In mid-February, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) hosted a panel of researchers who gave updates on their areas of research and the value of research in Parkinson’s disease (PD).  Neurosurgeon Dr. Nicole Bentley and psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Weintraub reviewed deep brain stimulation techniques that improve cognitive symptoms.  Neurologist Dr. Mohammad Shahnawaz and movement disorder specialist Dr. David Standaert explored a blood test that can diagnose Parkinson’s disease.  Biochemist and person with PD Dr. Kevin McFarthing, explained the vital importance of PD research for those living with PD. 

This summer, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) hosted a webinar on how to be optimistic with Parkinson’s disease (PD), featuring Bill Rasmussen.  In the webinar, Bill, diagnosed with PD in 2014, explained how he manages his life with optimism and described how optimism can be contagious with your family members.  He shared examples of various exercises and activities that he performs to not let PD get in the way of his life.  We at Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach are sharing our notes for this webinar.

On November 19-20 the Upper Midwest Chapter of the APDA hosted a Parkinson’s Symposium.  On the second day, movement disorders specialist Dr. Lynn Struck spoke about the What and Why of Parkinson’s Medications.  She gave a quick summary of every medication related to treatment of Parkinson’s symptoms, including the mechanism of operation, what it is best used for, side effects, and dosages.  If you have ever been confused about why you are taking one thing and another person with PD is taking something different, watch this webinar!

Back in October, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) welcomed Dr. Holly Shill to host a webinar providing perspectives to help viewers map out a future living with PD.  Holly Shill, MD is the director of the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center and Movement Disorder Program at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.