Check-in begins at 10:00 am. Program begins at 11:00 am.
Exercise is a powerful tool for supporting Parkinson’s disease symptom management in all stages. Participants will learn how staying active can help with movement, mood, and thinking, and may even have disease-modifying benefits. The program will provide practical strategies for incorporating exercise into daily life for better mobility, mood, thinking, and overall quality of life.
*Note, the event will take place at Rice Commons, located within the College Student Center. Please follow signage to direct you to the event space.
Speaker Liz Nafziger, MD Neurology, Palliative Medicine Goshen Health
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 will focus on bladder/GI issues, psychoses and impulse control disorder, exploring their impact on daily life and relationships. Attendees will learn strategies for discussing sensitive issues and coping techniques to improve well-being.
This April, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, join us for the Million Meter Challenge! Whether you row, run, bike, or power-walk, every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.
Living with Parkinson’s disease involves more than just movement challenges—many people also experience non-movement symptoms that can be difficult to recognize, discuss, and manage. This program will focus on Impulse Control and Thinking Changes, exploring their impact on daily life and relationships. Attendees will learn strategies for discussing sensitive issues and coping techniques to improve well-being.
Speakers
Anas Hannoun, MD
Emily Gottier, OT
Parminder Padgett, PT, DPT
Anne Maydwell, SLP
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.
This program will focus on bladder/GI issues, psychoses and impulse control disorder, exploring their impact on daily life and relationships. Attendees will learn strategies for discussing sensitive issues and coping techniques to improve well-being.
This April, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, join us for the Million Meter Challenge! Whether you row, run, bike, or power-walk, every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.
Check-in & Resource Fair* begins at 11:00 a.m. and the program starts at 11:30 a.m.
Medications and Research for Symptom Management: Join the Parkinson’s Foundation for the New England 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.
Speakers
Sarah Dodwell, MD
MaineHealth Neurology – Scarborough
William Stamey, MD
MaineHealth Neurology – Brunswick
Nicola Bothwick
Associate Director of Clinical Research, PD GENEration study
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.
This program will focus on bladder/GI issues, psychoses and impulse control disorder, exploring their impact on daily life and relationships. Attendees will learn strategies for discussing sensitive issues and coping techniques to improve well-being.
This April, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, join us for the Million Meter Challenge! Whether you row, run, bike, or power-walk, every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.
This article highlights a new study that found that untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. It discusses:
How up to 40% of people with Parkinson’s experience sleep apnea.
People with untreated obstructed sleep apnea had nearly twice the risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to those without OSA.
Early continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in those with OSA significantly reduced the number of Parkinson's cases.
Benefits of early CPAP use for people with Parkinson’s.
Sleep problems are a common non-movement symptom for people who live with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, a new large-scale study reveals that untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may actually increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease in the first place, but treating it with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may help reduce that risk.
Up to 40% of people with Parkinson’s experience sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to a blocked or narrowed airway. This prevents the body from getting enough oxygen, disrupting sleep quality and putting stress on various organs, including the brain. An estimated 30 million Americans have OSA, though many remain undiagnosed.
Study Results
The study, published in JAMA Neurology, and led by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University and the Portland VA Health Care System analyzed electronic health records from veterans who received care through the Department of Veterans Affairs between 1999 and 2022.
Of the more than 11 million veterans included in the analysis, about 1.5 million (13.7%) had OSA. After adjusting for factors like age, obesity and cardiovascular conditions, the researchers found a strong link between untreated sleep apnea and Parkinson’s disease. Veterans with OSA showed 1.61 additional cases of Parkinson’s per 1,000 people at six years from OSA diagnosis compared to those without the condition. Compared to those without the condition, veterans with OSA were nearly twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s. The link between OSA and Parkinson’s was even more pronounced in female veterans.
OSA can be effectively treated using CPAP machines. Importantly, the study found that early CPAP treatment reduced the risk of developing Parkinson’s. Veterans who began CPAP use within two years of their diagnoses were about 30% less likely to develop Parkinson’s compared to those who didn’t use CPAP.
In addition, for those who did eventually get diagnosed with Parkinson’s, the study showed that using CPAP early after an OSA diagnosis was associated with a reduction in the rates of falls, fractures and mortality.
Highlights
The study analyzed health records of more than 11 million U.S. veterans over a 23-year period.
People with untreated obstructed sleep apnea had nearly twice the risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to those without OSA.
The link between OSA and Parkinson's risk was even stronger in female veterans.
Early CPAP treatment in those with OSA significantly reduced the number of Parkinson's cases.
For those who developed Parkinson’s, early CPAP use was linked to reduced risk of falls, fractures, and mortality.
What Does This Mean?
This research suggests that obstructive sleep apnea may be a modifiable risk factor for Parkinson’s disease — meaning it can potentially be treated. It is important to note that the results of this study are correlations; the study did not prove that sleep apnea causes Parkinson’s, or that CPAP can prevent the development of Parkinson’s. However, the links between OSA, CPAP use, and Parkinson’s highlight the importance of diagnosing and managing sleep disorders early.
Additionally, these results support similar findings from the dementia field, in which a study found that CPAP treatment of OSA was associated with reduced odds of developing dementia.
