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.
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.
Meet a Researcher Exploring Parkinson’s-related Sleep Disruption
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 medialsubstantia 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.”
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
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. CT
• Guest Check In/Vendor Visit/Coffee: 10:00-10:45 a.m. • Welcome: 10:45-10:55 a.m. • Managing Anxiety, Stress, and Depression in PD: 10:55 -11:30 a.m.
• Boxed Lunch/Visit Vendors/Break: 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
• First Movement Break: 12:20-12:30 p.m.
*12:30 p.m.-Note, this is when the live stream (Zoom) starts for home viewers*
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Cuéntenos su experiencia con el Parkinson por medio de imágenes que lo inspiren a compartir momentos o historias relacionadas con la enfermedad. En este programa lo invitamos a participar e interactuar con su comunidad de Parkinson. Para asegurar la privacidad de su participación, no estaremos grabando el programa. Queremos ofrecer un espacio de confianza y ánimo.
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.*
Presentador
Eric E. Espinoza
Coordinador de programa y vinculación, Programa de la enfermedad de Parkinson y los trastornos del movimiento
Coordinador de estudios de investigación, KTEAM Lab
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
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.
5 Steps That Can Help You Process a Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Nothing can prepare you for hearing the words “you have Parkinson’s.” From confusion to relief, however you feel after you or a loved one has been diagnosed is completely natural.
In this article, we outline five steps to help you process a new Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis, including PD Stories from people after receiving their own life-altering news.
1. Determine Your Goals
Planning ahead with a new medical diagnosis can feel overwhelming if you do not know where to find resources and support. This is especially true if you were previously unfamiliar with Parkinson’s and your options for care. Equipping yourself with up-to-date information can help you set short and long-term goals to navigate your journey with PD.
MY PD STORY: John Rosiak
When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s… my response was to go on a crash course to learn as much as I could about this ‘progressive’ disease and see what action I could take.
My goal is to be as active as I can physically and mentally. Having the diagnosis has also prompted more reflection about life. While not sure what the future will bring, I am grateful to have found a ‘power through weakness.’ Because of this experience, I have a new perspective, and hope for the future.
Armed with information on PD, you’re ready to create healthy habits based on what is most meaningful to you. Read more about setting specific, realistic goals for yourself through diet and nutrition and find inspiration from our PD-tailored fitness videos that feature a different at-home workout every week, including balance and coordination exercises to meet your fitness goals.
2. Find an Expert
There are many benefits to seeking advice from a PD expert as you process a new diagnosis. We recommend receiving care from a movement disorders specialist, or a neurologist who has completed training in treating Parkinson’s disease. However, these specialists may not be available depending on where you live.
MY PD STORY: Vanessa Russell-Palmer
The neurologist explained that Parkinson’s is a clinical diagnosis and I had several of the movement symptoms (tremor, bradykinesia and rigid muscles). The neurologist also ordered some diagnostics tests including blood work, a brain MRI and a DaT scan.
A few months later, I sought a second opinion on my diagnosis and saw a movement disorders specialist at Rush University Medical Center, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. It was confirmed — I indeed had Parkinson’s.
Contact your insurance provider for a list of neurologists or movement disorders specialists in your network
Seek referrals from other people living with Parkinson's
3. Find Someone to Talk To & Build Your Support Network
Parkinson’s can be difficult to talk about. Voicing your feelings and concerns is an important step in processing a PD diagnosis. Additionally, there are many benefits to talking with a social worker to help relieve your anxiety and create a plan.
MY PD STORY: Liz Brouillard
With the help of my social worker, I worked through uncertainties by creating short and long-term plans for my new life with Parkinson’s. She connected me to relevant resources for my lifestyle and symptoms, encouraging me to prepare for the worst but hope for the best. For me, I will continue to do everything I want to do in the way I want to do it, until Parkinson’s takes that from me.
We recommend joining PD Conversations, a place to ask questions, connect with others living with Parkinson’s and be part of a support network. This is a great solution for those who are not yet ready to share their diagnosis publicly. You can also follow us on social media to stay connected.
4. Create Healthy Habits
As you process a diagnosis, setting personal goals to stay mentally and physically healthy can help. Meet Frank below to learn from his personal experience of creating healthy habits following a diagnosis of young-onset PD.
MY PD STORY: Frank Antonicelli
A pivotal turning point was when I engaged with a movement disorders specialist. This collaboration reshaped my perception of how to manage Parkinson’s. Together, we created a holistic approach to tackle my symptoms head-on, establishing a plan that revolved around exercise, diet and stress management. We connected in a profound way that changed my outlook and helped me learn new techniques for dealing with PD.
Fueled by positivity and visualization, I envisioned a life free of mobility hindrances, propelling me towards greater activity and diminished fear. This journey of embracing Parkinson's became a lesson in understanding my body and its signals.
To learn more about creating healthy habits, explore our webinars featuring PD experts, aimed at providing education and addressing your most pressing questions.
5. Be Active
Living well with PD is possible. A diagnosis and receiving PD-tailored care can help you feel motivated and ready to learn how to live with PD on your terms. Whether you are ready to set a new exercise routine, prioritize nutrition, or get involved as a volunteer or research advocate, we can help you get started.
MY PD STORY: JR Rosania
I have been a strength and wellness coach for the last 40+ years. As my ability to train for sports began to decrease, I found it rewarding to put more effort into training my athletes. It’s been a couple years now and I am truly enjoying putting my effort into training clients.
The Parkinson’s Foundation has helped me with resources and information, webinars, blog articles and podcasts. The material and information have been invaluable. My advice and my recommendation for anyone with PD is to not give up and keep moving.
Find your Parkinson’s community and local PD-tailored wellness and exercise classes by visiting your nearest Parkinson’s Foundation Chapter website. Help raise awareness through activities, such as Moving Day events, our Parkinson’s Revolution indoor cycling experience and local programs to help ensure that people with Parkinson's, their families, and care partners live their best life possible.
Ready to get involved? Learn about volunteering with the Parkinson’s Foundation or help advance Parkinson’s research when you enroll in our PD GENEration study!
Top Newly Diagnosed Resources
Explore these tools designed for anyone who has been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s:
New to Parkinson’s: webpage with information and links to valuable resources.
Helpline: contact 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) or Helpline@Parkinson.org for answers to your PD questions and referrals to local PD specialists and classes.
