Please join the Parkinson's Foundation Midwest Chapter in partnership with the Rush University Medical Center, a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, for our Hybrid Parkinson's Disease Symposium.  

People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) frequently experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms that can affect daily function, medication response, nutrition, swallowing safety, and quality of life. The gut is also increasingly recognized as a trigger for brain diseases like PD.

This symposium provides an accessible, interdisciplinary overview of the gut–brain connection, the microbiome, practical “food for health” strategies in PD, and moderated Q&A panels to provide perspective on common challenges.  

For in-person attendees: check-in begins at 12 pm CT.
For virtual attendees: live stream begins at 12:45 pm CT. 

Speakers:

Rush University Medical Center Movement Disorder Staff

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.

Check-in begins at 10:00 am. Program begins at 10:45 am.

Even after years of good symptom control, Parkinson’s disease can take unexpected turns. This program explores the “mid-stride” changes that happen and offers strategies to manage them. Learn about treatment options, when to adjust your care team, and how to stay independent and supported as your needs change.

Speakers

Kathryn Gaines, DO Aurora Neurology
Kelly L. Tritz, NP Aurora Neuroscience

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.

Thank you to our Sponsor.

Fitness can be fun and time will fly by when you pair exercises with music! Join this live session for a moderate intensity full body strength and aerobic workout with balance, multitasking, and stretching to the beat of the music. This class can be accomplished standing or seated. Light weights and a sturdy chair are recommended for participation.

Instructor

Hannah Morris, NIFS Bold Moves Parkinson’s Instructor, ACSM CPT, APDA Parkinson’s Instructor Certified

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.

Regardless of where you are in your Parkinson’s journey there are many things you can do to live well. Managing daily life with Parkinson's disease involves learning and adjusting as symptoms and needs change. This program addresses some common challenges and will provide important information, resources, and strategies to help you every day. Attendees will gain information to help find the balance between a proactive approach and wondering what lies ahead.

This event is free and open to people with Parkinson's and their families. Registration is required as in-person seating is limited.

Speakers:
Alex Baumgartner, MD, UCHealth Anschutz
Emma Bjore, MD, Ivinson Medical Group

Thank you to our event partners, the Laramie Parkinson's Support Group, Ivinson Memorial Hospital and the University of Wyoming Center on Aging. 

Sleep issues are common in Parkinson's disease, from nighttime interruptions to daytime sleepiness. This program explores the causes, symptoms, and impact of common sleep issues on both individuals with Parkinson's and care partners. Attendees will learn practical ways to improve sleep and know when to seek professional support. 

This event is free and open to people with Parkinson's and their families. Registration is required as in-person seating is limited.

Acompañe a la Parkinson’s Foundation para un día de aprendizaje, baile, una feria de recursos, almuerzo, juegos, rifas, y mucho más. Nuestro evento educativo en español ayudará a los asistentes a explorar las opciones de tratamiento para el Parkinson, como por ejemplo, medicamentos y cirugía. Hablaremos acerca de cómo manejar los síntomas nuevos y los cambios y aprenderemos acerca de recursos locales juntos con la comunidad.

Este programa es gratuito y está disponible para las personas con Parkinson, sus familiares, amigos, personas de apoyo y Promotores de Salud (Community Health Workers).

Hay dos formas de asistir:

• En persona el sábado 4 de abril de 9:00 am – 2:00 pm hora del Pacífico en el Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802. El estacionamiento y el almuerzo son gratuitos y hay una zona de actividades para niños disponible.
  Asistir en persona
• En línea via Zoom el sábado 4 de abril de 10:00 am – 2:00 pm hora del Pacífico. Una vez inscrito, recibirá un correo electrónico con el enlace para ver el programa en vivo. 
  Ver en línea en casa

This Mindfulness Monday session invites participants to gently explore compassion as a source of strength, steadiness, and ease. Through simple grounding practices and guided reflection, we’ll create space to meet our experiences with patience, understanding, and shared humanity.

Together, we’ll explore how cultivating compassion can support those living with Parkinson’s in navigating daily challenges—helping to soften tension, ease self-judgment, and deepen connection with ourselves and others.

Speaker

Cary Goodman
Founder, Black Men’s Wholeness
Public Health & 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.

Check-in, lunch and resource fair begin at Noon.

This program provides an overview of current Parkinson's research and its impact on treatment and care. Participants will learn  the difference between studies targeting symptoms and those aiming to slow disease progression, as well as explore recent advancements and how ongoing research may shape future therapies and personal care.

Expert Speakers

Rachel K. Spooner, PhD
Director, Translational Motor Imaging Laboratory
Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital
Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University

Jamison Hofer, DO, AQH
Board Certified Neurologist
Neurology Consultants of Nebraska

Maggie Caulfield, PhD
Director of Research Programs
Parkinson's Foundation

This is an in-person program. Check-in, lunch, and resource fair begin at Noon.

Parking: Parking is complimentary for program attendees. For driving directions, please click here.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required as lunch is provided. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their families and friends, medical providers/practitioners, and the community. 

Join the Parkinson's Foundation and Up ENDing Parkinsons for a morning of exercise and community to kick off the spring events in Northern CA. We will be having a live rock-climbing demo, community resources, and more. 

No experience necessary and equipment will be provided. Free onsite parking and light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Check-in & Resource Fair* begins at 11:00 a.m. and the program starts at 11:30 a.m. 

Join the Parkinson’s Foundation for the New York Chapter Parkinson’s Symposium. Attendees will learn about symptoms, treatment options and strategies to help navigate the challenges of living with PD. While each person’s experience is unique, the more you know, the more empowered you will be to play an active role in your care and manage your life with Parkinson’s.

*The Resource Fair will feature local Community Partners that provide services and support for the Parkinson’s Community.

We are excited to welcome amazing speakers from Parkinson’s Foundation Centers of Excellence at:

Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Julian Agin-Liebes, MD
Hiral Shah, MD

Mt Sinai Beth Israel
Joohi Jimenez-Shahed, MD
Joan Miravite, DNP

NYU Langone Medical Center
Giulietta Riboldi, MD, PhD
Betsy Thomas, MD

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.