Stanford PD Community Blog

You don’t need a PhD in biochemistry to understand the exciting developments in Parkinson’s disease (PD) research. This special series by the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) makes PD research and clinical trials accessible—no scientific expertise required. The APDA’s Dr. Rebecca Gilbert along with Dr. Kevin McFarthing—a biochemist, PD clinical-trials expert, and person with PD—will present a three-part series, “Understanding the Science Behind PD Clinical Trials.”  The dates are Sept. 23, Oct. 14, and Nov. 12.  Register for all three today. 

In July 2026, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) hosted a webinar on three treatments for Parkinson’s disease (PD): deep brain stimulation (DBS), focused ultrasound (FUS), and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT). Three different neurosurgeons discussed the three treatments. They shared basic definitions of each procedure, pros and cons, and who might be a good candidate for each procedure.  The webinar was part of the APDA’s “Dr. Gilbert Hosts” series.

In July 2026, the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation (NWPF) hosted a webinar on how balance is affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dr. Nate Coomer, a physical therapist who works daily with those with neurological conditions, discussed why people with PD are at higher risk for falls than those of similar age. He described what physical and environmental factors contribute to falls for people with PD, and shared strategies physical therapists use to help people with challenges such as freezing of gait and poor proprioception. He also reviewed some exercises that can be used at home to practice improving one’s balance.

Join Stanford’s Parkinson’s Community Outreach team at the newly-opened Peninsula Parkinson’s Place, a great new space for exercise and connections!  RSVP by September 16.  This event features well-known Rock Steady Boxing coach Freddy Silva and PD exercise coach Dante Kirkman for demonstrations of various exercise types (adaptive yoga, dance, tai chi, and RSB).  Plus Stanford movement disorder specialist Dr. Pegah Kahali will address “Gait and Cognition in PD.” Visit the Stanford PD resource table.