In sessions with Dr. Rush, we explore 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, Ph.D. - 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.
Most of us think of joy as a happy accident. But joy can be cultivated through simple, accessible mindfulness practices. In this session we will talk together about how to build joy into your days, and introduce a joy meditation that you can do sitting quietly or on the go.
Speaker
Devon 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.
A balanced diet is important for people with Parkinson's disease. Learn about food that may help ease symptoms and support brain health in addition to understanding how some foods can affect the way Parkinson's medications work. This program will also address the latest information on the gut and brain connection with PD.
Featured Speakers:
Okeanis Vaou, MD, FAAN
Associate Professor of Neurology
Division Chief, Movement Disorders Program
Vice Chair of Faculty Development
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Elissa Lueckemeyer RDN, LD
Food 4 Success, LLC
Jennifer von Durckheim M.Ed, NBC-HWC
Seedling Health and Wellness Coaching
Parking: Is complimentary for attendees of the program Click here for map of the Multi Assistance 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.
Attending the Moving Day Miami Kickoff is a must for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fun-filled event. This kickoff offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow participants, learn more about the Parkinson’s Foundation’s mission, and get inspired for the upcoming Moving Day. With engaging activities, valuable insights, and a chance to meet the people driving this important cause, it’s the perfect way to dive into the excitement and commitment that will shape our event’s success.
There will be light bites, drinks, entertainment, & more!
Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of something special and make a difference in the Parkinson’s community!
There is no charge to attend, but pre-registration is required. This event is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends and the community!
People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are at a higher risk of hospitalization and face many challenges while in the hospital. It is important for all people with Parkinson’s to be aware of the risks, prepare ahead of time and know how to advocate for their needs while in the hospital.
Join Georgia Chapter Parkinson's Foundation Ambassadors as they discuss these issues.
Episode 171: Allied Health Spotlight: Physical Therapy Recommendations for Exercising Safely
Allied health professionals are a group of healthcare providers whose role and expertise complement the work of physicians. These include specialists such as physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nutritionists, and many more. They are just as important as your Movement Disorders Specialists and Neurologists, and play a vital role in creating a comprehensive, well-rounded Parkinson’s care team that caters to your individual needs and addresses your overall well-being.
In this first episode of our Allied Health Spotlight series, we explore the benefits of including physical therapy in your care plan. Exercise is a vital component for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) to maintain balance, mobility, and activities of daily living. It should be part of the standard practice of care for every person with PD. Research has shown that exercise is the only intervention with the potential to slow the progression of the disease. In this episode, Physical Therapist Patricia Brown, PT, DPT, NCS of Chapman University in California, who specializes in neurologic diseases, discusses some considerations for exercising safely, taking into account the particular needs of people with PD. She also talks about how to get and stay motivated to exercise and where to find classes or programs.
Released: August 13, 2024
Patricia S. Brown, PT, DPT is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy. She has over 30 years of experience in rehabilitation of persons with neurologic health conditions and certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists in Neurology since 1999. Currently, she is an Associate Clinical Professor teaching future health care professionals in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Chapman University’s Rinker Health Science Campus in Irvine, California.
She has a passion for both rehabilitation and wellness applied to those with Parkinson’s disease. She is a certified LSVT BIG clinician and a faculty trainer for LSVT Global. She is also a certified PWR! Clinician, a graduate of the Parkinson’s Foundation Team Training for PD, and a graduate of the Parkinson’s Foundation Faculty Training Workshop. Dr. Brown is currently active with PEP4U, a non-profit providing no-fee exercise, education and social support to people impacted by Parkinson’s disease in Orange County, California.
Screening for Depression Can Improve Parkinson’s Care
A new study shows that a quick depression questionnaire can improve depression screening among people with Parkinson’s and lead more people to get help for these symptoms.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is typically associated with hallmark movement signs like tremors and stiffness. However, non-movement symptoms like depression often go underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Up to half of all people with Parkinson's experience depression at some point, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Importantly, a large percentage of people with PD never receive treatments or psychotherapy. Which is why improving the screening and treatment of depression in the PD population is an unmet need.
A new study showed that introducing a five-minute questionnaire — the 15-question Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) — to movement disorder clinics can improve the rate of depression screening and follow-up care for people with Parkinson’s.
