June Staying Connected Newsletter

Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease with
Dr. Leslie J. Cloud, MSc
Associate Professor of Neurology
Director, Parkinson’s Disease Center of Excellence
VCU School of Medicine


Tuesday, June 13th
10:00am – 11:30am ET

We are going to talk about all ways PD and PD treatments can impact your digestive tract and what you can do to get relief if you are suffering from any of these gastrointestinal problems. I promise that I can make talking about poop fun (ok, maybe not fun, but at least informative)!

Click Here to Register for this Event


Watch & Discuss: Medical Myths & Parkinson’s (includes regulated and unregulated supplements) with Dr. Benzi Kluger

Wednesday, June 21st
10:00am – 11:30am ET

Watch and Discuss

Join us for a viewing of the previously recorded webinar of the Davis Phinney Foundation.

The YouTube description states:
 Neurologist Benzi Kluger, University of Rochester, has dedicated a large portion of his professional career helping the Parkinson’s community bust medical myths. In the following interview he discusses how to detect medical myths, unregulated versus regulated supplements, and myths surrounding THC, cannabis, stem cells, deep brain stimulation, diet, and exercise.
A facilitated discussion will follow the showing of the video.

Click Here to Register for this Event!

In Our Parkinson’s Community…

May Staying Connected Newsletter

Community Share & Open Discussion
Tuesday, May 9th
10:00am – 11:30am ET

It’s been a few months since we’ve hosted an open discussion…we welcome those living with Parkinson’s and those caring for people living with Parkinson’s to come and share questions, comments, and information with fellow community members.
This is a facilitated discussion, ledby volunteers who either have Parkinson’s or care/cared for someone living with Parkinson’s.

Click Here to Register for this Event


Finding Hope and Inspiration
Tuesday, May 17th
10:00am – 11:30am ET

Join us for a viewing of the previously recorded webinar of the Davis Phinney Foundation’s Living With Parkinson’s Meetup panel discussion of the topic: Finding Hope and Inspiration.
A diverse group of individuals living with Parkinson’s share their stories, tips, and insights on how they find hope and inspiration while living with Parkinson’s. A facilitated discussion will occur after watching the video.

Click Here to Register for this Event!

The Importance of Building
Your Care Team

Tuesday, May 23rd
10:00am-11:30am ET

In this Watch & Discuss, we will view a previously recorded webinar presented by the PMD Alliance. Movement Disorder Neurologist Dr. Jaime Hatcher-Martin MD, PhD, FAAN will discuss why it is important to develop your care team and how this team should hear, acknowledge your needs and help you navigate the care system.

Click Here to Register for this Event!

Did You Know?
PSN has a listing of research studies posted on our website — Take a look!

ICYMI: Recording of Dr. Maria De Leon Webinar

In Our Parkinson’s Community…

  • May 9 7pm ET – Intimacy with PD: 10 Steps to Make It Easier hosted by the Young Onset Parkinson’s Network (YOPN) – visit https://yopnetwork.org/events to register.
  • New! online support group for Veteran’s with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease through Richmond VA/PADRECC, for more info, download this flyer!
  • The PMD Alliance has a the More You Know video series where a Movement Disorder Specialist explains each of the FDA approved medications for Parkinson’s Disease.
  • TheQuiver.org is a website that publishes books or artwork created by people who have Parkinson’s. The purpose of thequiver.org is to inspire people with Parkinson’s to continue to pursue their creative outlets.
  • Learn more about The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act. This video gives you more information about this historic legislation. You can learn more here about the bill and urge Congress to support the plan.

April Staying Connected Newsletter

This April:
Tuesday, April 11th, 10am ET
Dance for PD® in the DMV
Saturday, April 15th, 12pm ET
Dr. Maria De León – board certified retired Movement disorder specialist & author of Parkinson’s Diva
Tuesday, April 25th 10am ET
Policy Advocacy & the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act

Dance for PD® in the DMV
Tuesday, April 11th
10:00am – 11:30am ET

Dance for PD certified teaching artist Lucy Bowen McCauley and George Mason University Assistant Professor Shaun D’Arcy will discuss Mark Morris Dance Group’s researched-backed Dance for Parkinson’s Disease  program. These movement-based classes begin slowly with warm-up exercises and progress to combinations of movements to a variety of uplifting music. Classes offer not only physical benefits, but also reduce the dancers’ social isolation which is commonly associated with this neurological disease. McCauley and D’Arcy will also provide information about in-person Dance for PD classes being offered locally.


Dr. Maria De León
Author of Parkinson’s Diva


Saturday, April 15th
12:00pm – 1:00pm EDT via Zoom

Dr. Maria De León is a board certified retired Movement disorder specialist and author of best seller, Parkinson’s Diva which also was a semi finalist in Best Book Award of 2016. 

Dr. De León shares her story worldwide with clinicians, scientists, patients and caregivers alike inspiring professionals and lay persons to change their view and understanding of the field of dealing with chronic illness in particular in terms of issues of women and minority in the Parkinson’s arena. Dr. De Leon’s website is https://parkinsonsdiva.org/.


Policy Advocacy & the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act

Tuesday, April 25th

10:00am-11:30am ET

Mason Zeagler
Public Policy Officer
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act is legislation that will, for the first time, unite the federal government in a mission to prevent and cure Parkinson’s disease. During the presentation, Mason will explain the bill’s purpose and how you can help it get passed. No one understands Parkinson’s disease like you do, and your personal story goes a long way in helping Congress prioritize preventing and curing this disease and ensuring quality care for people living with Parkinson’s.


In Our Parkinson’s Community…

  • George Mason University Dance for PD program offers free Spring sessions  Each Friday at 1pm-2:15pm starting March 3 – April 21, for more information and to register visit dance.gmu.edu/about/dance-pd
  • New! online support group for Veteran’s with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease through Richmond VA/PADRECC, for more info, download this flyer!
  • Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program This program provides reimbursement vouchers to Virginia primary caregivers for the cost of temporary, short-term respite care provided to individuals, of any age, with a documented disability or medical condition. Visit this link more information about the program.
  • Learn more about The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act. This video gives you more information about this historic legislation. You can learn more here about the bill and urge Congress to support the plan.
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