Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment option that can significantly improve quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease by helping to manage symptoms that may not be fully supported with medication. This webinar provides an in-depth look at what DBS involves, how it works, and who may benefit from the procedure. Participants will hear from medical experts and individuals who have undergone DBS, learning about the preparation, procedure, and potential outcomes.
This program is designed to empower individuals and families with the knowledge to make informed decisions about this treatment option for Parkinson’s.
Speaker
Xenos Mason, MD
Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery and Neurology
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Director, Deep Brain Stimulation Program, Keck Hospital of USC
Center for Music, Brain and Society, USC Dornsife
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.
Exercise is a powerful tool for managing Parkinson’s symptoms and enhancing overall well-being. Join us for an empowering session focused on practical, evidence-based strategies to integrate movement into your daily life. This webinar will explore the ways that exercise can improve mobility, balance, and mood, and why it’s essential for symptom management.
Whether you’re just beginning or looking to elevate your routine, discover how movement can make a meaningful difference in living well with Parkinson’s.
Speaker
Ryan Duncan, PT, DPT, MSCI
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy & Neurology
Washington University in St. Louis – School of Medicine Program in Physical Therapy
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.
Whether it's improving communication, fostering creativity, or simply having fun, this program focuses on embracing the unique experiences of using your voice. Together, we’ll engage in activities that build confidence, connection, and joy while supporting vocal health and self-expression.
Join us to celebrate the many ways our voices can inspire, connect, and empower!
Speaker
Alyson Chananie, MS,CCC-SLP
Clinical Consultant/Speech-Language Pathologist
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.
Due to the nature of our social engagement programs and to protect the privacy of participants, we will not be recording or archiving these programs. By not recording, it's our hope that the program provides a comfortable environment that encourages meaningful participation.
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.
Check-in and lunch begin at 12 p.m. The main program starts at 12:30 p.m.
People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are at a higher risk of hospitalization and face many challenges while in the hospital. It is important for all people with Parkinson’s to be aware of the risks, prepare ahead of time and know how to advocate for their needs while in the hospital.
Join the Parkinson's Foundation for this interactive event to learn more about keeping you and your loved ones with PD safe. Attendees will also receive a copy of the new Hospital Safety Guide.
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their families, friends, and the community.
Featured Speakers:
Julie Kurek, MD, Medical Director, Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence Augusta University/Wellstar-MCG
Annie Long, MSW, Parkinson's Foundation
Jim Allen, President, CSRA Parkinson's Support Group
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.
4 formas en que las personas con Parkinson pueden evitar complicaciones hospitalarias frecuentes
Para la mayoría de las personas, estar en el hospital es una experiencia estresante. Estas personas suelen estar enfermas o atravesando una crisis de salud. En el caso de las personas con la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP), los síntomas pueden empeorar y pueden aparecer nuevos síntomas, como confusión o cambios en el pensamiento, debido a estrés, infecciones, fatiga, trastornos del sueño, cirugía o nuevos medicamentos.
Una nueva publicación revisada de más de 35,000 ingresos hospitalarios de personas con Parkinson descubrió un mayor riesgo de delirio y neumonía por aspiración como complicaciones que podrían evitarse.
Como compartimos en nuestra Guía de seguridad hospitalaria, la preparación y una comunicación clara pueden ayudarle a minimizar las complicaciones y el tiempo de recuperación durante una hospitalización. Comprender los riesgos que enfrenta usted o un ser querido con Parkinson y las formas de cubrir sus necesidades puede ayudar al equipo de atención hospitalaria a brindarle la mejor atención posible.
Saber identificar el delirio
El delirio es un cambio reversible en el nivel de atención y concentración de una persona.
Los medicamentos contra las náuseas, gastrointestinales y analgésicos, que se administran de forma rutinaria antes y después de una cirugía, pueden empeorar los síntomas existentes de la EP o provocar nuevos síntomas temporales como el delirio. Evitar estos medicamentos puede disminuir el riesgo de desarrollar delirio.
