Research aimed at exploring therapies that could possibly change the course of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is rapidly evolving. Current Parkinson’s treatments mainly focus on managing symptoms because there are no disease-modifying therapies available at this time. But researchers are excited about the potential of current studies to improve, slow or someday stop PD. 

Speaker

Lorraine Kalia, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Toronto Western Research Institute and Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases

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.

When most people think of Parkinson’s disease, they often picture tremors or stiffness—but there’s much more to the experience than meets the eye. Non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances, mood changes, fatigue, and cognitive challenges can significantly impact quality of life, often even more than motor symptoms. We’ll explore the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. Learn how to recognize, manage, and talk with your care team about these often-overlooked aspects of the disease.

Speaker

Mary Feldman, DO
Neurologist & Movement Disorder Specialist, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical  Center, a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence  

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-person check-in starts at 11 a.m.

Join us on Wednesday, June 18, for an insightful program led by Dr. Matthew Kridel, a licensed psychologist at Wellstar Psychology. Dr. Kridel will present on cognition and Parkinson’s disease, exploring how Parkinson’s can impact memory, thinking, and mental processing. Attendees will gain a better understanding of cognitive changes, learn practical strategies for managing symptoms, and have the opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A session.

Featured Speaker:
Matthew Kridel, PhD
Assistant Professor, Neurology
Assistant Professor, Psychiatry and Health Behavior
Medical College of Georgia
Licensed Psychologist
Wellstar Healthcare

Lunch will be served. 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.

This session focuses on safe and mindful walking, with options for slow, quick, turning, and pivoting steps. You’ll learn how to align your body and move with greater ease across the floor. 

What to bring: Two folding chairs, a tennis ball, and a small object like a tissue box or water bottle 

Great for: All levels—seated modifications available

Instructor

Judith Sachs
Certified Dance for PD
Certified A Matter of Balance

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 session emphasizes mindful breathing and gentle, fluid movements designed to support mobility, balance, and relaxation for those living with Parkinson’s. Seated and standing poses, combined with intentional breathwork, help reduce stress, enhance circulation, and promote a greater sense of connection between mind and body. By focusing on controlled movement and breath awareness, this practice can help ease stiffness, improve posture, and foster overall well-being—leaving you feeling more energized and centered.

Instructor

Annela Flores
Senior Program Director and Music Therapist, MusicWorx Inc.
Co-Owner of Union Yoga in San Diego, CA

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.

Join us for the Living with Parkinson’s Symposium 2025. Hear about current and upcoming treatments, ongoing research and the resources available in your community and beyond to help you live your best life with Parkinson’s. Join us in person or online (via Zoom). 

Hosted by the Parkinson’s Foundation Carolinas Chapter and the Medical University of South Carolina—a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence.

Experts Speakers from MUSC:

• Christine Cooper, MD
• Lindsey Cox, MD
• Nathan DeTurk, MD
• Vanessa Hinson, MD, PhD
• Ricardo Lopez, MD
• Gonzalo Revuelta, DO
• Nathan Rowland, MD, PhD
• Amol Sharma, MD

Movement Break Provided by:

• Cindi Day, AAS

For in-person attendees: In-person check-in starts at 9 a.m.

For virtual attendees via Zoom: The livestream starts at 10 a.m.

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.

Inviting senior living communities and home care agencies to learn tips about caring for their residents and clients living with Parkinson’s. Attendees will receive a discount when they join our partner program.

Presented by: Community Partners National Co-Directors
Joan Gardner, RN, BSN & Rose Wichmann, PT

For in-person attendees: In-person check-in starts at 10:30 a.m.

For virtual attendees, via Zoom: The live stream starts at 11 a.m.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.

Entender los complejos síntomas y tratamientos de la enfermedad de Parkinson es importante para la persona con Parkinson, así como para sus familiares y cuidadores.  Junto con su comunidad, aprenda cómo navegar a través del cuidado del Parkinson, incluyendo alternativas para manejar los síntomas, la importancia del ejercicio y la buena nutrición, así como maneras de conectar con recursos y otros sistemas de apoyo.

Presentadora

Dra. Elsa Rodarte Rascon
UT Health Houston - McGovern Medical School

El estacionamiento y el almuerzo son gratuitos y hay una zona de actividades para niños disponible. 

Inscribase en persona

Este programa es gratuito y está disponible para las personas con Parkinson, sus familiares, amigos, personas de apoyo y promotores de salud.

Living with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but there are many things you can do to maintain and improve your quality of life.  This program will provide you with information to help you find the balance between a proactive approach and wondering what lies ahead. 

Keynote Speaker

Michael S. Okun, MD
Adelaide Lackner Professor of Neurology
Executive Director, Normal Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases

Expert Speakers

Irene Malaty, MD, FAAN
Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases -
University of Florida Movement Disorders

Ihtsham ul Haq, MD, FAAN
Professor of Neurology and Chief of Movement Disorders Divisions
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence 

Robert Hauser, MD, MBA
Director, Parkinson's Disease & Movement
University of South Florida
A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence

Panelist

Ramón Rodríguez, MD, FAAN
Medical Director, Neurology One

Event Volunteers Needed! Service hours and lunch are provided. To sign up and learn more, visit: Volunteer sign-up here

Stay tuned for more information!

For in-person attendees: Check-in and Resource Fair start at 9 a.m. Lunch will be served. Drop-off areas are located in front of Faith Hall. Handicap and general parking is available in the Pink Lot.

For virtual attendees via Zoom: The live stream starts at 10 a.m.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required since lunch will be served. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends and the community.