Join us on Friday, April 10, 2026 for the first annual Move & Mingle Phoenix Seeds of Change Luncheon at Orange Tree Golf Resort! Join us for an afternoon of cocktails, food, music and connection as we continue the fight against Parkinson's disease.
Honoree: Molly Stine, Seed for Success
Meal: Plated lunch, pre-set at each seat
Pre-lunch reception begins promptly at 11 a.m. with the luncheon beginning at 12 p.m.
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.
The landscape of Parkinson’s treatment is constantly evolving, with exciting advances in medications, therapies, and technologies aimed at improving quality of life and symptom management. In this webinar, we’ll explore the latest evidence-based treatments available to veterans living with Parkinson’s, including emerging therapies and clinical trial opportunities. Learn how to access treatments through the VA system and understand which options may be right for you or your loved one. This session is designed to empower veterans and care partners with up-to-date knowledge and tools for informed decision-making.
Speakers
Dr. Pavan Vaswani
Associate Program Director, Movement Disorders Fellowship, Department of neurology, University of Pennsylvania
Attending Neurologist, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Philadelphia VA Medical Center, University of Pennsylvania
Dr. George Kannarkat
Assistant Professor of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Neurology Consultant, Penn Neurology, Grandview Hospital, Sellersville, PA
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.
The Parkinson's Foundation is proud to partner with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to improve the health, well-being and quality of life for veterans with PD.
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.
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.
Ask PAM: The New Parkinson’s Foundation AI Chat Tool
🧠 What will you learn in this article?
This article introduces the new Parkinson’s Foundation AI Chat Tool, Ask PAM (Parkinson’s Assistance Messenger) and how it works. It highlights:
What types of Parkinson’s questions you can ask PAM.
How PAM protects your privacy and provides accurate information.
How PAM connects you with the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline.
How to start using the PAM AI chat tool on Parkinson.org.
Ask PAM (Parkinson’s Assistance Messenger)is an AI-powered chat tool from the Parkinson’s Foundation that provides trusted, evidence-based answers about Parkinson’s disease (PD) — anytime, anywhere.
Living with Parkinson’s disease often brings questions about symptoms, treatments, caregiving, research or what to do after a diagnosis. Now, getting reliable information is faster and easier than ever.
PAM was created to give people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers instant access to accurate, Parkinson’s Foundation-rooted information, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What is PAM?
PAM stands for Parkinson’s Assistance Messenger. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide answers based on trusted Parkinson’s Foundation resources.
AI chat platforms — like ChatGPT and now PAM — are advanced software applications that use AI and machine learning to simulate human conversation. These platforms do not follow pre-programmed scripts, but instead understand context, intent, and learn from real interactions to provide more accurate, personalized responses.
PAM is designed to deliver clear, reliable information about Parkinson’s disease any time of day. PAM can support people living with PD, care partners and anyone else affected by PD. While PAM provides helpful educational information, it does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.
What can I ask PAM?
You can ask PAM questions anything about Parkinson’s disease, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, hospital safety, caregiving support, research and more. You can type full questions or sentences, such as:
I was just diagnosed with Parkinson’s — what should I do next?
Does exercise help manage Parkinson’s symptoms?
What should I know if I have PD and need to go to the hospital?
How can I support my parent who has Parkinson’s?
Is Parkinson’s genetic? Should I consider genetic testing?
Yes. PAM is secure and confidential. If you choose to submit your contact information for follow-up through your conversation with PAM, it will be securely shared with our Helpline team so we can better support you. PAM does not store your personal health information beyond what is needed to respond to your request.
How is PAM different from the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline?
PAM is always available to provide instant answers online, whenever you need them. The Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline connects you with information specialists who offer personalized guidance during business hours.
Reach out to the Helpline for:
Answers to your PD questions: PD diagnosis, treatment, daily living, caregiver concerns, research, clinical trials, advanced Parkinson’s and more.
Referrals to health professionals and community resources for local support.
Customized information: weprovidedigital or print versions of our resources including books, facts sheets and links to educational and local programs.
Resources for anyone in the PD community, as well to those who provide care and services.
Both services are here for you — choose the option that works best for your needs. If you would like to speak with someone directly, contact the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) or Helpline@Parkinson.org.
Why launch a dedicated Parkinson’s AI chat tool?
The Parkinson’s Foundation launched an AI chat tool to expand support for people to access anytime, anywhere. Each stage of Parkinson’s brings new questions — an AI-powered tool can provide immediate, reliable answers in the moment.
By complementing our Helpline, PAM reflects the Foundation’s commitment to making information accessible. Getting answers to Parkinson’s questions empowers people with PD and care partners to advocate for better care and live better with Parkinson’s.