Asimismo, algunos tratamientos habituales para el delirio no son adecuados para las personas con la EP y pueden empeorar los síntomas del Parkinson y el delirio. Si usted o un ser querido desarrollan delirio en el hospital, es importante evitar los medicamentos antipsicóticos que son antidopaminérgicos; es decir, que disminuyen la cantidad de dopamina en el cerebro.
Las personas con Parkinson sólo deben recibir uno de los tres antipsicóticos que son seguros:
Pimavanserin (Nuplazid)
Quetiapina (Seroquel)
Clozapina (Clozaril).
Todos los antipsicóticos, a excepción de estos tres, deben evitarse en casi todas las circunstancias.
La neumonía por aspiración es responsable de un 70% de las muertes entre las personas con la EP, según un estudio de los NIH.
La neumonía por aspiración se produce cuando las bacterias de la boca descienden a los pulmones y causan una infección. Esto puede ocurrir después de que una persona aspire (es decir, trague de forma incorrecta) y algo penetre en sus vías respiratorias o pulmones. La aspiración sucede con mayor frecuencia cuando se tienen problemas para tragar (disfagia), que es un síntoma común del Parkinson.
Para prevenir la aspiración y la neumonía por aspiración, las personas con Parkinson deben hacerse pruebas de detección de alteraciones al tragar (deglución), también conocidas como disfagia, para mantener con seguridad su rutina de medicación y minimizar el riesgo de neumonía por aspiración y pérdida de peso.
Además, asegurarse de que usted o su ser querido con Parkinson reciban sus medicamentos para el Parkinson a tiempo y evitar los medicamentos contraindicados que no son seguros para las personas con la EP también puede ayudar a prevenir el desarrollo de una nueva disfagia o el empeoramiento de una disfagia leve.
Consejos para evitar el delirio y la neumonía por aspiración en el hospital
Consejo 1. Evite los medicamentos que no sean seguros para el Parkinson
Esto puede ayudarle a:
Evitar el delirio causado por la toma de medicamentos contraindicados contra las náuseas.
Evitar el empeoramiento del delirio causado por la toma de medicamentos antipsicóticos contraindicados.
Revise la lista de medicamentos perjudiciales en el Resumen de cuidados para el Parkinson con el equipo médico del hospital antes de la intervención quirúrgica y antes de que le receten cualquier medicamento nuevo.
Consejo 2. Siempre tome los medicamentos a tiempo para ayudar a evitar que empeoren o que surjan nuevos problemas al tragar
Si a su enfermera o terapeuta del habla y el lenguaje le preocupa su capacidad para tragar, hablen de formas seguras en que pueda seguir tomando los medicamentos, como con un sorbo de agua o triturados con puré de manzana.
Utilice el Formulario de medicamentos para anotar todos sus medicamentos para el Parkinson y otras afecciones, incluidos los medicamentos sin receta y los suplementos, en el orden en que los toma cada día. Su lista debe estar claramente etiquetada con la dosis (normalmente mg o miligramos) y la hora específica a la que toma cada medicamento.
Consejo 3. Informe a sus enfermeras si tiene problemas para tragar y pida ver al terapeuta del habla y el lenguaje
Juntos, su enfermera y su terapeuta del habla y el lenguaje pueden darle medidas de seguridad para disminuir los riesgos.
Es posible que tenga que dejar de comer y beber temporalmente si tiene un problema grave de deglución (disfagia) o tiene programada una intervención médica que requiera ayuno. Si a usted o a su ser querido le indican que no puede tragar pastillas, muestre a la enfermera y al terapeuta del habla y el lenguaje “Otras formas de tomar la medicación” para explorar posibles formas de seguir tomando con seguridad los medicamentos para la EP.
Si tiene problemas al tragar o al hablar, le recomendamos que vea regularmente a un terapeuta del habla y el lenguaje. Una vez dado de alta, pida a su médico que lo mande con un especialista o llame a nuestra Línea de Ayuda al 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636), opción 3 para español.
Consejo 4. Reducir el riesgo de neumonía por aspiración es un proceso en dos partes
Ayude a reducir la neumonía por aspiración durante la hospitalización y en casa, lo que implica (1) prevenir los problemas al tragar y (2) reducir las bacterias en su boca limpiándose los dientes y la boca con regularidad.
