Led by care partners, these webinars will bring together spouses, partners, family members, and friends who provide care—or anyone interested in learning more about caregiving and Parkinson’s disease. These dynamic and engaging conversations will foster shared experiences, offer valuable strategies, and provide a space for support and connection.
While this webinar is designed for care partners, we welcome those living with Parkinson's disease to join us. Please note that the focus of this program is on supporting those who identify as care partners.
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
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 offers a gentle, step-by-step mindfulness practice for forgiveness, helping to soften self-blame and resentment, and make room for acceptance and peace.
Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
Impulse control disorders (ICDs) can affect people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones, causing behaviors like compulsive gambling, shopping, eating, or hypersexuality, often as a side effect of medications. This webinar will explore what causes ICDs, how to manage them, and practical tools to support those impacted. Join us to learn more and gain valuable resources.
Speaker
Mark Stacy, MD
William E. Murray Professor of Neurology
Movement Disorders Division
Vice Chair for Research
Medical University Of South Carolina
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 offers a gentle, step-by-step mindfulness practice for forgiveness, helping to soften self-blame and resentment, and make room for acceptance and peace.
Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
The journey of Parkinson’s disease can create physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges that impact relationships, making it difficult to feel close and connected to a loved one. This webinar will explore ways to deepen and maintain emotional bonds, despite these challenges. Through compassionate communication strategies, shared activities, and tools to foster understanding, participants will gain practical and meaningful approaches to staying close to their loved ones while preserving and celebrating their unique connection.
Speaker
Bradley McDaniels, PhD, CRC
Assistant Professor, Rehabilitation Studies Undergraduate Program Coordinator
Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services
University of North Texas
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 offers a gentle, step-by-step mindfulness practice for forgiveness, helping to soften self-blame and resentment, and make room for acceptance and peace.
Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
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
Reversa R Joseph MD, MS
Movement Disorder Neurologist
Director Movement Disorder Clinic
Chalmers P Wylie VA
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 offers a gentle, step-by-step mindfulness practice for forgiveness, helping to soften self-blame and resentment, and make room for acceptance and peace.
Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
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.
This session offers a gentle, step-by-step mindfulness practice for forgiveness, helping to soften self-blame and resentment, and make room for acceptance and peace.
Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
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.
This session offers a gentle, step-by-step mindfulness practice for forgiveness, helping to soften self-blame and resentment, and make room for acceptance and peace.
Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
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.
This session offers a gentle, step-by-step mindfulness practice for forgiveness, helping to soften self-blame and resentment, and make room for acceptance and peace.
Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
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
This session offers a gentle, step-by-step mindfulness practice for forgiveness, helping to soften self-blame and resentment, and make room for acceptance and peace.
Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
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).
