More than 110,000 U.S. veterans living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) receive care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which offers access to specialized treatment, financial benefits, and dedicated support services. In this webinar, we’ll explore the wide range of resources available to veterans with PD through the VA system, including Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers (PADRECCs), affiliated sites, and Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs). Participants will also learn how the Parkinson’s Foundation partners with the VA to provide additional education, tools, and support for veterans and their families.
Gretchen Glenn, LCSW
Associate Director of Education
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center
Philadelphia Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Center
Chair of the National VA Parkinson’s Disease Consortium Education Subcommittee
Helen R. Komninos (McHugh)
NSO Assistant Supervisor
DAV National Service Officer
Cuidar de alguien que tiene problemas de memoria o de pensamiento conlleva desafíos diarios únicos para los aliados en el cuidado y las familias. Acompáñenos en este webinar diseñado especialmente para aliados en el cuidado. Exploraremos estrategias prácticas para promover la movilidad diaria conservando la independencia de su ser querido, prevenir caídas, iniciar conversaciones abiertas con su familia y seres queridos acerca de los servicios de apoyo disponibles para ayudar a guiar un mejor cuidado de su ser querido, y aprender a navegar desafíos frecuentes que los cambios de conducta y cognitivos pueden traer a la experiencia de cuidado.
9 a.m. Hora del Pacífico (Los Ángeles y Phoenix) 10 a.m. Hora de la Montaña (Colorado, Nuevo México y Ciudad de México) 11 a.m. Hora del Centro (Texas, Colombia y Perú) 12 p.m. Hora del Este (Nueva York y Venezuela) 1 p.m. Hora de Chile y Argentina
Presentadores
Dra. Tais Protasio
Especialista en medicina geriátrica
Ilian Mino
Asistente de investigación
División de Medicina Geriátrica,
CU Anschutz School of Medicine
Joanna Fitzgibbons, Maestra en Ciencias
Coordinadora del programa,
División de Medicina Geriátrica,
CU Anschutz School of Medicine
In this session we will talk together about how to build joy into your days, and introduce a joy meditation that you can do sitting quietly or on the go.
For most people, being in the hospital is a stressful experience. For people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), symptoms may get worse and new symptoms can develop. Proactively understanding the risks a person with Parkinson’s faces in the hospital can help to minimize complications and recovery time.
Join the Parkinson's Foundation to learn about common challenges and ways to advocate for the best possible care while hospitalized. Attendees will receive a Hospital Safety Guide, parking, and lunch at no cost. Registration is free but required, and seating is limited.
Speakers:
Andrea Fuentes, MD, Movement Disorder Specialist, UCSD
Adriana Gonzalez, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Worker, UCSD
In this session we will talk together about how to build joy into your days, and introduce a joy meditation that you can do sitting quietly or on the go.
Cuéntenos su experiencia con el Parkinson por medio de imágenes que lo inspiren a compartir momentos o historias relacionadas con la enfermedad. En este programa lo invitamos a participar e interactuar con su comunidad de Parkinson. Para asegurar la privacidad de su participación, no estaremos grabando el programa. Queremos ofrecer un espacio de confianza y ánimo.
10 a.m. Hora del Pacífico (Los Ángeles) 11 a.m. Hora de la Montaña (Colorado, Phoenix y Nuevo México) 12 p.m. Hora del Centro (Texas y Ciudad de México) 1 p.m. Hora del Este (Nueva York , Peru y Colombia) 2 p.m. Hora de Venezuela 3 p.m. Hora de Chile y Argentina
*Por favor, verifica su zonas horarias.*
Presentador
Eric E. Espinoza
Coordinador de programa y vinculación, Programa de la enfermedad de Parkinson y los trastornos del movimiento
Coordinador de estudios de investigación, KTEAM Lab
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
In this session we will talk together about how to build joy into your days, and introduce a joy meditation that you can do sitting quietly or on the go.
Acompáñenos para conocer más acerca de PD GENEration, el estudio pionero de la Parkinson’s Foundation que ofrece pruebas genéticas sin costo a personas con la enfermedad de Parkinson. Compartiremos lo que hemos aprendido hasta ahora de la comunidad hispana, en qué consiste este estudio, los beneficios que ofrece y los pasos para participar, tanto en los Estados Unidos, como en Latino América.
Además, contaremos con el testimonio de un participante del estudio genético, quien compartirá su experiencia.
10 a.m. Hora del Pacífico (Los Ángeles y Phoenix) 11 a.m. Hora de la Montaña (Colorado, Nuevo México y Ciudad de México) 12 p.m. Hora del Centro (Texas, Colombia y Perú) 1 p.m. Hora del Este (Nueva York y Venezuela) 2 p.m. Hora de Chile y Argentina
Presentadora
Rebeca De Leon
Directora, Investigación Clinica, Parkinson's Foundation
Panelista
Lic. Laura Ayde Olmos Araujo, MBA
Licenciatura en Administración y Maestría en Administración de Negocios de
Texas A&M International University,
Embajadora líder con la Davis Phinney Foundation,
Embajadora de Parkinson con el WPC2026,
Fundadora de Parkinson Laredo
In this session we will talk together about how to build joy into your days, and introduce a joy meditation that you can do sitting quietly or on the go.
