Expand your Parkinson's disease knowledge and learn practical strategies and insights from members from the Struthers Parkinson Care team, along with some special guests.
Speakers from Struthers Parkinson's Center
Martha Nance, MD
Jessica Buss, DPT
Joan Hlas, LISW
Sarah Donley, RN
Ellen Hornbeak, DPT
Rick Vandendolder, OT
Angie Kezar, OT
Upon registering, you will receive a Zoom link to participate. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.
9 a.m. Intro
Dr. Martha Nance
9:10 a.m. Using Your Team Through the Parkinson’s Journey
Dr. Martha Nance, Jessica Buss, DPT, Joan Hlas, LISW
9:55 a.m. Movement Break
10:10 a.m. Driving Considerations in Parkinson’s
Angie Kezar, OT
10:35 a.m. transition
10:40 a.m. Prescription Drug Plan Choices- Can you Save Money on Your Parkinson’s Drugs?
Sarah Donley, RN
11 a.m. Break
11:10 a.m. Equipment 101- Overview & How to Access
Ellen Hornbeak, DPT & Rick Vandendolder, OT
11:50 a.m. Closing Remarks
Dr. Martha Nance
Presented by the Parkinson's Foundation and Struthers Parkinson’s Center
The Parkinson’s Foundation is grateful for the unwavering support of our Program Sponsors. We invite you to view our full list of sponsors and learn more about them by visiting our Chapter Supporters Webpage.
This is a virtual program, taking place live, using the online Zoom platform. Instructions on joining the webinar are provided after registering.
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.
A healthy immune system recognizes and fights off illness and disease. Inflammation is part of that process. However, if inflammation persists over long periods of time — which might be the case in Parkinson’s disease (PD) — it can begin to do more harm than good. New research suggests that inflammation may play a critical role when it comes to Parkinson’s.
Studies have shown that inflammation is linked to certain Parkinson’s symptoms and that people with Parkinson’s have markers of inflammation (certain proteins or chemicals that are associated with the inflammatory process) in their blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Moreover, research indicates that manipulating inflammation in an animal model of Parkinson’s resulted in damaging changes in the brain.
Many questions remain about the exact role and mechanisms of inflammation in Parkinson’s. Most importantly, scientists want to untangle whether inflammation plays a role in the onset of Parkinson’s, or whether it is a result of the disease. Another significant question is whether inflammation is associated with certain clinical features that could predict disease progression.
A new study published in Movement Disorders by Talene Yacoubian, MD, PhD, a neurologist at University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Parkinson’s Foundation Scientific Advisory Board member, and colleagues addresses some of these questions. Dr. Yacoubian and her team designed a clinical study to assess the presence of inflammation in those who were within two years of a Parkinson’s diagnosis — before starting medication that may lead to changes in inflammation.
The goal of the study was to determine whether inflammation is present early in Parkinson’s, and whether certain markers of inflammation were correlated to clinical features. The authors plan to follow the study participants to see how inflammation changes in individuals over time.
A total of 120 participants were enrolled in the study. Of those, 58 had Parkinson’s and 62 were healthy controls (did not have PD). Researchers collected blood from all participants to look for various markers of inflammation. A subset of participants also had cerebrospinal fluid samples collected and/or had regions of their brains imaged using a technique that is used for to analyze neuroinflammation.
Study Results
Individuals with Parkinson’s showed significantly higher levels of brain inflammation than people without PD in several brain regions. This measure of brain inflammation was also correlated with other markers of inflammation in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
Researchers looked at whether the brain imaging results were correlated with any clinical measure in participants with Parkinson’s. They found that inflammation in several brain regions was associated with worse visuospatial and cognitive scores.
What do these findings mean to the people with PD right now?
Currently, brain inflammation markers cannot be used to diagnose Parkinson’s or predict disease progression. Additionally, we do not yet know whether Parkinson’s medications have any impact on inflammation, nor do we yet know how inflammation changes over the course of the disease.
How are these findings important for the development of future treatments?
Measures of inflammation may help predict cognitive decline. However, we need long-term studies designed to measure inflammatory signals and associated cognitive outcomes to better understand the relationship between these two processes.