Evite la aspiración comiendo cuando la medicación para la EP esté haciendo efecto y tenga energía. También puede ser útil sentarse derecho para comer y tomar bocados más pequeños. Evite la neumonía por aspiración cepillándose los dientes, la lengua y la boca antes y después de comer para reducir las bacterias.
Lea más acerca de las medidas que puede tomar para evitar el delirio, la neumonía por aspiración y otras complicaciones evitables en nuestra Guía de seguridad hospitalaria.
Ayuda a pasar la voz
Comparta este gráfico en Facebook para ayudar a sus amigos y familiares con Parkinson a mantenerse seguros en el hospital.
Science News
Top Parkinson’s Science News Articles of 2024
Every day, researchers are working hard to identify the mechanisms in the brain that are responsible for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and its symptoms. In 2024, scientists gathered even more information to help us solve this disease.
Our Science News article series highlight exciting Parkinson’s studies and how they impact those living with this disease. Explore our top Science News articles of 2024 below:
When diagnosing Parkinson’s doctors focus on symptoms since there is no single test that can diagnose Parkinson’s. This can result in a delay of diagnosis as early symptoms are often hard to distinguish as PD. This study investigated whether a skin test could help diagnose Parkinson’s earlier.
In Parkinson’s, the protein alpha-synuclein clumps in the brain, which is also referred to as phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (P-SYN). This study found that P-SYN could also be detected in the nerve cells in the skin. The amount of P-SYN in the skin could also be connected with the severity of a person’s symptoms.
In Parkinson’s, the dysfunction of the mitochondria is one of the causes of the death of neurons in the brains. This study was the first to discover a receptor called GUCY2C, which could lead to a potential new way to fight dopamine loss.
Researchers found that the loss of GUCY2C led to dysfunction of mitochondria and cell loss in the part of the brain affected by PD. GUCY2C was found as a defense to protect dopamine neurons in the brain. This new discovery could lead researchers to explore the possibility of stimulating GUCY2C as a treatment for PD.
Movement symptoms associated with Parkinson’s often impact quality of life. A study found that the non-invasive treatment option called a focused ultrasound helps relieve tremors, improve mobility and other movement symptoms related to PD.
In this study, the focused ultrasound treatment targeted the part of the brain that controls movement. Nearly 70% of participants in the treatment group responded successfully to treatment after three months of follow-up.
Plastic waste is a rising problem, especially as it breaks down into tiny pieces. This study observed that these tiny pieces may be an environmental risk factor for developing Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s is diagnosed when the protein alpha-synuclein starts to accumulate in neurons in the brain. Through various experiments, this study found that polystyrene nanoparticles can interact with alpha-synuclein and promote its clumping formations — meaning plastic waste may be contributing to Parkinson’s as an environmental factor.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical therapy used to treat certain aspects of Parkinson’s. PD symptoms vary throughout the day, which can make DBS ineffective whether it's too much or too little.
This study used a clinical trial enrolled four participants to test a surgical treatment called adaptive DBS that detects and responds to brain activity to provide individualized and customized stimulation to help with Parkinson’s symptoms.
A hallmark of Parkinson's is the death of brain cells called dopaminergic neurons in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. For people with Parkinson’s, these neurons stop producing dopamine, which helps control the body's movements and moods. However, it’s not clear if other types of cells are also affected.
This study identified a new type of neuron associated with Parkinson’s. By looking at which genes were turned on and off in hundreds of thousands of different cells in the substantia nigra, the researchers developed an “atlas of gene expression.” This research may help us better understand Parkinson’s, and possibly help guide the development of new treatments.
Even though up to 50% of people with Parkinson’s experience some form of depression, when it comes to PD mental health care, symptoms like depression are often overlooked. This study showed that introducing a five-minute questionnaire — the 15-question Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) — to movement disorder clinics can improve the rate of depression screening and follow-up care for people with Parkinson’s.
The screening is a helpful way to detect in depression in people with Parkinson’s, which can help in finding suitable treatment earlier.
