Mental Wellness & Connection for Veterans with Parkinson's
Breaking the Silence: Mental Wellness & Connection for Veterans with Parkinson's
February 27, 2025
This program will bring awareness to the symptoms that are often unspoken among veterans with Parkinson’s. We will address the real impact of loneliness and isolation, offer strategies for managing post-traumatic stress disorder, and provide guidance on overcoming fears associated with symptoms. Explore resources and support options designed to relieve isolation and nurture meaningful connections.
Driving can symbolize freedom and independence, making decisions around driving a particularly sensitive subject for people living with Parkinson's disease. This webinar will address the complex considerations of driving with Parkinson's, including safety, self-assessment, and available resources. Participants will gain insights into how Parkinson's can impact driving skills, explore options for assessing driving abilities, and learn about practical approaches to planning for the future. Through expert guidance and real-life perspectives, this session aims to empower individuals and families to approach this topic with confidence, compassion, and informed decision-making.
Speaker
Margaret O'Connor, PhD, ABPP
Harvard Medical School
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.
APDA Minnesota Chapter, Parkinson's Foundation, and the Udall Center at the University of Minnesota are the three leading organizations for Parkinson's disease advocacy in Minnesota.
After many years of good symptom management, Parkinson’s disease may become more challenging. Learn how Parkinson’s symptoms may change over time and new strategies available for managing them.
Speakers
Stephen Lee, MD, PhD
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
Mary Feldman, DO
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
Anas Hannoun, MD
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
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.
Registration is now closed as we have reached the venue capacity. We have opened registration to join the waitlist. If a spot becomes available, we will notify those on the waitlist.
Agenda (Eastern Time)
11:00 a.m.
Check-in & Resource Fair
12:00 p.m.
The Parkinson’s Foundation Opening Statements (program begins)
12:15 p.m.
Presentation 1: Dr. Feldman, “The Major Non-Motor Symptoms of PD"
12:45 p.m.
Presentation 2: Dr. Lee, “Managing Changing Motor Symptoms”
1:15 p.m.
Movement Break – LSVT BIG Demonstration by Kara Stoning
1:30 p.m.
Presentation 3: Dr. Hannoun, “Time to Advance Care”
2:00 p.m.
Q&A
2:30 p.m.
Closing Statements
Lunch will be provided.
The Resource Fair will feature local Community Partners that provide services and support for the Parkinson’s Community.
APDA Minnesota Chapter, Parkinson's Foundation, and the Udall Center at the University of Minnesota are the three leading organizations for Parkinson's disease advocacy in Minnesota.
Join the Parkinson’s Foundation [in person or online] for the New England Chapter Parkinson’s Symposium. Hear about current and upcoming treatments, ongoing research, and resources available in your community to help you live your best life with Parkinson’s.
Speakers:
Joy Antonelle de Marcaida, MD
Hartford HealthCare
Anna DePold Hohler, MD, FAAN
St. Elizabeth’s/Boston Medical Center Health System
David K. Simon, MD, PhD
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Anas Hannoun, MD
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
Agenda (Eastern Time)
10:00 a.m.
Check-in/Resource Fair
11:00 a.m.
The Parkinson’s Foundation Opening Statements (program begins)
11:15 a.m.
Presentation 1: Dr. Simon, "Slowing the Progression of Parkinson's"
11:45 a.m.
Presentation 2: Dr. Hohler, "Treatment Updates/Medications and Pumps"
12:15 p.m.
Movement Break/Attendees: Boxed Lunches
12:35 p.m.
Lunch/Q&A for Morning Presentations
1:00 p.m.
Presentation 3: Dr. Hannoun, "Focused Ultrasound vs. DBS; What is the Difference?"
1:30 p.m.
Presentation 4: Dr. de Marcaida, "Integrative Medicine for PD"
2:00 p.m.
Q&A Afternoon Presentations
2:20/30 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Lunch will be provided.
The Resource Fair will feature local Community Partners that provide services and support for the Parkinson’s Community.
APDA Minnesota Chapter, Parkinson's Foundation, and the Udall Center at the University of Minnesota are the three leading organizations for Parkinson's disease advocacy in Minnesota.