Long-term follow-up of study participants will be critical in understanding the significance of early inflammatory signals in Parkinson’s.
There are already multiple studies underway that further delve into inflammation and neurodegeneration. This research can ultimately lead to doctors being able to track inflammation to assess disease progression, and to the development of therapeutics that target inflammatory pathways in Parkinson’s.
Learn More
The Parkinson’s Foundation believes in empowering the Parkinson’s community through education. Learn more about PD and the topics in this article through our below resources, or by calling our free Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for answers to your Parkinson’s questions.
In this virtual program, we will explore how to maintain a healthy diet during the holiday season while effectively managing your symptoms. We will delve into the latest nutritional research related to Parkinson's disease and be available to address any questions you might have regarding Parkinson's and dietary choices.
Please click the recipe below to view the ingredients so you can prepare and join us on the day of the program, ready to go!
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.
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 webinar is designed for those who are close to someone who has been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s. During our time together, we will highlight the challenges many people face when negotiating how and when their loved one will share their diagnosis publicly. Recognizing that the family member’s needs may differ from the person with Parkinson’s, attendees will hear from peers who have navigated this process and the lessons they’ve learned. We will highlight ways to find support without crossing your loved one with Parkinson’s boundaries.
Speaker
Kelly McWilliams, MSN, RN
Nurse Navigator, Corewell Health Movement Disorders
Parkinson's Foundation Ambassador and Comprehensive Care Center Coordinator
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.
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.
Beginning from "home base" seated in our chairs, we'll commence with a quiet baseball player's body warmup. However, our energy will gradually rise as we encourage one another while virtually hitting home runs! To share our experience with our fellow PD Health @ Home-ers in our zoom gallery, we'll create a silent story with our bodies using facial expression, gesture, energy, and then enhance it with unique sounds. We’ll save time to journey into a surprise artwork. During this experience, you'll discover ways to translate your impressions into a personalized movement mantra.
Speaker
Cynthia Pegado, Director
Moving Body & Mind
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.
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.
Designed for people with Parkinson’s, this webinar will highlight the challenges many people face when deciding how and when to share their diagnosis publicly. Recognizing that both cultural and financial factors come into play, the decision to “come out” with Parkinson’s can be emotional and personal. Attendees will hear from peers who have navigated this process and the lessons they’ve learned. We will highlight ways to find support without sharing a diagnosis beyond your comfort level.
We will be hosting a second Parkinson's Anonymous event, designed for care partners and loved ones of a person living with Parkinson's, who have not shared their diagnosis publicly. Care partners, please join us on November 15th for "Parkinson's Anonymous: New to PD Caregiving".
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 will provide a basic overview of Parkinson’s disease. Learn what Parkinson’s is, what causes it, common symptoms, treatments, and strategies for managing symptoms.
Speaker
Joy Antonelle de Marcaida, MD
Hartford Healthcare, Chase Family Movement Disorder Center
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.
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.
During this Social Engagement webinar, we will demonstrate the creation of a 'bowl' incorporating grains, vegetables, and protein. Additionally, we will delve into the techniques on how it can be repurposed with other sides as well if you’re meal prepping. You don’t want to miss this delightful meal.
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.
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.
Thinking changes, mental confusion, and altered behaviors can often occur in Parkinson’s disease. These changes can be frustrating and challenging and often have a significant impact on quality of life for the person with Parkinson’s and those close to them. With a focus on mid to late-stage Parkinson’s, understand what causes these changes, ways to manage them and how to communicate concerns with family members and the care team.
Speaker
Myriam Sollman, PhD, ABPP, Neuropsychologist
Prisma Health U of SC School of Medicine
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.
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.
Join health psychologist, Taylor Rush, PhD, as she explores different dimensions of a mindfulness practice. She will share ways to ground and settle the mind and body. These mindfulness techniques can offer moments of respite and clarity that can be useful throughout your week. Find a comfortable seat and join your mindful Parkinson's community for a special session.
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
Taylor Rush, PhD - Health Psychologist, Director of Behavioral Services and Interdisciplinary Programs, Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic
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.
