Parkinson's Foundation: The PD Solo Network - Living Alone While Living with PD

There are two sessions available: You are welcome to choose one or attend both.
– 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET
– 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET

Please note: These meetings are intended for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease who live alone, by choice or circumstance – only. If this is not your situation, please contact the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline to receive information about resources that best meet your needs. Call the Helpline at 1-800-473-4636 (1-800-4PD-INFO) or Helpline@Parkinson.org.

What is the PD Solo Network: 

A virtual network for people living with Parkinson's disease (PD) who live alone, by choice or circumstance. The purpose of this group is to create a community of support for those living without a care partner. People living with PD are the experts about what challenges, changes and accommodations are needed on a daily basis. This network will provide a place to share ideas, concerns, brainstorm strategies, suggestions, resources & to build relationships.

The Parkinson's Foundation is providing the initial funding and support to kick start this network. It will most likely become a very strong network that will operate independently although the Parkinson's Foundation will always be an entity of support & information for the participants.

2026 Meeting Dates:

• August 11, 2026
• September 15, 2026
• October 13, 2026
• November 10, 2026
• December 8, 2026

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link.

Parkinson's Foundation: The PD Solo Network - Living Alone While Living with PD

There are two sessions available: You are welcome to choose one or attend both.
– 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET
– 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET

Please note: These meetings are intended for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease who live alone, by choice or circumstance – only. If this is not your situation, please contact the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline to receive information about resources that best meet your needs. Call the Helpline at 1-800-473-4636 (1-800-4PD-INFO) or Helpline@Parkinson.org.

What is the PD Solo Network: 

A virtual network for people living with Parkinson's disease (PD) who live alone, by choice or circumstance. The purpose of this group is to create a community of support for those living without a care partner. People living with PD are the experts about what challenges, changes and accommodations are needed on a daily basis. This network will provide a place to share ideas, concerns, brainstorm strategies, suggestions, resources & to build relationships.

The Parkinson's Foundation is providing the initial funding and support to kick start this network. It will most likely become a very strong network that will operate independently although the Parkinson's Foundation will always be an entity of support & information for the participants.

2026 Meeting Dates:

• July 14, 2026
• August 11, 2026
• September 15, 2026
• October 13, 2026
• November 10, 2026
• December 8, 2026

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link.

Join us in Atlanta from July 31-August 1 for our annual Georgia Chapter Ambassador Retreat! This weekend is a chance for ambassadors from across the state to come together, strengthen connections, and further our shared commitment to improving the lives of people living with Parkinson's and their care partners and loves ones.

Throughout the retreat, you'll learn more about the mission and impact of the Parkinson's Foundation, collaborate with fellow ambassadors, and help shape our goals and priorities for the coming year. Together, we'll exchange ideas, explore new opportunities for outreach and engagement, and discuss ways to expand our impact across Georgia communities.

A detailed itinerary and additional event information will be available to attendees soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please reach out to Erik Nelson at (404) 551-3866 or enelson@parkinson.org.

This program explores the “mid-stride” changes that happen and offers strategies to manage them. Learn about treatment options, when to adjust your care team, and how to stay independent and supported as your needs change.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required as lunch is provided. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their families and friends, medical providers/practitioners, and the community. 

Expert Speakers

Katy Cross, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Neurology
UCLA Health

Adrienne M. Keener, MD
Associate Professor of Neurology
UCLA Health
Interim Director, VA Southwest PADRECC

Emily Taraneh Tamadonfar, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology
Keck Medicine of USC

Hilary Stanek, OTD, OTR/L, LRC
Assistant Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy
Keck Medicine of USC

Jessica Vinegar, MPH, CHES
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

Katrin Gabriel, MS, CCC-SLP
Pacific Neuroscience Institute

Ryan Glatt, MS, CPT, NBC-HWC
Pacific Neuroscience Institute

Andrea Goliaszewski, CPT
NeuroGo

Melita Petrossian, MD
Providence and Pacific Neuroscience Institute

Featuring Parkinson's Disease Patient and Care Partner Advocates Sharon Krischer, MA; CJ Polkinghorne; Rex Polkinghorne; and Brad Tobias, MPA.

Check-in & Resource Fair* begins at 11:00 a.m. and the program starts at 11:45 a.m. 

Exercise is a powerful tool for managing Parkinson’s disease symptoms at every stage. This program explains how staying active supports movement, mood, and thinking- and may even slow disease progression. Participants will learn practical ways to build exercise into daily life for better mobility and overall well-being. 

*The Resource Fair will feature local Community Partners that provide services and support for the Parkinson’s Community.

Speakers

Sara Hooshmand, MD
University of Rochester, Movement Disorders Division

Tonya Bernard, DPT
Samaritan Home Health

Amanda Mower, OT
Jefferson County Public Health

Lunch will be served. Parking available on site.

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. 

Check-in and Resource Fair opens at 9:30am. Program beings at 10am. 