Our names are Ron and Amy, and we were first impacted by Parkinson’s disease upon Ron’s diagnosis in 2017. As a couple, we have truly walked through the “highs and lows” of this disease and understand the significant role it can play in daily life.
Ron began to develop symptoms after a tragic accident at work and was misdiagnosed for years — it took several failed attempts by medical professionals to determine the true cause behind the tremors, falling, and pounding headaches.
After numerous doctors visits, Ron was finally referred to a movement disorders specialist, who conducted a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Ultimately, a DaTscan revealed a severe dopamine deficiency, confirming his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Following Ron’s diagnosis, he was prescribed Parkinson’s medications and our lives improved dramatically. In the years that followed, it was a relief to see symptoms subside through proper treatment and medication management. Amy is a “super caretaker” who helps us both navigate life with Parkinson’s disease. We are truly a team!
Unfortunately, we experienced an unthinkable hospital stay in 2023 after Ron developed a severe case of Covid-19. Prior to Ron’s emergency visit, we armed ourselves with his medications and Parkinson’s Foundation resources.
When we arrived, we requested that these be scanned into his electronic chart, knowing that it was essential that the medical team understood Ron’s diagnosis and the importance of administering his Parkinson’s medications in a timely manner. Despite being assured that Ron’s chart had been updated, we learned later that this had not been the case —– the medical team was unaware of his Parkinson’s.
As a result, Ron developed aspiration pneumonia and was even placed on a ventilator. He continued not to receive any PD medications. Despite Amy’s pleading, the medical team refused, and for the first time, Ron began to experience dyskinesia, a Parkinson’s symptom that culminated in a bad fall at the hospital. After days without medication, his condition worsened, leading to respiratory failure. It was truly a life-or-death situation.
Finally, a new doctor saw Ron and took the time to listen to Amy. He agreed to administer Parkinson’s medications and stuck close for several days throughout the recovery period. In the end, the doctor declared that we had made him an even better doctor, as he read through the resources Amy provided (like the Parkinson’s Foundation Hospital Safety Guide).
While we would never choose to relive this distressing experience, we are now passionate advocates for hospital safety in people with Parkinson’s and care tremendously about educating others.
What We Want People with PD and Care Partners to Know
Our experience has reinforced that knowledge is power. Patients and caregivers must be proactive and persistent in advocating for their needs. The Parkinson’s Foundation’s Hospital Safety Guide was instrumental in helping us navigate this crisis, and it has become a core part of our advocacy efforts.
Another crucial takeaway is the importance of the care partner. Amy’s advocacy made a profound difference in ensuring Ron’s needs were eventually met. In addition, we learned how critical it is to ensure accurate patient records, as errors and omissions in Ron’s medical records significantly impacted his care and delayed proper treatment.
As Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassadors, we have shared our story with hospital administration teams, and we’re proud that our advocacy has already led to positive changes in hospital policies and protocols.
We are honored to share our journey and hope that our experiences help others navigate similar challenges.
Our biggest piece of advice is to prepare yourself prior to a hospital stay. Do not be afraid to share information and resources from the Parkinson’s Foundation with the medical team. Keep positive, and never lose hope!
Episode 176: Allied Health Spotlight: The Challenges of Speech and Swallowing Issues
Allied health professionals are a group of healthcare providers whose role and expertise complement the work of physicians. These include specialists such as physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nutritionists, and many more. They are just as important as your Movement Disorders Specialists and Neurologists, and play a vital role in creating a comprehensive, well-rounded Parkinson’s care team that caters to your individual needs and addresses your overall well-being.
In this second episode of our Allied Health Spotlight series, we highlight the benefits of working with a speech-language pathologist early on in your Parkinson’s journey. Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects movement throughout the body, including the face, mouth, throat, and breathing muscles. As the disease progresses, people with PD may develop problems with speaking and swallowing. This can not only impact eating habits, but can also lead to soft voice and drooling, making conversations during social gatherings uncomfortable.
