Stanford PD Community Blog

The focus of this webinar were the physical and mental health affects of loneliness and social isolation.  On the flip side, people who are socially connected are happier, healthier and live longer.  The speaker was Amy Yotopoulos, who was then with the Stanford Center on Longevity.  We at Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach listened to the webinar and are sharing our notes.

On June 24, the Davis Phinney Foundation offered a webinar on tips for better living with Parkinson’s disease (PD).  In a question and answer format, Dr. Michael Okun, a movement disorder specialist, discussed topics covered in his new book “Living with Parkinson’s Disease: A Complete Guide for Patients and Caregivers.”

On June 18th, PMD Alliance presented a webinar called “Intimacy in PD.” Intimacy encompasses deep emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical closeness in a relationship. Both the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s can have an impact on all aspects of intimacy. In addition, care partners face their own challenges, exacerbated by stress and current sheltering in place. This webinar features Dr. Sheila Silver, a clinical sexologist. This webinar may be of benefit to both caregivers and those with PD alike.

In mid-July, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) offered a webinar on stem cells and Parkinson’s disease (PD), hosted by Dr. Rebecca Gilbert and featuring Dr. Evan Snyder.  They discussed what stem cells are, how they may be applicable to PD, and what research is underway currently. There was also an extended question and answer session. We at Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach viewed the webinar and are sharing our notes.   

WellMed Charitable Foundation today hosted a teleconference on “Caring for Someone with Parkinson’s Disease (PD).”  The speaker was Elaine Book, MSW, clinic social worker for the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.  She addressed some of the challenges unique to PD caregiving, by stage of PD.  She also talked about management of caregiving responsibilities and self-care.  Plus there were good tips about communication.  We listened to the teleconference and are sharing our notes.