Stanford PD Community Blog

In early November, the Parkinson Society British Columbia hosted a webinar on Parkinson’s disease (PD) research with Dr. Rebecca Gilbert, the chief scientific officer of the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA).  In this webinar, Dr. Gilbert discussed the funding fellowships and research grants APDA provides, and different areas of research the APDA prioritizes for research.

In early December, the Parkinson Foundation hosted a webinar on skin and bone health in Parkinson’s disease (PD) with neurologist Dr. Nicki Niemann, and metabolic bone disease specialist Dr. Kenneth Lyles. Dr. Niemann first discussed skin issues in PD, noting that skin disorders are common in PD but often overlooked.  Dr. Lyles followed with a presentation on bone health in PD, noting that those with PD have four times higher risk of hip fractures than those without.

In early November, the Parkinson and Movement Disorder (PMD) Alliance hosted a webinar on psychiatric care for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD).  The session featured geriatric neuropsychiatrist Dr. Laura Marsh, who discussed the often untreated psychiatric disorders in PD, and how treating them can improve quality of life.  It’s important for the person with PD or their caregiver to advocate for themselves and educate themselves regarding what to look for as signs of possible mental health issues.  Many neurologists overlook or under-treat mental health symptoms.