Stanford PD Community Blog

In October, Duke Health hosted a virtual session for caregivers on conscious self-care. The session featured geriatric social worker Bryan Godfrey, who reviewed how stressors a caregiver might face, and how self-care can prevent burnout.  Burnout is feeling like you no longer find pleasure in things you once found enjoyable, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, or weight changes.  According to the speaker, a high-stress environment combined with unrealistic expectations will lead to burn out.  In comparison, a change to a lower stressful environment combined with saying “no,” having realistic expectations, and practicing proactive self-care can lead to growth.  (There was nothing Parkinson’s-specific about this session.)

In mid-October, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) hosted a webinar with advice from an occupational therapist on how those with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can organize surroundings and improve daily routines.  Occupational therapist Dr. Erin Foster described new approaches to using the computer, using a cell phone, writing, preparing meals, organizing a home, and more tips that can make life easier with PD.  This webinar is part of the APDA’s “Dr. Gilbert Hosts” series.  We at Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach attended this interesting webinar and are sharing our notes.

In early November, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) hosted a webinar on research in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The webinar featured expert physical therapist for PD Dr. Terry Ellis and movement disorder specialist Dr. Marie Saint-Hilaire. Dr. Saint-Hilaire discussed the role of clinical trials in PD, how to find ongoing trials, and the benefits of participating in a trial.  Dr. Ellis reviewed two current exercise trials.

This fall PMD Alliance hosted a mini webinar series on Pre-habilitating Parkinson’s Disease.  Pre-habilitating means proactively addressing potential issues rather than reacting after they happen.  This miniseries seeks to provide you with the tools to give you more control and a greater sense of peace when it comes to imagining the future – and it is a good one!