Stanford PD Community Blog

In early August, the APDA (American Parkinson Disease Association) Massachusetts hosted a webinar on how blood pressure changes can have an impact on Parkinson's disease (PD).  The speaker, movement disorder specialist Anindita Deb, MD, gave an overview of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) and described medications and non-pharmacological treatments.  Here are our notes from the webinar. 

In June, the Neuro Challenge Foundation hosted a webinar with gerontologist Arlene Grosso on home modifications. As Parkinson’s Disease (PD) progresses and more people are choosing to age in place (at home rather than an assisted living facility), home modifications may be needed to reduce fall risk and remove safety hazards. Arlene described modifications for the kitchen, entryway, stairway, bathroom, laundry and electrical outlets. 

In early August, the Parkinson’s Foundation hosted a webinar on how speech therapy can help with thinking changes. The speaker, Darla Freeman, discussed the reasons you may need to see a speech pathologist for cognitive impairment.  The impairments can include asking repeated questions (memory loss), taking an unusually long time to find the right words when speaking, and having difficulty maintaining a topic in a conversation. See our notes from this webinar.

In early June, the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s hosted a webinar on balance and fall prevention. The speaker, Ellen Schaller, discussed how to create a safe home environment by adding grab bars, removing rugs, installing nightlights, and removing cords. She also stressed the importance of exercise, especially exercises with aerobic activity, strength training, balance, agility and multitasking, and stretching. 

On April 15 the Davis Phinney Foundation YOPD Council Series hosted a webinar with Rodolfo Savica, MD, PhD, on the topic of Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD) Dementia.  Dr. Savica had some very interesting things to say.

In May, the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) for Parkinson’s Research hosted a webinar on isolation and apathy in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The webinar was a question-and-answer format and featured a panel including a movement disorder specialist, Rock Steady Boxing coach, social worker, and person with PD.  

Complementary therapies are non-pharmacologic treatments that can complement and enhance modern medicine.  Complementary therapies include exercise, mindfulness, manipulation (acupuncture, massage), creative pursuits (socialization, hobbies), and herbal remedies.  They are most effective in treating stress, anxiety, stiffness, pain, insomnia, nausea, bloating, and memory.