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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
Terry Brame - Learn the benefits of exercise on thinking changes and mood in Parkinson’s and Rock Steady Boxing Demo
Lennox McNeary - Explore recent research concerning the effects of physical exercise on cognitive decline and emotional challenges in Parkinson’s disease.
Philip J. Lee - Understand neuroprotection and neuroplasticity as they relate to Parkinson’s.
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.
Everything can change so quickly. Even though I worked in the healthcare industry, finding out my husband Bill had Parkinson’s disease (PD) was still an overwhelming experience. I had to have faith that we could do this.
The hospital I worked at didn’t have a Parkinson’s program, so I researched movement disorders specialists (neurologists with additional training in Parkinson’s) on my own. The specialist that was recommended to me had a very long wait time for new patients, but I was determined to get my husband in as soon as possible. I called daily to ask about cancellations. My persistence paid off and we got an appointment a month later.
Bill is a fighter; he started exercising more, going to the gym, doing rock climbing and Rock Steady Boxing. We began engaging with the Parkinson’s community right away.
We joined a local support group, including one specifically for people with Parkinson’s and caregivers. I volunteered for the Parkinson’s Foundation as an ambassador. We were building ourselves a community that we continue to lean on every day.
Being the spouse of a person with PD is hard. While you inevitably learn how to navigate this disease, you must also make and take time for yourself. Bill and I went to support groups where the caregivers broke off to meet separately — and this was a gift. It felt great to talk with other spouses who were dealing with the same things as me. Twelve years later, I continue to facilitate monthly meetings with a caregiver’s group locally.
As Bill’s Parkinson’s symptoms continued to get worse, we started looking at deep brain stimulation (DBS) as an option. One of our friends with similar symptoms had success with the procedure, so we asked Bill’s neurologist if it would be an option for him. I did my research, but ultimately, it was Bill’s decision. I’m glad he had the support he needed to make it.
"After getting DBS, it felt like we started living again."
Today, Bill goes out with friends, visits with the grandkids and plays cards at the American Legion twice a week. I’m able to do the things I enjoy as well. We remain active in the Parkinson’s community and joined Abbott’s DBS Patient Ambassador Program. As part of the program, we speak to patients and caregivers about how the procedure has allowed us to move forward.
We have built a community of family and friends and today, it’s my turn to lean into it. As I deal with my own personal health struggles, I feel comfort in knowing that we have built the support system we need to get through this too. I have faith that we have all the pieces in place to get to the other side of this too.
It’s times like these that I keep this Beatles song close to my heart. “I get by with a little help from my friends… I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends.”
Ready to build your Parkinson’s community? Explore our In Your Area feature on our website or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for your nearest support groups and exercise classes.
Watch our webinar A Deep Dive into Deep Brain Stimulation, sponsored by Abbott:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Learn to navigate the unpredictability of life and Parkinson's with mindfulness. Explore equanimity practices to stay centered amid life's ups and downs.
Speaker
Crista Ellis, E-RYT, B.Sc, Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Life Coach, Founder of Rising Rose Yoga, Senior Community Engagement Manager, 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.
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.
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.
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.
For those of us managing Parkinson’s, the body can become a source of frustration and difficulty. It might even seem counterintuitive to think about bringing awareness to the body. In this session, we will focus on the benefits of body awareness and offer a guided meditation on awareness of the body.
Speaker
Nico Hase, PhD, 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.
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.
Let’s use the PWR!Moves Flow to optimize your coordination for better mobility, balance, and cognition with this whole-body workout. You will have the opportunity to practice in various positions (standing, sitting, yoga mat) should you feel confident. Get ready to PWR! Up!
Equipment: Weights, sturdy chair, yoga mat
Instructor
Jennifer Bazan-Wigle, PT, DPT, CEEAA
Physical Therapist, PWR!Moves Instructor, and Neurofit Faculty
PWR!Gym - Parkinson Wellness Recovery
Pandora Larsen, ACE-CPT, FAS
PWR!Moves Instructor, PD Exercise Specialist and Director of Exercise Therapy
PWR!Gym -Parkinson Wellness Recovery
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.