Our AI Assistant provides users with general information and support related to Parkinson’s disease and the Foundation. The information provided by the Foundation’s AI Assistant is for general educational purposes only and must never be relied upon to make any decision related to the medical or health care of any person. It is not medical advice and is not intended to replace advice from any qualified healthcare provider. We disclaim any liability related to the AI Assistant and do not guarantee that it is up to date, complete, completely accurate, or applicable to any individual person’s circumstances. The Foundation’s AI Assistant operates based on the information you voluntarily provide during your conversation with it. We may retain information you provide to our AI Assistant and use it to improve the service or other Foundation activities. We may share the information you provide with our third party service providers who assist the Foundation in improving its services and other activities. Except as noted in this section, we don’t use or disclose any information that you provide via the Foundation’s AI Assistant.
Aprenda acerca de las manifestaciones no motoras más comunes de la enfermedad de Parkinson, desde los signos tempranos hasta las etapas avanzadas y explore estrategias de tratamientos para manejar los síntomas no motores.
10 a.m. hora del Pacífico (Los Ángeles) 11 a.m. hora de la Montaña (Colorado, Phoenix 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. Laura Pesántez Pacheco
Neuróloga
Profesora asistente de neurología
University of Utah Health (Centro de Excelencia)
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.
Las alteraciones del sueño son algunos de los síntomas más comunes y disruptivos de la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) y con frecuencia afectan tanto a las personas que viven con la EP como a sus aliados en el cuidado. Este webinar se centrará en tres desafíos nocturnos frecuentes: el síndrome de piernas inquietas (SPI), el trastorno de conducta del sueño REM (TCSR) y el insomnio. Los participantes obtendrán información acerca de las causas y los síntomas de estos trastornos del sueño, junto con estrategias prácticas y recursos para manejarlos mejor y mejorar la calidad de vida.
10 a.m. hora del Pacífico (Los Ángeles) 11 a.m. hora de la Montaña (Colorado, Phoenix 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.*
Presentador
Dr. Alberto R. Ramos, MS, FAASM, FAAN, FANA
Profesor de neurología clínica
Director de investigaciones, Programa de trastornos del sueño
Investigador principal: SANAR | SANAR Lab (sanarbrain.com)
Departamento de Neurología
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
University of Miami Health System (Centro de Excelencia)
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.
Each Mindfulness Monday invites participants to slow down, reflect, and declutter their minds. Through guided breathwork and visualization, you will be encouraged to step into the present by releasing thoughtful roadblocks and opening your mind to new opportunities and experiences that can assist in managing Parkinson’s disease.
Speaker
Danielle R. Carns, Psy.D.
Clinical Neuropsychologist & Assistant Professor
Department of Neurology, Emory University
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.
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.
Each month, Dr. Rush invites you to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself and your Parkinson’s community through a guided mindfulness practice. Together, we’ll explore simple ways to ground the body, calm the mind, and cultivate compassion and clarity that you can carry into your week.
Whether you’re new to mindfulness or a returning participant, these sessions are designed to be inclusive, supportive, and accessible for everyone. Find a comfortable place to sit, settle in, and experience how mindfulness can bring steadiness and space, even in the midst of change.
A brief time for questions and reflections will follow each practice.
Speaker
Taylor Rush, PhD
Health Psychologist, Director of Behavioral Services and Interdisciplinary Programs, Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic
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.
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.
Episode 189: Questions to Ask When Considering Deep Brain Stimulation
The standard treatment plan for Parkinson’s disease (PD) typically begins with medications to help manage symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may worsen or medications may become less effective over time. If this happens, more advanced treatment options may be considered, such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), pump medications, or focused ultrasound. Understanding the potential benefits and risks of each option, and discussing them with your care team, can help you make an informed decision about the next steps in your treatment plan.
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Arjun Tarakad, Associate Professor of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, and Samantha Helton, a person living with young-onset Parkinson’s. Mrs. Helton shares her first-hand experience undergoing DBS, including what motivated her to say “yes” to surgery, while Dr. Tarakad discusses what to expect before, during, and after DBS surgery.
Released: March 24, 2026
Samantha currently resides in Montgomery County, Texas, with her high school sweetheart and their daughter. She has worked in the real estate industry for the last 23 years. She has lived with Parkinson's for many years but doesn’t let it stop her from living life.
Dr. Arjun Tarakad serves as associate professor and director of the deep brain stimulation program at the Parkinson’s Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He completed his neurology residency and movement disorder fellowship training at Baylor College of Medicine, his medical school training at UT Health, and his undergraduate training at Rice University. His clinical interests include Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and Tourette syndrome, with an emphasis on deep brain stimulation in the management of these conditions. His research interests focus on clinical therapeutics, with particular emphasis on disease modifying treatments.
We want to thank this episode’s podcast sponsor, Boston Scientific, for supporting our mission.
Kindness isn’t just an emotion—it’s a practice that nourishes the body and brain. In this session, we’ll explore how mindfulness and compassion practices can ease tension, reduce stress, and support emotional resilience for those navigating Parkinson’s. Together, we’ll practice a loving-kindness meditation to foster warmth and self-acceptance.
Speaker
Nico Hase
Author & Meditation Teacher
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.
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.
