Educational Events

Mindfulness Mondays - Calm Connection: Hands, Heart, & Gentle Journey

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST
FREE
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Woman sitting on the couch drinking coffee

Join us for a special Mindfulness Monday session designed with care for the Parkinson’s community. In this practice, Crista will guide you through gentle hand mudras, calming breath with sound, and a soothing guided imagery of an evening walk in nature. Together, we’ll explore simple ways to relax the body, steady the mind, and invite a sense of connection and peace.

This session requires no prior experience and can be done from a chair or any comfortable position. Come as you are—all you need is yourself, your breath, and a willingness to receive a moment of ease.

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, E-RYT, B.Sc
Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Life Coach, Founder of Rising Rose Yoga
Senior Community Engagement Manager, Parkinson's Foundation

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 is a virtual program, taking place live, using the online Zoom platform. Instructions on joining the webinar are provided after registering.

Upcoming Events

Educational Events

Speaking & Swallowing in Parkinson’s

Practical strategies, therapeutic approaches, and supportive tools will be shared to help people with Parkinson’s and care partners feel more confident and empowered in daily communication and eating.

Virtual
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Fundraising Events

2026 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

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.

Orlando, FL
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
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Educational Events

Managing Changing Symptoms

10:00 am to 12:00 pm CDT
FREE
Managing Changing Symptoms

Check-in begins at 9am. Program begins at 10 am.

After many years of good symptom management, Parkinson’s disease may become more challenging. Learn how Parkinson’s symptoms may change over time and new strategies available for managing them.

Speaker

Dr. Kristine Domingo, M Health Fairview

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.

Thank you to our sponsors

abbvie logo
Acadia2025
Amneal logo
Supernus

Upcoming Events

Educational Events

Speaking & Swallowing in Parkinson’s

Practical strategies, therapeutic approaches, and supportive tools will be shared to help people with Parkinson’s and care partners feel more confident and empowered in daily communication and eating.

Virtual
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Fundraising Events

2026 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

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.

Orlando, FL
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
View All
Educational Events

Managing Changing Symptoms

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm CDT
FREE
Managing Changing Symptoms Banner Updated

Check-in begins at Noon with lunch and vendor visits. Program starts at 1 pm.

After many years of good symptom management, Parkinson’s disease may become more challenging. Learn how Parkinson’s symptoms may change over time and new strategies available for managing them.

Speaker

Dr. Wijdan Rai, Sanford Health

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.

Thank you to our sponsors

Seed for Success
abbvie logo
Acadia2025
Amneal logo
Supernus

Upcoming Events

Educational Events

Speaking & Swallowing in Parkinson’s

Practical strategies, therapeutic approaches, and supportive tools will be shared to help people with Parkinson’s and care partners feel more confident and empowered in daily communication and eating.

Virtual
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Fundraising Events

2026 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

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.

Orlando, FL
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
View All
Advancing Research

Meet a Researcher Exploring Parkinson’s-related Sleep Disruption

Meet Xiaolin Huang

The primary impact of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive loss of neurons in the brain that produce dopamine. Dopamine is a small signaling molecule used by neurons to relay messages and commands important for many tasks, including coordinated movement. As dopamine levels decline over time, the ability to perform these tasks decreases and manifests as PD symptoms.

It was recently discovered that dopamine likely plays a critical role in regulating sleep. People with PD often experience disrupted sleep as an early symptom of the disease, which significantly impairs health even before movement symptoms begin. Xiaolin (Lindsay) Huang, PhD, a recipient of a Parkinson’s Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship, is exploring the neurochemistry behind dopamine and sleep, generating new knowledge to guide future therapies that treat PD-associated sleep disruption.

“As a neuroscientist, my long-term goal is to understand why people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) often have trouble sleeping and to find ways to help,” said Dr. Huang. “This interest was shaped by my research experience during college, graduate school and early postdoctoral training. Now, I use state-of-the-art tools to study how brain circuits that control sleep are affected in PD.”

Research suggests that dopamine is important for waking up and staying awake. However, diminishing dopamine in PD does not lead to chronic sleepiness like this finding would suggest. Dr. Huang, under the mentorship of Yang Dan, PhD, at the University of California, Berkeley, is solving this puzzle by investigating how dopamine signaling coordinates with the “sleep pressure” molecule called adenosine, as well as how dopamine deficits affect a sleep-regulating region of the brain called the medial substantia nigra pars reticulata (mSNr).

“By uncovering the neural mechanisms driving PD-associated sleep disturbances, the study will shed light on a critical and underexplored aspect of the disease,” said Dr. Huang.

