Stanford PD Community Blog

In September 2026, PMD Alliance hosted a webinar on young-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dr. Rodolfo Savica discussed the similarities and differences between typical-onset Parkinson’s disease (TOPD) and young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD), possible causes of young-onset, and how symptom management could be different for those with TOPD and those with YOPD.

In October 2026, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) hosted a webinar titled “Pep in Your Step – Getting the Most out of Your Walking,” exploring why walking speed and intensity matter for people with Parkinson’s, how to measure walking intensity, and practical strategies for making walking brisker and safer. We recommend you read the full notes from this outstanding webinar. The presenter was Sara Zoeller, DPT, a physical therapist at Boston University’s Center for Neurorehabilitation, and the moderator was fellow physical therapist Teresa Baker, DPT. This session was part of the APDA’s ongoing “Let’s Keep Moving with APDA” program.

In mid-August 2026, the Davis Phinney Foundation hosted a webinar on the importance of exercise for those with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dr. Jay Alberts and Dr. Daniel Corcos explained that strenuous exercise is strongly encouraged because research shows it may slow the progression of PD. They gave guidelines for what intensity and frequency of exercise impart this effect, and suggested what exercises to focus on if you have limited time, energy, and/or mobility.

In July 2026, the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA) hosted a webinar on strategies for communicating effectively with your doctors, for those with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their care partners. Occupational therapist Sydney Settle discussed how to prepare for your appointments so you can make the most of your limited time with your doctor. Her advice was focused on talking with the neurologist, as the center of the care team for managing PD, but these strategies are useful for talking with healthcare professionals of any specialty.

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.