In this episode, Melissa Grassia Chisholm, MS, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech pathologist and a voice-swallow airway expert, explains how speech and swallowing problems can develop in people with PD. She also discusses different diagnostic procedures, therapies, and programs that can help improve speech and swallowing.
Released: February 11, 2025
Melissa Grassia-Chisholm, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Speech-Language Pathologist with a background in vocal performance and has dedicated 14 years to helping vocal athletes and individuals with voice disorders achieve vocal mastery. With expertise in advanced diagnostic techniques using endoscopy for voice & swallow, and experience in various medical settings, she now runs her own private practice: Voice Rehab and started her nonprofit to support free classes to the community "The Foundation for Voice & Swallow Wellness."
Melissa’s passion extends beyond the clinic, mentoring the next generation of voice therapists and delivering global lectures. She works with not only professional speakers, but supporting families with Parkinson's Disease to protect and strengthen their voice and swallow function, ensuring " Every Voice Deserves to BE HEARD".
We want to thank this episode's podcast sponsors, UCB and Novartis, for supporting our mission.
The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2026 Berlin Marathon. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to fundraising support and team benefits. You can learn more about our program at Run4PD.org.
Our official Parkinson's Champions Berlin team is full for 2026 and we are not currently accepting applications for 2027 yet.
More world records have been broken on Berlin's fast pavement than at any other marathon race in the world. 13 so far. More could follow. But that is not the only reason that makes the season highlight in the German capital one of the most popular running spectacles of the year. Over 50,000 finishers experience their very special moment when crossing the Brandenburg Gate just before the finish line, millions of spectators and 80 live bands celebrate the sport along the course. The international running community is a guest in the German capital at this special highlight.
APDA Minnesota Chapter, Parkinson's Foundation, and the Udall Center at the University of Minnesota are the three leading organizations for Parkinson's disease advocacy in Minnesota.
The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2026 Sydney Marathon. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to tons of other fun benefits and perks. Learn more about our programs at Run4PD.org and apply to join the team.
We have limited bibs available for Sydney and will be prioritizing fundraisers who apply with goals above the fundraising minimum.
Fundraising Commitment:
Marathon - $4,000
The 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS is the 7th, and one of the newest members of the Abbott World Marathon Majors! We are thrilled to be welcoming runners from around the globe to Sydney. The marathon is not only be the largest ever held in Australia, but also the centerpiece of an entire running festival. This festival features over 40,000 participants from more than 100 countries, making it the largest event of its kind in Australia.
APDA Minnesota Chapter, Parkinson's Foundation, and the Udall Center at the University of Minnesota are the three leading organizations for Parkinson's disease advocacy in Minnesota.
The Parkinson's Foundation is an Official International Charity of Tokyo Marathon 2026. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to tons of other fun benefits and perks. You can learn more about our program at Run4PD.org.
Our Tokyo Marathon 2026 team is full and we are no longer accepting applications. We hope to have bibs available for 2027. You can register your interest and apply here.
Part of the World Marathon Majors, this flat and fast course has played host to several records and is attended by as many as 2 million spectators annually – that’s c.15% of Tokyo’s population. The course is said to symbolize the past, present and the future of Tokyo, traversing the city’s major districts including Kanda, where you can take in traditional architecture, the halfway point at Ryogoku and the finish at Tokyo Station. One of the world’s most popular races and Asia’s biggest marathon, take your place in history.
APDA Minnesota Chapter, Parkinson's Foundation, and the Udall Center at the University of Minnesota are the three leading organizations for Parkinson's disease advocacy in Minnesota.
The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2026 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion, you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return, you gain access to an entry (bib) to the race plus other perks and benefits.
Still need to book your Disney trip but not sure where to start? Maggie Cattle with Spirit of Adventure Travelspecializes in Disney destinations and can help take the stress out of planning. She’s also passionate about the Parkinson’s community. Her father was diagnosed with PD in 2020, the same month her husband began working at the Parkinson’s Foundation. Email Maggie to inquire & book!
APDA Minnesota Chapter, Parkinson's Foundation, and the Udall Center at the University of Minnesota are the three leading organizations for Parkinson's disease advocacy in Minnesota.