While dopamine promotes wakefulness, adenosine promotes sleepiness. Adenosine accumulates in the brain throughout the day and eventually overwhelms dopamine levels, leading to growing tiredness until it is time for bed. Using mice with and without simulated PD, Dr. Huang will utilize highly sensitive brain monitoring techniques to observe how PD affects the balance between dopamine and adenosine and how that disruption may impact sleep behaviors.

Additionally, previous research from Dr. Dan’s lab has revealed that the mSNr region of the brain is important for regulating sleep-wake behaviors. Using the same experimental PD mice, Dr. Huang will assess if and how dopamine loss impairs neuron activity in the mSNr region, further disrupting sleep patterns in those animals.

These investigations into how PD-related sleep disruption are related to adenosine levels and mSNr changes can lead to future research and treatment development addressing this debilitating non-movement symptom.

“Receiving this award is both an honor and a pivotal step in my scientific journey,” said Dr. Huang. “It provides essential support for me to pursue an exciting project aimed at uncovering novel mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances in Parkinson’s disease. With the Foundation’s backing, I will actively engage with the broader PD research community through symposia and seminars, fostering meaningful collaborations and broadening my perspective on the field. This fellowship marks a critical milestone toward my long-term goal of establishing an independent research lab focused on understanding and treating sleep deficits in PD at the circuit and systems level.”

Meet more Parkinson’s researchers! Explore our My PD Stories featuring PD researchers.

Educational Events

Cumbre para Cuidadores: Cómo cuidarse antes del agotamiento

Virtual ( Zoom )
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm EST
Gratis
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
2025 Cumbre para cuidadores

Regístrese Aquí

 

En este webinar, diseñado para los aliados en el cuidado que enfrentan el agotamiento mientras apoyan a su ser querido, aprenderán a reconocer las señales de agotamiento del cuidador, comprender qué es y explorar herramientas y estrategias prácticas para manejar el estrés y mantener su bienestar mientras brindan cuidados.

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

*Por favor, verifica su zonas horarias.*

Presentadora

Edna Hutchinson
CCHW-S3
Gerente de programa, Programa de Educación para la Autogestión de Enfermedades Crónicas
Instructora de formación en primeros auxilios para la salud mental
Instructora del programa PEARLS, Presbyterian Community Health

Panelistas

Margarita Monroy
Aliada en el cuidado

Martha Suárez Torres
Aliada en el cuidado
Terapeuta del lenguaje especialista en Parkinson 
Máster en enfermedades neurodegenerativas 
Certificada por la Parkinson’s Foundation en el Team Training Program For Parkinson´s y Team-Based Palliative Care Essentials for Parkinson´s 
Miembro de la Asociación Civil Parkinson Caracas y de la Sociedad de Trastornos del Movimiento.
Embajadora Líder de la Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson´s

¿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.

La Parkinson’s Foundation agradece a Amneal por patrocinar esta programación.

Amneal logo

Upcoming Events

Educational Events

Speaking & Swallowing in Parkinson’s

Practical strategies, therapeutic approaches, and supportive tools will be shared to help people with Parkinson’s and care partners feel more confident and empowered in daily communication and eating.

Virtual
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Fundraising Events

2026 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

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.

Orlando, FL
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
View All
Educational Events

Better Lives, Together: Fresno Parkinson's Summit

9:30 am to 2:00 pm PDT
Free

Fresno-2026-banner

Join the Parkinson’s Foundation to hear from keynote speaker Ray Dorsey, MD, co-author of “The Parkinson’s Plan.” The presentation will overview key points of the book including how prevention, better care, smarter policy and advocacy can change the future of Parkinson’s.

Come together with your community for the presentations, a resource fair, exercise demonstrations, “The Parkinson’s Plan” book signing (while supplies last), and more.

This event is free and open to people with Parkinson's and their families. Registration is required as in-person seating is limited.

Thank you to our event partner, the Greater Fresno Parkinson’s Support Group.

GFPSG

 

 

Speakers:

Ray Dorsey, MD

Dr. Ray Dorsey is a neurologist, researcher, and public health advocate working to end Parkinson’s disease by addressing its root causes: toxic environmental exposures. He is the founding Director of the Center for the Brain & Environment at Atria Health and Research Institute and serves as Professor of Neurology at the University of Rochester. Dr. Dorsey has testified before Congress, advised the World Health Organization, and was recognized by the White House as a “Champion for Change.” He is the co-author of Ending Parkinson’s Disease (2020) and the New York Times bestseller, The Parkinson’s Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment (2025).

