Stanford PD Community Blog

In late September 2023, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) hosted registered dietitian Jessica Schoeder, RDN, for a presentation on how to eat well with Parkinson’s disease (PD).  She shared recommendations for using diet to manage the five most common complications she hears about from people with PD, including constipation, orthostatic hypotension, delayed gastric emptying (also called gastroparesis), weight loss, and balancing medication absorption with eating protein.  She gave examples of snack plates and meals for each complication.  This webinar was part of the APDA’s “Dr. Gilbert Hosts” series.

In early September, occupational therapist and program coordinator of the St. Louis, Missouri chapter of American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), Amanda Landsbaum, gave a talk introducing people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) to occupational therapy (OT).  She described occupational therapy, listed the areas of life occupational therapists might address, and provided case examples of how occupational therapy can benefit someone with PD.  Amanda’s talk is the first of a three-part series on “Thriving Through Occupational Therapy.”

In early August 2023, the Parkinson’s Foundation hosted movement disorders specialist Dr. Janis Miyasaki on the topics of why addressing caregivers’ needs is vital, reasons caregivers might be reluctant to seek help, and sources of emotional support for caregivers.  She speaks with many caregivers for those with movement disorders as part of her work, and is familiar with signs of caregiver strain.  Also, Dr. Miyasaki cared for her mother with Parkinson’s Disease (PD).  Even as a specialist in the field, she found it very difficult, but found that caregiving can also be an incredibly rewarding experience.  Note: there is nothing specific about PD in this webinar. We share below our notes from the event.

In early August 2023, PMD Alliance hosted movement disorder specialist Dr. Salima Brillman for a webinar on the topic of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH).  nOH is a drop in blood pressure when the body changes positions.  This drop in blood pressure usually happens within a few minutes after standing up from a seated or laid down position.  In addition to being physically unpleasant by itself, nOH can result in fainting or falls.  Falling can seriously injure someone with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and may even lead to death.  

In late June, the Parkinson’s Foundation hosted a panel on what coping skills and adaptations people living with PD and their care team can use to make things easier.  Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach attended the webinar and are sharing our notes.