Please join us for a Facebook live Q & A discussion on Monday, 8/25, at 3 pm EST with the co-authors of the new book, The Parkinson’s Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment, Dr. Michael S. Okun and Dr. Ray Dorsey.
Moderated by the Chief Medical Officer of the Parkinson’s Foundation, Dr. Sneha Mantri.
In this session we will talk together about how to build joy into your days, and introduce a joy meditation that you can do sitting quietly or on the go.
Some people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experience changes in thinking or memory — known as cognitive impairment. While some may struggle focusing on a task, others have difficulty remembering information. Cognitive changes can be common when it comes to Parkinson’s and aging, but every person’s experiences and symptoms are unique to them.
Cognitive impairment is related to Parkinson’s because people living with this disease experience a decrease in the level of dopamine in their brain, the neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating the body’s movement and maintaining working memory.
Here are 10 things everyone should know about Parkinson’s and cognitive changes:
1. Cognitive decline is common in Parkinson's.
Mental and movement decline tend to happen together for people with Parkinson’s. Symptoms of mild cognitive impairment often do not interfere with home and work life. The cognitive changes that accompany Parkinson’s early on tend to be limited to one or two mental areas, with severity varying from person to person. Areas most often affected include attention, speed of mental processing, problem-solving and memory issues.
2. Cognitive changes may occur early in the disease.
Doctors used to believe that cognitive changes did not develop until the middle- to late- stages of PD, but recent research suggests that mild changes may be present at the time of diagnosis.
3. Cognitive Change is different than Dementia.
Cognitive impairment is not dementia, which is when cognitive impairments occur in more than one area of cognition. Dementia leads to a more serious loss of intellectual abilities that interferes with daily living. While mild cognitive impairment can affect 20-50% of people with PD, not all lead to a dementia diagnosis.
4. Executive function changes can be frequent in Parkinson’s.
One of the most prominent cognitive changes in Parkinson's is impairment of executive function. This can impact planning, organizing, multitasking and decision-making. Loved ones can help the person with PD by providing cues, reminders and greater structure of activity.
5. Short-term memory problems are associated with cognitive changes.
The basal ganglia and frontal lobes of the brain (both help the brain organize and recall of information) may be damaged in PD. Long-term memory is typically less impacted, however, short-term memory and the ability to recall recent information are often affected. This can result in difficulty with common tasks such as making coffee, checking your emails, etc.
Research has shown that these strategies can help keep your memory sharp:
Exercise: Finding an activity that you love and can partake in regularly is critical to living with PD. Exercising regularly has been shown to improve cognition and memory problems. The Parkinson’s Foundation’s Fitness Fridays provide a variety of exercises that aim to support those with Parkinson’s.
Find Mentally Stimulating Hobbies: Reading, puzzles, gardening and art are all examples of hobbies that can keep you entertained while sharpening your mind. It’s important for people with Parkinson’s to find hobbies that can promote mental stimulation.
6. Cognitive Change may alter attention and concentration abilities.
People with Parkinson’s may have difficulty sustaining attention or concentrating on tasks for extended periods. This can lead to having issues with mental calculations or concentrating during a task.
Here are some tips to help your attention skills:
Set timers while completing a task to help keep your attention span for the time being. The Pomodoro Technique helps improve focus by working in 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between tasks.
Nourish your body with foods that promote brain health, such as the “MIND” Diet including food groups like whole grains, berries, and vegetables. Prioritize sleep. A minimum of six hours a night is needed to keep your attention and concentration sharp. Try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule every night, going to bed at the same time, to help your body make it a habit.
7. People in the early stages of PD may have trouble with depth perception.
Subtle visual-perceptual problems may contribute to visual misperceptions or illusions. During early stages of Parkinson’s, people often have trouble measuring distance and depth perception. When PD advances, people with PD face problems with processing information about their surroundings or environment.
8. Up to 50% of people with Parkinson's experience depression.
Up to half of people with PD experience a form of depression during the disease. Depression is more likely to occur in people with Parkinson’s who face severe cognitive impairment. Those suffering with depression can find it harder to control motor symptoms. However, depression is often treatable. Talk to your PD doctor about this symptom.
9. Sleep issues are common in Parkinson’s and can impact cognition.
Problems with falling and staying asleep are very common in people with PD. The effects of sleep problems throughout the night can result in physical and cognitive fatigue throughout the day.