 

 

 

Ray Dorsey, MD

Rafael Zuzuárregui, MD

Rafael Zuzuárregui is a neurologist who cares for patients with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. He specializes in using deep brain stimulation (electrodes implanted in the brain to regulate abnormal activity) and botulinum toxin therapy (injections that can relieve muscle contractions). He is also interested in diagnosing and treating rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (a condition in which patients physically act out vivid dreams).

Zuzuárregui's research focuses on the overlap between movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, and sleep disorders. He is particularly interested in how deep brain stimulation can help improve sleep in patients with these disorders. He also studies issues related to medical education.

At Boston University School of Medicine, Zuzuárregui earned his medical degree; completed a residency in neurology, serving as chief resident; and completed a fellowship in movement disorders. He then completed a fellowship in sleep disorders at Stanford University School of Medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Rafael Zuzuárregui, MD

Deborah Swerdlow

As Associate Vice President of Advocacy and State Policy for the Parkinson's Foundation, Deborah Swerdlow leads the Foundation's state policy work as well as efforts to engage people with Parkinson's, care partners, and other community members in support of both federal and state policies. Deborah comes to the Foundation with 15 years of experience in policy and advocacy, including her most recent government service as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services mission area. She previously served as Deputy Director of the State Campaigns team at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, where she led national issue campaigns on tax policy, food assistance, pandemic relief and other anti-poverty priorities. Earlier in her career, she served as Grassroots Advocacy Coordinator for the American Association of University Women and as a program associate and legislative assistant at the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism.

 

Deborah Swerdlow

Upcoming Events

Educational Events

Speaking & Swallowing in Parkinson’s

Practical strategies, therapeutic approaches, and supportive tools will be shared to help people with Parkinson’s and care partners feel more confident and empowered in daily communication and eating.

Virtual
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Fundraising Events

2026 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

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.

Orlando, FL
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
View All
Educational Events

Parkinson’s Disease Symposium - Brookfield, WI

Virtual ( Zoom )
10:45 am to 3:00 pm CDT
FREE
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Plain Symposium_banner

In-person check-in starts at 10 a.m. 

Please join the Parkinson's Foundation Midwest Chapter in partnership with the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Movement Disorders Team, for our Parkinson's Disease Symposium- Brookfield, WI.  

This program will feature experts discussing: Ways to Manage Anxiety, Stress, & Depression, Research Updates, Advanced Treatments for PD, and Urinary & Pelvic Floor Health. 

For in-person attendees: In-person check-in starts at 10 a.m. Coffee and a boxed lunch will be provided. 

For virtual attendees, via Zoom: This program is also available to watch with Zoom, with the streaming portion for at-home viewers, beginning at 12:30 p.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m. CT.

Speakers

Hilary Hicks, PhD
Froedtert & MCW health network

Karen Blindauer, MD
Froedtert & MCW health network

Kunal Gupta, MD, PhD, FAANS
Froedtert & MCW health network

Molly Sievers DPT, NCS
Froedtert & MCW health network

Adria Rodriguez, PT
Froedtert & MCW health network

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

The program is presented by the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Movement Disorders team and the Parkinson's Foundation Midwest Chapter.

froe

A Parkinson's Foundation Comprehensive Care Center

Upcoming Events

Educational Events

Speaking & Swallowing in Parkinson’s

Practical strategies, therapeutic approaches, and supportive tools will be shared to help people with Parkinson’s and care partners feel more confident and empowered in daily communication and eating.

Virtual
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Fundraising Events

2026 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

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.

Orlando, FL
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
View All
Fact Sheets

Pasos para prepararse para su cita de Parkinson

Empiece a prepararse al menos dos semanas antes de su próxima cita de la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) para estar listo para hablar de lo que más le importa.

Utilice esta hoja de trabajo para elegir los tres temas principales para su cita. Considere completarlo con alguien de confianza para tener otro punto de vista.

Parte 1: Piense en cómo impacta el Parkinson en su vida

Anote sus inquietudes acerca de la EP entre una cita y otra. Puede utilizar un diario, enviarse un correo electrónico, grabar una nota de voz o utilizar una aplicación del móvil. Esto le ayudará a identificar sus principales preocupaciones antes de cada cita. Considere cada una de las siguientes áreas.

  • Salud física
  • Salud mental
  • Familia y amigos
  • Trabajo o finanzas
  • Tareas diarias
  • Gustos y tiempo libre

Paso 1) Síntomas: Reflexione sobre los cambios.

