Expert Briefing: Parkinson’s & Medications - What's New
March 8, 2023
There are many medications to help improve quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease. However, people respond to medications differently. What works for one may not necessarily work for another. Learn about the advances in Parkinson’s treatments for movement and non-movement symptoms and where we are on the path to personalized medicine.
Tanya Simuni, MD, Arthur C. Nielson Jr. Professor of Neurology, Director
Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence
Chicago, Illinois
Podcasts
Episode 147: Maximizing Resources with the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline
With Parkinson’s disease (PD), it’s essential to know where to find a movement disorder neurologist, a physical or occupational therapist, social services to help with daily activities, and agencies that can advise on elder issues. When you don’t know that certain services even exist, looking for them is impossible. This is where the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline can be an essential resource. Helpline staff have broad knowledge about what services may be appropriate to address certain problems, and they can direct callers to these services.
One social worker has described himself like the Yellow Pages. He cannot do everything for his clients, but he acts like a directory of resources that can help them. So, too, is the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline a valuable compendium of services for many of the needs of people with PD. In this episode, Social Worker Amanda Janicke, MA, LCSW, an information specialist on the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline, gives insight into what the Helpline can provide, and she provides examples of some agencies that can help people with PD.
Released: March 7, 2023
Amanda Janicke, MA, LCSW works for the Parkinson’s Foundation as a Parkinson’s Disease Information Specialist. As a member of the Helpline team, Amanda offers people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners help navigating the various questions, symptoms, and challenges that arise by providing disease education, guidance about care and support options, and referrals to Parkinson’s-specific resources.
Functional Fitness with Parkinson Wellness Recovery - PWR! Gym
Bend, twist, push, pull, lift, and step in this functional fitness class for Parkinson’s that equips you for the most important type of physical fitness, REAL LIFE!
Equipment Needed: Sturdy armless chair, weights, yoga mat, and water bottle.
Please keep a bottle of water nearby. Enjoy the session!
Instructors
Jennifer Bazan-Wigle and Pandora Larsen
Parkinson Wellness Recovery- PWR! Gym
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.
Whether this is your first mindfulness Monday or you are a returning participant, these sessions are created with the intention of including everyone. There will be time for questions following the practice.
Speaker
Crista Ellis, BS, RYT-200, Yoga and Meditation teacher
Community Engagement Manager, Parkinson's Foundation
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.
Parkinson’s Foundation community fundraisers raised a record-breaking $8.3 million to advance Parkinson’s disease (PD) research, access to care and life-changing resources in 2022.
“Each of the 15,905 people with Parkinson’s, family members and friends who helped raise funds in 2022 brought passion and enthusiasm to the entire PD community,” said Kayln Henkel,
Parkinson’s Foundation Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer.
Amanda Hosts Meaningful Parkinson’s Revolution for Her Dad
“When my dad was first diagnosed, the unknown was the biggest struggle. We worked so hard to make this a big fundraiser — a simple, fun thing for people to join, and it means so much to the people Parkinson’s affects directly.”
Jim Helps Make First-Ever Moving Day Memphis a Success
“Since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I’ve developed a whole new group of friends and found supportive people I can talk to any time. Moving Day is a great way to spend time with people in our community.”
High School Senior Kaden Raises $31,000 for PD Research
“I chose this fundraiser because I wanted to learn more about what my uncle was going through and raise money to help people like him living with Parkinson’s, and to support research for a cure. I never thought a T-shirt could raise this much awareness, and I’m happy I could raise this much money for the Foundation.”
“While volunteering at Moving Day packet pick-up, I met someone who was diagnosed a month ago and wasn’t sure where to turn. We were able to introduce him and his wife to other people his age who have Parkinson’s, and I could just see the relief they felt meeting people who understood what they were going through. Those connections are so important and seeing them happen is my favorite part of Moving Day.”
During this session, we will provide an introduction to hospice, exploring what hospice is, the types of services hospice provides, and the typical timing of hospice. We will also discuss how to select a hospice program that can best fit your needs, and how to be an advocate to receive the types of services you need.
Speaker
Farrah Daly, MD
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.
Handout: Top 5 Things to Know about Hospice Care for People with PD
The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2025 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to tons of other fun benefits and perks. You can learn more about our program and join our interest list at Run4PD.org.
Fundraising Commitments:
VIP - $5,000
Chills & Thrills Challenge (Half & 10k) - $1,500
Half - $1,000
5k/10k - $750
Honorary Champion - $500
Whether you’re a Disney fan, an athlete or both, we’ve got a ghoulishly good time for you — the all-new Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend! Disneyland Resort® will host four days of events, all themed to the Halloween season. And whether you treat yourself to a 3.1-mile jaunt, pick up a few ghostly hitchhikers for 6.2 miles or try to avoid any “hocus-pocus” during a 13.1-mile adventure, some Disney Characters will be there to wish you the happiest of Halloweens!
Looking for travel support? Sign up for a free consultation with our wonderful friends at Magical Park Vacations at THIS LINK (whether you end up running with us or not). They have deep knowledge of the parks and traveling with a family member who has Parkinson’s disease.
NOTE: Registration for this race includes access to the Disneyland Resort® amusement parks for the race event only. To “ride-the-rides” you would need to purchase a separate ticket to the parks. There may be the opportunity for friends and family to come cheer you on without needing to purchase entry to the park, but this will be announced later by the runDisney organization at their discretion.
The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2026 Marine Corps Marathon Weekend. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to tons of other fun benefits and perks.
Fundraising Commitments:
Marathon - $1,000
Honorary Runner (secure your own bib) - $500
Recognized for impeccable organization on an iconic course managed by the US Marines in Arlington, VA and the nation’s capital, the Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest Marathons in the US and the world. Known as ‘The Best Marathon for Beginners,’ the MCM is the largest marathon in the world that doesn’t offer prize money, earning its nickname, “The People’s Marathon.”
Are you looking for a fun way to volunteer for the Parkinson's Foundation & raise your voice while raising awareness? Come out and cheer on our incredible athletes! Learn more and apply at Parkinson.org/ChampionsCheer.
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.
Presentador
Enrique Urrea-Mendoza, MD
Especialista en trastornos del movimiento
Prisma Health Neurology
University of South Carolina School of Medicine
Este programa es gratuito y está disponible para cualquier persona interesada, incluyendo a las personas con Parkinson y sus familiares, amigos, personas de apoyo y promotores de salud.
Tightrope Impro Theatre's Improv for Wellness team is excited to rejoin PD Health @ Home to offer another Improv for Parkinson's Taster!
Are you a person with Parkinson's Disease or a Parkinson's-like condition? Are you curious about the benefits of Improv for Parkinson's? Join our taster session to try out some improv games, learn about the research and benefits, and see what programs we have to offer!
Speakers
Megan Dunlop, Facilitator of Improv for Parkinson's
Rosemary Morrison, Wellness Coordinator of Improv for Work and Wellness
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.