, how they are different, and how clinicians and researchers apply them in the field.
Multiple speakers
Host: Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF)
A recording of the webinar will be posted to the MJFF YouTube channel