OSA is extremely common and underdiagnosed. The Global Burden of Obstructive Sleep Apnea study found OSA to be a widespread concern “estimated to affect nearly 936 million adults aged between 30 and 69 worldwide.” Because of how widespread OSA is, linking it to Parkinson’s means there is a large opportunity to reduce risk and improve outcomes through better detection and treatment.
What Do These Findings Mean for People with Parkinson’s Right Now?
While this research does not change day-to-day treatment for people already living with Parkinson’s, it reinforces the importance of addressing sleep problems, which are already common in Parkinson’s.
Poor sleep can worsen movement and non-movement symptoms, affect quality of life and impact overall health. Research continues to link sleep apnea with negative health outcomes. If you experience symptoms of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring, gasping during sleep or excessive daytime fatigue, talk to your doctor. A sleep study can determine if you have OSA, and treatments like CPAP can help improve your sleep quality and potentially support your overall health.
Learn More
The Parkinson’s Foundation believes in empowering the Parkinson’s community through education. Learn more about PD and sleep through our resources below, or by calling our free Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for answers to your Parkinson’s questions.
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. We will also explore recent advancements and how ongoing research may shape future therapies and personal care.
Speakers
We are excited to welcome speakers from UR Medicine Neurology Movement Disorders Program, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence.
Jamie Adams, MD
William Barbosa, MD
David Sell, DO
Blanca Valdovinos, 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.
This program will focus on bladder/GI issues, psychoses and impulse control disorder, exploring their impact on daily life and relationships. Attendees will learn strategies for discussing sensitive issues and coping techniques to improve well-being.
This April, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, join us for the Million Meter Challenge! Whether you row, run, bike, or power-walk, every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.
Learn More. Live Better. Parkinson's Symposium: Tips for Daily Living
10:00 am to 1:30 pm MDT
Free
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.
10:00 AM
Registration and Resource Fair
Visit resource tables, do activities at attendee tables, coffee and refreshments available
10:30AM
Introduction and Welcome
Parkinson’s Foundation
10:45 AM
Living well with PD
Dr. Dana Sugar, MDS
11:30 AM
Movement Break: Specific Strategies for Self-Management (10 min each discipline)
PT/OT/SLP (physical strategy for daily living – educate and practice)
12:00 PM
Lunch
Boxed Lunch
12:20 PM
Panel Discussion – Practical strategies for everyday
This program will focus on bladder/GI issues, psychoses and impulse control disorder, exploring their impact on daily life and relationships. Attendees will learn strategies for discussing sensitive issues and coping techniques to improve well-being.
This April, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, join us for the Million Meter Challenge! Whether you row, run, bike, or power-walk, every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.
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
Sheila Eichenseer, MD, MS
Associate Professor
Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin
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 will focus on bladder/GI issues, psychoses and impulse control disorder, exploring their impact on daily life and relationships. Attendees will learn strategies for discussing sensitive issues and coping techniques to improve well-being.
This April, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, join us for the Million Meter Challenge! Whether you row, run, bike, or power-walk, every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.
Speech and swallowing changes are common in Parkinson’s disease and can significantly affect communication, nutrition, and quality of life. We will learn why voice and swallowing challenges occur in Parkinson’s and how they may progress over time. The session will highlight the essential role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in identifying, assessing, and managing these changes. Practical strategies, therapeutic approaches, and supportive tools will be shared to help people with Parkinson’s and care partners feel more confident and empowered in daily communication and eating.
Speakers
Jessica Ackerman, MS, CCC-SLP, Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
Certified Yoga Teacher, Founder of Speark Study: The parkinson's Voice Reset Program
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 will focus on bladder/GI issues, psychoses and impulse control disorder, exploring their impact on daily life and relationships. Attendees will learn strategies for discussing sensitive issues and coping techniques to improve well-being.
This April, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, join us for the Million Meter Challenge! Whether you row, run, bike, or power-walk, every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.
A visit to the Emergency Department (ED) can be stressful for anyone—but for people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), it often comes with added challenges. From delayed access to medications to the risk of receiving drugs that can worsen symptoms, understanding how to prepare and advocate for your needs is critical. This program will provide practical tools and strategies to help you or your loved one communicate effectively with healthcare providers, ensure timely access to medications, and avoid common pitfalls in the ED.
Speaker
Ripley Hensley, BSN, RN, PhD student
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 will focus on bladder/GI issues, psychoses and impulse control disorder, exploring their impact on daily life and relationships. Attendees will learn strategies for discussing sensitive issues and coping techniques to improve well-being.
This April, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, join us for the Million Meter Challenge! Whether you row, run, bike, or power-walk, every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.
Care Partner Conversations is a webinar series led by a panel of care partners who speak openly about a focused theme in the Parkinson’s caregiving experience. Our panelists share practical tools, personal stories, and the resources that have supported them along the way. Each session creates space for honest dialogue, connection, and validation—because caregiving is challenging, and no one should navigate it alone.
Speakers
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
Terry Thompson, LPC
Senior Editor, Stenhouse Publishers
Carla Velastegui
Vincent Tooke
Lindsey Arnold
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 will focus on bladder/GI issues, psychoses and impulse control disorder, exploring their impact on daily life and relationships. Attendees will learn strategies for discussing sensitive issues and coping techniques to improve well-being.
This April, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, join us for the Million Meter Challenge! Whether you row, run, bike, or power-walk, every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.
