Stanford PD Community Blog

“Dr. Gilbert Hosts: Cognition & Parkinson’s Disease” featured guest speaker Kathleen Poston on the topic of cognition and dementia in Parkinson’s disease. It was part of the “Dr. Gilbert Hosts” series hosted by Dr. Rebecca Gilbert, the chief scientific officer at the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA). 

“Death and Dying and Parkinson’s” is a webinar hosted in mid-February by the Davis Phinney Foundation (DPF). The speakers were DPF YOPD (Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease) Council members. They addressed the importance of talking about death early so you can live your fullest life. Though the speakers are all coping with Young Onset PD, we are sharing our notes with a broader audience as the webinar is relevant for us all. 

On February 11th, Columbia’s Taub Institute hosted Dr. Lori Quinn, Associate Professor of Movement Science and Kinesiology at Teachers College at Columbia University to speak on exercise for Lewy Body disorders. Dr. Quinn explained why exercise is important for those with Lewy Body Disorders. When the speaker refers to Lewy Body disorders, she means Lewy Body dementias, including Parkinson’s Disease dementia. Exercise helps improve brain function and has a neuroprotective effect.

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.