Wellness Wednesday: Expert Briefing Series

Sleep disturbances are a common and often challenging symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD). This program explores three prevalent nighttime interruptions—Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), and insomnia—that can affect individuals with PD and their care partners. This session will provide an in-depth look at the causes, symptoms, and practical management strategies for these sleep disorders.

Speaker

Roneil G. Malkani, MD
Associate Professor, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Neurologist, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Specializing in Sleep Medicine and Movement Disorders

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

This program offers an introduction and basic overview of Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD varies from person to person and changes over time. Discover its causes, common symptoms, available treatments and effective strategies for managing them. Learn practical daily living tips to empower you to take charge of your health and to navigate the challenges of living with PD.

Speaker

Aditya Vikram Boddu, MD
Assistant Professor
Department of Neurology
Division of Movement Disorders
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

We want to thank this webinar's sponsor, BioGen, for supporting our mission. 

Navigating Parkinson’s disease involves looking ahead, learning and adjusting as symptoms and needs change. This program addresses some of the challenges of advancing PD and explores strategies to prepare for the future, including how to evolve your care plans and treatments throughout progression so you can live your best life with PD now.

Speakers

Nami Shah, MD
Department of Neurology, Movement Disorders
University of Rochester

Megan Hotchkiss, PT, DPT
Director of Clinical Education/Associate Professor
Ithaca College

Join us for an open and engaging coffee chat where community members share their personal experiences of navigating hospital stays with Parkinson’s. Discover valuable resources to support you during hospital visits and learn about the unique challenges faced by people with Parkinson’s in this setting. This interactive session will offer insights, practical advice, and a sense of community to help you feel prepared and empowered for any hospital experience.

Speaker

Annie Brooks, MSW
Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives, Parkinson’s Foundation

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

Exercise is an essential part of overall Parkinson's management. In addition to helping with movement symptoms, exercise can have a positive impact on non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's. This program focuses on how exercise supports brain health and can lead to improved emotional and cognitive well-being. 

In-person Check-in Time: 10 a.m. ET
Resource Fair: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Program Time:  10 a.m. — 1:30 p.m. Lunch will be served. 

Ample parking is available onsite.

Speakers: 

 Terry Brame
Coordinator, YMCA of Central Virginia Community Health

Lennox McNeary, MD, FAAPMR
Physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neuro Rehab Collaborative

Philip J. Lee, MD
Movement Disorders Fellow, UVA Health University Hospital

Rock Steady Boxing Demonstration

Living with Parkinson’s—whether as a person diagnosed or a care partner—can feel like navigating constant change. In this session, we’ll use the breath as an anchor, bringing stability and presence amid uncertainty. Through guided breathwork and mindfulness, we’ll ease tension, deepen awareness, and reconnect with ourselves.

Whether this is your first mindfulness Monday, or you are a returning participant, these sessions are created with the intention of including everyone. There will be time for questions following the practice. 

Speaker

Cary Goodman
Founder, Black Men's Wholeness
Public Health and Faith Consultant
The Balm In Gilead, Inc.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

In sessions with Dr. Rush, we explore different dimensions of a mindfulness practice. She will share ways to ground and settle the mind and body. These mindfulness techniques can offer moments of respite and clarity that can be useful throughout your week. Find a comfortable seat and join your mindful Parkinson's community for a special session.

Whether this is your first mindfulness Monday, or you are a returning participant, these sessions are created with the intention of including everyone. There will be time for questions following the practice.

Speaker

Taylor Rush, PhD
Health Psychologist
Director of Behavioral Services and Interdisciplinary Programs
Center for Neurological Restoration
Cleveland Clinic

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

Developing a mindfulness practice can be a great gift as we manage our journey with Parkinson’s. But how do we do it? This session will focus on the nuts and bolts of building mindfulness into your days, help you overcome common hurdles, and offer a guided meditation to help bring mindfulness to every moment.

Speaker

Devon Hase, Author, Meditation Teacher

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.

In the midst of life's challenges, finding moments of stillness can be a profound gift. This session explores the power of presence — how creating quiet spaces within ourselves can provide strength, clarity, and resilience during difficult times. Through guided meditation and reflection, we'll discover how mindfulness can serve as a steady anchor, helping us navigate uncertainty with greater ease and compassion.

Join us as we embrace the gift of presence, cultivating peace in the here and now.

Speaker

Barbara Leffler, PhD, RN
Retired Clinical Psychologist and Registered Nurse
Care Partner to her husband living with Parkinson's
Parkinson's Foundation Hospital Lead Ambassador

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.