Many people with Parkinson's disease experience thinking changes such as trouble focusing, multitasking, or finding the right words. These changes, along with memory loss, can be frustrating for both the person with Parkinson's and those close to them. Learn more about these changes as well as tips to help with daily tasks, treatment options and resources for emotional and social support.

Speakers

Praveen Dayalu, MD
University of Michigan Health, a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence

Karen Kluin, MS, CCC (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology), BC-ANCDS (Board Certified in Neurologic Communication Disorders)
Supervisor, Speech-Language Pathology 
Michigan Medicine-University of Michigan
Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology
University of Michigan Medical School

Erin Cecchi, LMSW
Movement Disorders Program
University of Michigan Health, a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence

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 program is hosted by the Parkinson’s Foundation Great Lakes Chapter in partnership with University of Michigan Health.

Thank you to our Sponsors.

Check-in is at 12:30 pm and program starts at 1:00 pm. 

Join us for a clear, practical conversation about brain imaging and Parkinson’s disease. This program will explain what different imaging tests can and can’t show, why your care team might order a scan, and what you can expect. We will also talk about when scans are necessary for diagnosis and treatment planning versus when they are not, address common questions about tests and results, and share emerging imaging technologies that may shape future PD management.

Speaker: 
Dr. Roger Albin, University of Michigan

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 program is hosted Michigan Medicine in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation Great Lakes Chapter.

Join us for the Living with Parkinson's Symposium 2026. Hear about current and upcoming treatments, ongoing research and the resources available in your community and beyond to help you live your best life with Parkinson's. Join us in person or online (via Zoom).

Hosted by the Parkinson's Foundation Carolinas Chapter and the Medical University of South Carolina—a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence.

Event Agenda

9:00-10:00 am Registration, Resource Fair, & Breakout Rooms by Supernus and Abbvie

9:00-9:30 am Breakout Room
Shannon Shaffer, CNP
Provided by AbbVie

9:30-10:00 am Breakout Room
Dr. Zhigao Huang, MD, PhD
Provided by Supernus Pharmaceuticals

10:00-10:10 am Welcome

10:10-10:40 am Advances in PD
Lilia Lovera, MD

10:40-11:30 am On/Off Fluctuations, Freezing, and Falls Panel Discussion*
Christine Cooper, MD, PwPD, and Ricardo Lopez, MD
Moderated by Vanessa Hinson, MD, PhD

11:30 am-12:00 pm Lunch & Resource Fair

12:00-12:45 pm Cognition, Mood, and Support Systems Panel Discussion*
Travis Turner, PhD, Lilia Lovera, MD, and Nicole Cool, BSN, RN, PwPD
Moderated by Vanessa Hinson, MD, PhD

12:45-1:00 pm Movement Break
Nikki Shaffer

1:00-1:50 pm Clinical Trials Panel Discussion*
Christine Cooper, MD, and Sandra Wilson, BS, PwPD
Moderated by Vanessa Hinson, MD, PhD

1:50-2:00 pm Closing Remarks

*Includes Question & Answer session with members of the panel

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

Join us for Coffee & Conversation with a Parkinson's Expert Panel from Veterans Affairs—a free, informative, and welcoming session. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about Parkinson’s and gain valuable insights from professionals who understand the unique needs of veterans.

Learn about:

• Available resources and support services
• Specialized care options for veterans
• Practical guidance for navigating life with Parkinson’s

Whether you are living with Parkinson’s or supporting someone who is, come enjoy coffee, connect with others, and get the answers you need in a supportive environment. We hope you can join us for this meaningful conversation!

Time: 10 am: Check-in and light breakfast
10:15 to 11:15 am:  Q&A with expert panel from the VA
11:15 to 11:30 am: Movement break

Parking: Complimentary parking is available in the parking garage and outside surface lot. Convenient drop-off is available at the west entrance. For driving directions, please click here.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required as a light breakfast is provided. This program is open to veterans with Parkinson's and their families.

After the Veterans Breakfast, please stay for the free Parkinson’s Resource Fair and educational afternoon program, Living with Parkinson’s: Managing Changing Symptoms from 12 to 4 pm. Stop by the VA’s table in the Resource Fair to get your questions answered.

Learn More & Register: Parkinson.org/STL (Registration required.)

Please join the Vanderbilt Medical Center and Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence team for the 28th Annual Vanderbilt Parkinson’s Educational Symposium.

Agenda

9:30 a.m. Doors Open

10:10 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
Dr. Britt Stone

10:20 a.m. Understanding the Role of a PA
Dr. Erin Brown

10:50 a.m. Managing Non-Motor Symptoms of PD
Dr. Amanda Currie

11:20 a.m. Lunch Break / Resource Networking

11:50 a.m. Sleep Management
Dr. Kishan Tarpara

12:20 p.m. Community Partnership and Caregiver Resources
Dr. Tom Davis

1:20 p.m. Question and Answer Panel

1:50 p.m. Closing Remarks

 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.