Stanford PD Community Blog

On February 16th, The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) hosted Lisa Sommers to speak about Parkinson’s disease (PD) and communication.  Lisa is the clinic director, Center for Language Speech, and Hearing, University of Massachusetts Amherst.  Lisa discussed the cognitive and communicative changes that happen during the course of PD and their personal impact. She detailed different treatment options such as LSVT Loud and pacing boards. 

On February 5th, the Parkinson’s Foundation (PF) hosted a webinar “Getting the Care You Need: Parkinson’s in the Hospital,” which focused on the challenges those with PD have in the hospital. 

The Parkinson’s Foundation hosted a webinar on “Motor Symptoms Co-Management:  Occupational Therapy and Neurology.” The speakers were a movement disorder specialist, occupational therapist, and a person with Parkinson’s disease (PD) The speakers reviewed the four cardinal motor symptoms of Parkinson’s (tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability), discussed what the neurologist and occupational therapist can do to help, and how it feels to have these symptoms. 

The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) hosted a webinar in December 2020 on managing burnout in caregivers for Parkinson’s disease (PD). There were four panelists: a social worker, two caregivers, and a person with Parkinson’s. They talked about being a caregiver to people with Parkinson’s disease while managing stress. They also answered audience questions throughout the session. 

On February 3rd, the Parkinson and Movement Disorder Alliance hosted Anwar Ahmed, MD, a movement disorder specialist. Dystonia is not a diagnosis, rather a symptom of abnormal and involuntary sustained muscle contractions or pulling, and posture movements.