The four main sleeping problems related to PD are:
To address sleep issues, talk to your PD doctor who may prescribe medication or a sleep specialist. Some natural remedies include creating a sleep ritual, avoiding screen time before bed, running a warm bath and more.
Issues staying asleep and early morning awakening (insomnia).
Involuntary movements and pain that interrupt sleep.
Increased nighttime urination.
Nighttime agitation, vivid dreams and visual misperceptions or hallucinations.
10. There are different treatments to address cognitive changes.
While researchers are still discovering new ways to address cognitive change in people with PD, doctors often recommend a combination of treatments to help with cognitive change.
They can include:
Cognitive remediation therapy: this treatment emphasizes teaching alternative ways to compensate for memory or thinking problems. It involves using information from neuropsychological testing to identify cognitive strengths that can be used to help overcome weaker areas of thinking.
Behavioral management: Makingchanges in the home environment can help minimize memory, visual-perceptual or orientation difficulties.
Talk to your PD doctor: Yourdoctor can help you come up with treatments options to address your most bothersome cognitive symptoms. They can also refer a psychiatrist, neuropsychologist, speech or occupational therapist for more assistance.
Create a support system: Work on building your own support network. Support groups are often amazing resources.
Explore our Parkinson’s Learning Lab for more information on Cognitive Change.
Let’s Talk About It: Mental Health & Wellness in Parkinson’s
10:00 am to 1:00 pm EST
FREE
Check-in starts at 9 a.m.
There are many non-motor challenges associated with Parkinson’s disease that may not always be easy to discuss. With a focus on depression, apathy and cognition, this program will provide strategies for coping and talking about these issues with healthcare providers and loved ones.
Speaker
Temitope A. Lawal, MD, ECU Health Neurology - Greenville
This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends and the community. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required as in-person seating is limited.
In this session we will talk together about how to build joy into your days, and introduce a joy meditation that you can do sitting quietly or on the go.
With the autumn equinox behind us, the season of cooler days and shorter light has arrived. Just as trees stop producing chlorophyll and reveal the vibrant colors hidden beneath their green, we too can release what no longer serves us and uncover the beauty within. For people living with Parkinson’s—whether as a person diagnosed or as a care partner—this can mean letting go of thoughts, emotions, or habits that add stress or limit joy. In this guided meditation, we’ll use breathwork and visualization to create space for comfort, acceptance, and self-appreciation, and to notice the unique colors and strengths that shine during times of change.
Speaker
Danielle R. Carns, PsyD
Director, Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder Program
Clinical Neuropsychologist, Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
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 this session we will talk together about how to build joy into your days, and introduce a joy meditation that you can do sitting quietly or on the go.
Parkinson's Foundation and Northwestern Medicine Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center present: Parkinson's Disease Patient and Family Symposium.
This program will feature experts discussing: How to Build an Exercise Routine for PD, Research/Clinical Treatment Updates, and Autonomic Dysfunction and PD (blood pressure/bladder/bowel/sexual dysfunction). Q&A with the experts, will follow each presentation.
Speakers
Tanya Simuni, MD, FAAN
Northwestern Medicine Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Center
A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence
Danny Bega, MD, MSCI
Northwestern Medicine Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Center
A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence
Miriam Rafferty, PT, DPT, PhD
Shirley Ryan AblityLab
Daniel Corcos, PhD
Northwestern Medicine
Neil Shetty, MD
Northwestern Medicine Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Center
A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence
Juan Deliz, MD
Northwestern Medicine Neurology Orland Park
This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.
10 a.m. Welcome / Opening Remarks
Danny Bega, MD, MSCI, Northwestern Medicine
Jessica Bartsch, MS, NCC, Parkinson's Foundation
10:15 a.m. Key Note: I Finished PT, Now What?
Miriam Rafferty, PT, DPT, PhD, Shirley Ryan AblityLab
Daniel Corcos, PhD, Northwestern Medicine
(Q&A to follow presentation)
11:15 a.m. Therapeutic Pipeline, Research, and Clinical Treatment Update
Tanya Simuni, MD, FAAN, Northwestern Medicine
Neil Shetty, MD, Northwestern Medicine
(Q&A to follow presentation)
12:30-12:35 p.m. Break
12:35 p.m. Autonomic Dysfunction and Parkinson's Disease
Juan Deliz, MD, Northwestern Medicine
Northwestern Medicine Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center provides innovative, multidisciplinary care for patients and families affected by Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. The Center's care team works to promote health, education and support for patients. It also supports caregivers, family members, healthcare providers and the community. We continually strive to meet the needs of the Parkinson's community in a variety of ways. In doing this, we have adapted our annual symposium to a virtual setting for the safety and accessibility of the larger Parkinson's community.
This is a virtual program, taking place live, using the online Zoom platform. Instructions on joining the webinar are provided after registering.
In this session we will talk together about how to build joy into your days, and introduce a joy meditation that you can do sitting quietly or on the go.