PRODUODOPA (available in Europe), also known as VYALEV (approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on October 17, 2024), is a new Parkinson’s drug delivered continuously via a pump, like insulin pumps used for people with diabetes. Clinical trials show that it can be an effective option for those whose medications are wearing off or who may have dyskinesia.
This study covers the recent findings of the clinical trials completed in Europe evaluating the safety and effectiveness of this new formulation of levodopa (foslevodopa/foscarbidopa).
Parkinson’s disease can create many challenges to getting a good night’s sleep. This program provides information on how Parkinson's disease affects sleep quality and addresses ways you can get a better night's sleep while living with PD.
A boxed lunch will be provided, please reach out to Jessica if you have any dietary needs at 312-762-5706 (vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free).
Guest Check-In/Vendor Visit: 10:00-10:45 a.m.
Speakers
Karen Blindauer, MD - Professor of Neurology, Director of the Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders Program Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin- A Parkinson's Foundation Comprehensive Care Center.
Terry Walton, MS OTR- Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin- A Parkinson's Foundation Comprehensive Care Center.
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, medical providers, and the community.
10:00 a.m. - In-person check-in, Vendor Visits
10:45 a.m.- Welcome from the Parkinson's Foundation
10:55 a.m.- Dr. Karen Blindauer, MD, Presentation
11:45 a.m.- Lunch Break, Vendor Visits
12:00 p.m.- Terry Walton, MS OTR, Presentation
12:30 p.m.- Movement Break with Neuro Advantage Rehabilitation
12:40 p.m.- Q&A with Dr. Blindauer and Terry Walton
1:00 p.m.- Closing Remarks
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.
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. We are excited to invite you to the annual Spring Parkinson's Symposium.
For in-person attendees: In-person check-in and vendor visits start at 9 a.m.
For virtual attendees, via Zoom: The live stream starts at 10 a.m.
Speakers:
Natalie Heinrich, RPh M Health Fairview
Dr. Kevin Webb-Kay Struthers Parkinson's Center
Dr. Michael Howell, MD M Health Fairview
Agenda:
10:00 - Welcome
10:15 - Medication Management in PD with Dr. Heinrich
10:45 - What is Palliative Care for PD? with Dr. Webb-Kay
11:15 - Break
11:30 - Q&A with morning presenters
12:00 - Lunch
12:30 - Dream Enactment, RBD and PD with Dr. Howell
1:15 - Panel Discussion on Exercise
1:45 - Closing Remarks
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.
2024 was a notable year for the Parkinson’s Foundation. It was 365 days of advancing research, listening to inspiring stories and forming deeper connections with people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), their families, care teams and researchers.
With your support, we amplified our commitment to connecting more people to critical PD resources, expanding life-changing research and building a stronger, more inclusive network for those navigating Parkinson’s.
Thanks to YOU, here are the top 12 ways we made a difference this year:
In 2024, PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s Disease expanded to new countries. We moved our genetics study into its next phase with support from the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2), a program of the Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP). This funding allowed us to expand recruitment and reach more people across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, South America and beyond.
Provided genetic testing and counseling to 17,944 people with Parkinson’s, at no cost.
Approximately 13% of people with Parkinson’s have a genetic link to the disease.
77% of participants have never participated in a research study before.
Additionally, PD GENEration began using a new, enhanced genetic test. We went from identifying seven PD-related genes to whole genome sequencing, which provides researchers with the most comprehensive data to study the genetics behind PD.
In 2024, we awarded nearly $3 million in research grants to 33 scientists conducting high-risk projects that do not typically receive federal funding. These are the kinds of projects that explore original approaches to care and propose new treatment ideas.
Understanding how depression and PD overlap in the brain is the focus of Dr. Ruhe’s Foundation-funded research. Over the next few years, he will work to identify the connections between depression and PD, which could uncover new treatments for both.
Each year, more than 300,000 people with Parkinson’s are hospitalized in the U.S. In 2024, we led the national effort to improve hospital care for Parkinson’s through systemic change. Our Hospital Care Initiative aims to help people with PD receive more reliable hospital care. To drive the change, we published a new Hospital Safety Guide for the community, distributing over 18,000 copies at no cost — and Hospital Care Recommendations for healthcare professionals.