  • ¿Qué síntomas le resultan más molestos? ¿Cómo afectan su vida diaria?
  • ¿Qué cosas empeoran o mejoran los síntomas?
  • ¿Los ajustes del tratamiento de su última cita (medicamentos, terapia, dieta) le ayudaron?
  • ¿Sus familiares o amigos han notado algún cambio?

Paso 2) Metas: Considere lo que más le importa.

  • ¿En qué está enfocado ahora mismo (trabajo, familia, pasatiempos, viajes)?
  • ¿Qué actividades quiere seguir haciendo?
  • ¿Los síntomas le dificultan hacer las cosas que disfruta?

Paso 3) Inquietudes: Piense en sus mayores preguntas o inquietudes.

  • ¿Le preocupan los medicamentos (que su efecto no dure tanto, costos, efectos secundarios)?
  • ¿Cómo afecta el Parkinson sus relaciones?
  • ¿Necesita ayuda para encontrar recursos y apoyo para el Parkinson?

Parte 2: Decida qué es lo más importante para esta cita

Paso 4) Elija sus 3 temas principales para la cita.

Ahora que ha reflexionado, piense en lo que está afectando su vida diaria y qué necesita abordar cuanto antes. Termine esta frase:

"Si sólo puedo hablar de tres temas con mi equipo de atención médica durante esta cita, los más importantes son ______________.”

Paso 5) Escriba sus 3 temas a continuación.

Anote los temas por orden de importancia. Esté preparado para compartir su lista al inicio de su próxima cita. Sea lo más específico posible, incluyendo la frecuencia de los síntomas y a qué hora del día suelen aparecer. Considere llevar un video de los síntomas motores para mostrárselo a su equipo de atención médica.

Recordatorios importantes

  • Comparta cualquier síntoma que le moleste, aunque no sepa si está relacionado con la EP.
  • Lleve una lista de todos sus medicamentos, incluidos los que no son para la EP. Incluya la hora a la que los toma y la dosis (ej: 2 x 100 mg).
  • Si puede, pida a alguien de confianza que lo acompañe.
  • Aprenda acerca de los síntomas y tratamientos de la EP para hablar con su equipo de atención médica.

¿Necesita ayuda?

Comuníquese a la Línea de Ayuda de la Parkinson’s Foundation al 1-800-4PD-INFO (473- 4636) opción 3 para español o Helpline@Parkinson.org.

Nuestra Línea de Ayuda puede:

  • Ayudarle a prepararse para su cita.
  • Responder a las preguntas sobre la EP que no haya abordado durante sus citas.
  • Localizar especialistas, grupos de apoyo y clases de ejercicio para la EP cerca de usted.
Videos & Webinars

Resources for Veterans with Parkinson’s 2025

August 28, 2025

More than 110,000 U.S. veterans living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) receive care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which offers access to specialized treatment, financial benefits, and dedicated support services. In this webinar, we’ll explore the wide range of resources available to veterans with PD through the VA system, including Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers (PADRECCs), affiliated sites, and Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs). Participants will also learn how the Parkinson’s Foundation partners with the VA to provide additional education, tools, and support for veterans and their families.

Presentation Slides

Additional Resources

Presenters

Gretchen Glenn, LCSW
Associate Director of Education
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center​
Philadelphia Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Center​
Chair of the National VA Parkinson’s Disease Consortium Education Subcommittee

Helen R. Komninos (McHugh)
NSO Assistant Supervisor
DAV National Service Officer

Educational Events

Hospital Safety and Parkinson's Disease

9:30 am to 1:30 pm PDT
Free

Hospital Safety

For most people, being in the hospital is a stressful experience. For people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), symptoms may get worse and new symptoms can develop. Proactively understanding the risks a person with Parkinson’s faces in the hospital can help to minimize complications and recovery time. 

Join the Parkinson's Foundation to learn about common challenges and ways to advocate for the best possible care while hospitalized. Attendees will receive a Hospital Safety Guide, parking, and lunch at no cost. Registration is free but required, and seating is limited. 

Speakers:
Andrea Fuentes, MD, Movement Disorder Specialist, UCSD
Adriana Gonzalez, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Worker, UCSD

Upcoming Events

Educational Events

Speaking & Swallowing in Parkinson’s

Practical strategies, therapeutic approaches, and supportive tools will be shared to help people with Parkinson’s and care partners feel more confident and empowered in daily communication and eating.

Virtual
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL
Fundraising Events

2026 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

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.

Orlando, FL
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON
View All
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