The Stanford American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Information & Referral Center offered a two-session virtual program called “Good Start” in June 2026, for people within three years of a Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis and their family members. Here, we share some of the speaker slides and resource list. Our belief is that an overview of PD, education, and support at this key stage can empower you to better navigate and thrive in the journey ahead.
As we receive speaker slides, we will add them here.
Hengameh Zahed, MD
The first speaker was Hengameh Zahed, MD, Stanford movement disorders specialist. She provided an overview of PD, medication management, and newer formulations of levodopa. To be seen by Dr. Zahed or another movement disorder specialist at Stanford, see our blog post about providing a referral letter from your physician and medical records.
See the presentation slides.
Jennifer Dimino, MD
The second speaker was Jennifer (Jenna) Dimino, MD, Stanford gastroenterologist. She addressed one of the most common symptoms of PD, constipation. See the presentation slides.
Pamela Triano, PT, NCS
The third speaker was Pamela Triano, PT, NCS, Stanford Health Care Outpatient Rehabilitation. She highlighted what physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists can do for those with PD. See the presentation slides.
Satve Ilango, MSW
The last speaker was Satve Ilango, MSW, Stanford Neuroscience social worker. She spoke about coping with PD.
Resources
- Exercise!
- Support Groups
- Constipation
- Sleep
- Driving with PD in California
- APDA list of medications approved for PD
- Early-stage PD and other research studies mentioned include:
Questions?
Contact Robin Riddle, Stanford APDA Information & Referral Center, rriddle@stanford.edu, 650-724-6090 voicemail.