In 2024, President Biden signed the National Parkinson's Project into law. This is the first-ever federal legislation dedicated to ending Parkinson’s. Here are some ways this monumental bill can make an impact:
Dramatically increase federal research funding
Develop more effective pathways for treatments and cures
Improve early diagnosis
Spark new and improved models for patient care
Address health disparities in diagnosis, treatment and clinical trial participation
In 2025 and beyond, the Parkinson’s Foundation is excited and honored to advocate for the PD community to help this new law create meaningful change.
We awarded more than $1 million in community grants for programs that help people living with PD in 40 states. Every health and wellness program we fund helps people live better with PD — from Rock Steady boxing and dancing classes to support groups. Since 2011, the Foundation has devoted more than $11.5 million in 879 community-based programs.
Pictured: Parkinson’s Foundation Community Grantee, San Francisco Ballet School offers free weekly classes, social gatherings, tickets to ballet performances, dance education and more. Read Cecelia’s story now
To find your nearest exercise or wellness class, visit your local chapter’s webpage or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).
Thanks to our amazing supporters, our Reach Further fundraising campaign exceeded its goal early. In just three years, we raised $38.4 million to accelerate progress in Parkinson’s research, improve care and increase access to quality-of-life programs.
Throughout April we brought awareness to the #ABCsofPD, highlighting the most pressing Parkinson’s symptoms and topics. On April 2, 2024, we had the opportunity to ring the Nasdaq closing bell for Parkinson's Awareness Month. Opportunities like this are an impactful way we can reach more people and shine a light on the 10 million people living with PD worldwide.
On April 18, 2024, the producing team behind the Broadway hit, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical presented $750,000 to the Parkinson’s Foundation in honor of legendary singer, songwriter and performer Neil Diamond, who is living with Parkinson’s.
We believe in spreading Parkinson’s Awareness year-round through steadily releasing new blog articles, podcast episodes, resources and interacting with our incredible community through social media.
8. Reached 1 million visits to our new Spanish PD pages
Hispanic and Latino members of the PD community often face distinct barriers to living well with Parkinson’s. Guided by our Spanish Advisory Group, we continue to develop educational opportunities and new resources for the greater Spanish-speaking Parkinson’s community. In 2024, our more than 50 Spanish pages on Parkinson.org reached 1 million visits. This information is not only reaching those who need them, but helping spread Parkinson’s awareness all over the world.
Volunteers are essential to our mission, helping us with outreach and representing us at local events. This year, we trained 232 Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassadors, who completed 195 presentations and reached 7,000 people.
Darrell Allers is a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador whose diagnosis eventually led him to volunteering, helping educate his community about Parkinson’s. Read his story.
We continue to provide early-stage funding for compounds that have the potential to become Parkinson’s drugs through our drug discovery and development initiative, Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech. Together with Parkinson's UK, we’re funding studies developing new, PD medications in years, not decades.
11. 20,000 participants raised more than $8.3 million through community fundraising events
Parkinson’s Foundation community fundraisers raised an impressive $8.3 million to advance PD research, access to care and life-changing resources in 2024. Together, every Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson’s, walker, Parkinson’s Champion fundraiser and Parkinson’s Revolution rider brought us closer to a cure.
Peggy Farber joined Parkinson’s Champions to team up with other athletes with PD and be part of a louder voice in raising awareness. Read her story.
In November for National Family Caregivers Month, we highlighted the importance of caregiver well-being through addressing the challenges of burnout. We connected more people to support and resources that highlight the importance of self-care initiatives aimed to empower care partners.
Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion experienced by individuals who care for others, typically family members or loved ones, who are unable to care for themselves.
Acompañe a la Parkinson’s Foundation para aprender acerca de las causas, los síntomas y el manejo de la enfermedad de Parkinson, así como la participación en investigaciones.
Presentadora
Dra. Elsa Rodarte Rascon, Neurología general
Trastornos del movimiento
UT Health Houston
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.
