Wellness Wednesday: Expert Briefing Series

Parkinson’s research is moving quickly, offering new insights for people living with the disease. This Expert Briefing will highlight how our understanding of Parkinson’s has evolved and why researchers are optimistic about future breakthroughs. We’ll focus on three key research areas shaping today’s momentum: alpha-synuclein, mitochondrial function, and inflammation. Participants will gain a clear snapshot of the latest discoveries, where science is headed, and how these advances may guide new and more effective treatments.  

The Foundation's Expert Briefing series is intended to offer firsthand access to the latest research and updates from experts in the field. Expert Briefing webinars will include more scientific terms and concepts.

Speaker

Laurie Sanders, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Departments of Neurology and Pathology, Divisions of Movement Disorders and Translational Brain Sciences
Center for Neurodegeneration and Neurotherapeutics, Duke Clinical Research Institute, 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.

We want to thank this webinar's sponsor, Genentech, for supporting our mission. 

Challenge your body and mind in this Parkinson’s-friendly exercise class designed to support brain health and functional movement. Through dual-tasking activities that combine physical exercise with cognitive challenges—like memory recall, problem-solving, and multitasking—you’ll work to improve processing speed, attention, and coordination. This engaging format helps strengthen neural connections, enhance daily function, and promote confidence in both movement and mental agility.

Instructors

Jonathan Zins PT, DPT, GCS
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy
Geriatric Residency Faculty Member
Parkinson’s Team Lead

Sofi Hess, ACSM-CEP

Kylee Arnold

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.

Pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup, and join us for an open conversation with the Parkinson’s Foundation’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sneha Mantri and guest expert. Our Coffee & Conversation series creates a space for you to ask the questions that matter most. This sessions will focuse on the movement symptoms of Parkinson's. 

Living with Parkinson’s involves more than managing movement symptoms—many people also experience emotional and motivational changes that can be just as challenging. In this open conversation, Dr. Sneha Mantri and a guest expert invite you to join a thoughtful dialogue about three common but often misunderstood experiences: anxiety, apathy, and depression. 

Your questions will guide the discussion as our experts share practical insights, coping strategies, and supportive approaches that can help improve emotional well-being and quality of life. 

Bring your questions. Bring your curiosity. Bring the conversation. Don’t forget your coffee (or tea!).

Speakers

Sneha Mantri, MD, MS
Neurologist, Duke University
Chief Medical Officer, Parkinson's Foundation 

Daniel Weintraub, MD
Professor of Psychiatry
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center
Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center

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 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

Nandakumar Narayanan, MD PhD
Juanita J. Bartlett Professor of Neurology
Vice Chair for Research
University of Iowa Carver College 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.

Wellness Wednesday: Social Engagement Series

Creative Connections is an arts-based wellness program designed to support the emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being of people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. In this session, our facilitators will introduce the creative practices they use—including acting, improvisation, voice work, choreography, drama therapy, music therapy, mindfulness, and movement.

After sharing an overview of their approach, they will guide participants through a series of simple, engaging activities. Together, we’ll explore how creative expression can spark connection, build confidence, and offer meaningful tools for well-being.

Speaker

Maggie Ivancic MSW, LCSW
Center Coordinator & Clinical Social Worker
UNC Chapel Hill, Movement Disorders Center, Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence

Heather Davis Cuevas, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
UNC Chapel Hill, Movement Disorders Center, Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence

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.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment that can 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 will provide an overview of recent advances is DBS technology that hold promise for people with Parkinson’s by providing more effective, personalized and convenient treatment for Parkinson’s symptoms.

Speaker

Arjun Tarakad
Associate Professor of Neurology
Director of Deep Brain Stimulation Program
Parkinson’s Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic
Baylor College of Medicine
Department of Neurology

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.

We want to thank this webinar's sponsor, Boston Scientific, for supporting our mission. 

Wellness Wednesday: Expert Briefing Series

Tremor, Shakes, & Everything in Between: Parkinson's Motor Symptoms

Motor symptoms are among the most recognizable aspects of Parkinson’s disease. From tremor and rigidity to dystonia, dyskinesia, and changes in posture and gait, these symptoms can affect daily life in unique ways. We will explore the wide spectrum of motor symptoms, how they evolve, and strategies for managing them.

The Foundation's Expert Briefing series is intended to offer firsthand access to the latest research and updates from experts in the field. Expert Briefing webinars will include more scientific terms and concepts.

Speaker

Pablo Coss, MD
Assistant Professor of Neurology, UTH San Antonio
Movement Disorders Specialist
Director, HDSA Center of Excellence, San Antonio
UT Health San Antonio

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.

Regístrese Aquí

La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) sigue siendo una condición con muchas incógnitas, pero la investigación constante nos está ayudando a cerrar estas brechas en el conocimiento. En los últimos años, se han logrado importantes avances en las terapias diseñadas no sólo para el manejo de los síntomas motores y no motores, sino también para frenar el avance de la enfermedad. Este programa explorará los últimos hallazgos en la investigación de la EP y tratamientos innovadores.

10 a.m. hora del Pacífico (California)
11 a.m. hora de la Montaña (Colorado, Arizona 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
7 p.m. hora de España

*Por favor, verifica su zonas horarias.*

Presentadora

Dra. Natalie Diaz
Trastornos del movimiento, Neurología
Pacific Neuroscience Institute

¿En busca de algo más? Podrá encontrar todos nuestros videos de EP Salud en Casa en YouTube.

Más información:

Todos los eventos de “EP Salud en Casa" – Parkinson.org/EPSalud.

Una lista de nuestros recursos en español – Parkinson.org/Recursos

Línea de Ayuda – 1-800-473-4636, opción 3 para español.

A dynamic, high-energy circuit combining aerobic activity with lower-body strength and power. Participants will move through stations designed to challenge endurance, build strength, and enhance functional mobility. This session focuses on improving cardiovascular fitness, explosive movement, and high amplitude training, all while maintaining accessibility and safety for people of varying abilities.

Instructors

Bethany Althaus, PT, DPT, NCS, PWR! Moves
Director of Clinical Excellence at Maine Strong Balance Centers 

Anna Chornyak, PT, LSVT, PWR! Moves

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.

What do Shakespeare, opera, and pickleball have in common? Join Kurt Brungardt for an engaging, playful session that trains your brain, body, and spirit. Through a mix of movement, vocal exercises, and expressive activities, participants will explore voice, speech, expression, and balance in ways that awaken confidence, presence, and joy.

No acting, singing, or fitness experience is required—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore. This session blends creativity and physicality, offering a unique opportunity to connect with your body, strengthen your voice, and have fun along the way.

Speaker

Kurt Brungardt
Writer, Director, Teacher, and Personal trainer
Shakespeare for Parkinson's

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.