Stanford PD Community Blog

On May 4th,Parkinson and Movement Disorder (PMD) Alliance presented a webinar entitled, “The Mind Body Problem: Motivation, Exercise, and Parkinson’s.” 

Doctors tell those with Parkinson’s to exercise.  There are countless studies that document the benefits of physical activity.  However, for many, it can be hard to begin or maintain an exercise regimen.  This is called the “mind body problem.”

Brent Bluett, DO, Stanford Movement Disorder Specialist, will discuss “The Status of Research in PD: Is There Hope?” online on Tuesday, June 2, beginning at 3:00pm Pacific Time. The event is free, but pre-registration is required.

In April 2020, the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s presented an online Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Forum. The webinar featured two movement disorder specialists, including Helen Bronte-Stewart, MD, MSE with Stanford, a couple of neurosurgeons, two people with Parkinson’s, and two scientists from device manufacturers.  The speakers described DBS surgery, the best candidate, some limiting factors for qualifying as a candidate, current best practices, future improvements, programming considerations, the reduction of medications, and the efficacy of DBS as Parkinson’s progresses.  We at the Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach listened to the webinar, and are sharing our notes.

The Parkinson’s Foundation is presenting its bi-annual Care Partner Summit/Cumbre Para Cuidadores virtually on Saturday, May 16, from 9:00am-12:00pm. The theme this year is “Planning for the Unpredictable Path of Parkinson’s Caregiving.” The Summit is recommended for anyone caring for someone living with Parkinson’s, including spouses, partners, adult children or friends. The event is free, but pre-registration is required.

Offered in collaboration with the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA), Guild Hall, and Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Center for Parkinson’s disease, Sing Loud for PD is a chorus for people living with PD and their care partners. This fun, virtual program will unite us in song and music. No previous musical experience is required and all lyrics will be provided. The program is free, but registration is limited, and required.