About the Study & Results
The study, Improving Parkinson's Disease Care through Systematic Screening for Depression, was published in July 2024 in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Movement Disorders. It included five movement disorder clinics in the U.S. and Canada. The clinics used the GDS-15 scale because research has shown it to be effective at detecting depression among people with Parkinson’s and can be self-administered in less than five minutes.
The study utilized data from the Parkinson’s Foundation Parkinson’s Outcomes Project, the largest-ever clinical study of Parkinson’s with more than 13,000 participants in five countries. Before the study, clinics reported that only 12% of people with PD received a formal depression screening, whereas 64% were screened informally and 24% did not receive screening.
During the study, 1,406 people were seen for follow-up care at the movement disorder clinics, and 59% of those people received the GDS-15 screening, while 29% were screened informally — resulting in a five-fold increase in formal depression screening.
Among those who were screened for depression, 45% were positive for depression, showing depression is a common symptom for people with PD. About half of those people were already being treated for depression, but about 12% started new treatment.
When the study began, average GDS-15 scores were 8.8 — just 12 months later, average scores decreased to 7.0 (a GDS-15 score of 5 or above indicates depression). While the cause of the improved GDS-15 scores remains unclear, study authors raise the possibility that the formal depression screening process and follow-up discussions with a doctor may have a positive impact on depression symptoms.
Some centers experienced challenges in implementing the formal depression screening process. The most common reasons include patients having insufficient internet access to fill out the form at home or not enough time for the staff to help fill out the form in-office.
In follow-up interviews with clinicians, nearly all (94.4%) agreed the GDS-15 questionnaire was a useful tool for identifying depression. Moreover, 64.7% reported that the program led to changes in clinical management for at least 25% of patients, suggesting it improved patient care.
Highlights
Introducing a formal depression screening questionnaire — the 15-question Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) — led to a five-fold increase in depression screening among five movement disorder clinics.
Among those who were screened with GDS-15, 45% screened positive for depression. While half of those people were already being treated for depression, 12% started new treatment.
A GDS-15 score of 5 or above indicates depression. When the study began, average GDS-15 scores were 8.8. Twelve months later, average scores decreased to 7.0.
What does this mean?
Formal screening for depression is one way to improve health care for those with Parkinson’s. The GDS-15 is one way to detect depression among those with Parkinson’s, however, it is not the only way to screen for depression.
What do these findings mean to the people with PD right now?
People with Parkinson’s are at higher risk for depression. However, not every PD doctor or clinic offers depression screenings or asks about mental health. If you experience any signs of depression or sadness, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Just as the symptoms and causes of depression can differ from person to person, so too can suitable treatment approaches. Exercise is a vital component of alleviating depression in PD. Primary treatments also include antidepressant medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy).
Learn More
The Parkinson’s Foundation believes in empowering the Parkinson’s community through education. Learn more about PD and mental health 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.
Check-in begins at noon with lunch and vendor visits. The program begins at 1 PM CST.
Parkinson’s disease can create many challenges to getting a good night’s sleep. This program provides information on how Parkinson's disease affects sleep quality and addresses ways you can get a better night's sleep while living with PD. Hear how exercising, nutrition and good sleep hygiene can improve sleep quality.
Speakers
Jeffrey Boyle, MD, PhD
Avera Health
Matthew Leedom, DPT
Avera 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.
Mindfulness meditation, like regular exercise, is a valuable self-care tool for managing Parkinson’s Disease. In this session, we'll focus on strengthening our mindfulness muscles to better cope with the unpredictability of Parkinson's. We’ll explore the physical and emotional benefits of mindfulness, practice non-judgmental moment-to-moment awareness, and cultivate mindfulness with intention in a supportive and caring environment.
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
Barbara Leffler, PhD, RN
Retired Clinical Psychologist and Registered Nurse
Care Partner to her husband living with Parkinson's
Parkinson’s Foundation Hospital Lead Ambassador
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.
Neuro Talk: Three Exciting Advancements in Parkinson’s Disease Research
Each year, the Parkinson’s Foundation funds the most innovative and promising ideas in Parkinson’s disease (PD) research.Recognizing that breakthroughs can emerge from any corner of the globe and at any moment, we provide funding to researchers worldwide, from early career scientists to doctors who treat patients every day.
In this Neuro Talk, Chief Scientific Officer James Beck, PhD, spotlights three researchers whose research is funded by the Parkinson’s Foundation. Dr. Beck highlights how these studies can impact the future of PD treatments.
