I’ve been seeing more and more articles about Parkinson’s starting in the gut. Thank you to Diane Sherman, (Coordinator, The Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Resource Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center) for the following information she featured in her newsletter 7/2/19. If you’re interested in this topic, she’s provided several avenues to explore.
The Gut-Brain Connection and the Gut Microbiome

“At our Parkinson’s education day on June 1 in Lebanon, NH, Ana Maria Moise, MS, CNS, LDN, licensed clinical nutritionist, presented a superb talk entitled “Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection: Microbes, Nutrition and Parkinson’s Disease.”

I have had several inquiries about Ana Maria’s book, The Gut Microbiome: Exploring the Connection between Microbes, Diet, and Health, which can be purchased on Amazon for $58.00. It is a clearly written and fascinating book.

To access notes from Ana Maria Moise’s presentation on June 1, click here.
For a review on the gut-brain connection and Parkinson’s disease by Jonathan Grinstein that was published on February 12, 2019 in Parkinson’s News Today, click here.”

Carolyn and Trisha are once again offering their special program for people with Parkinson’s.
Growing Resilience: Mindfulness and Body Awareness for People with Parkinson’s Disease.
When: Beginning with a kickoff weekend Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29, and followed by 4 Sundays in October
At: Emmaus United Church of Christ – 900 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA
Cost: $345.00
This 6-week class series is designed to bring the benefits of mindfulness and body connection to people with Parkinson’s, and empower them towards greater inner resilience, well-being and quality of life. We combine strategies and techniques drawn from the clinically studied Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program with therapeutic yoga practices. Each class will include an adaptive yoga practice. All elements improve breath, movement, and body awareness, while reducing body tension and addressing symptoms of depression and anxiety often experienced by people with Parkinson’s. Participants will receive follow-up support for each 2-hour class, including a weekly video download offering a short home practice highlighting adaptive yoga-based movements to improve stability, balance, and flexibility.
Participants will also receive (2) 60-minute private sessions—one each with Trisha and Carolyn respectively, designed to help customize supportive home practices further. SPACE IS LIMITED.
The class will be co-led by long-time MBSR instructor Trisha Stotler, and Heart Tree Yoga owner and certified yoga therapist Carolyn Black-Bagdoyan, creator of THRIVE: Supporting People with Parkinson’s Through Yoga Therapeutics.
Questions? hearttreeyoga@gmail.com or 703-862-5922.

Insight Memory Care Center has been getting Out and About to provide their educational programs in locations other than at Insight’s location in Fairfax. I’ve listed a couple of programs here, and there are more on Insight’s events calendar (click here). You can also click here to sign up for Insight’s emails for first-hand information about their events.

Taking Care of Yourself: Tips to Survive Caregiving
Monday, July 15, 2019, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Shirlington Library, 4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206
A caregiver’s needs are always at the bottom of the list. Learn more about the impact of caregiving, while also developing strategies for self-care, ways to deal with stress and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and take care of yourself!
Lindsey Vajpeyi, Director of Education and Outreach, will be presenting this program.
RSVP: Register online, or contact Lindsey Vajpeyi at 703-204-4664 or lindsey.vajpeyi@insightmcc.org.

Memory Screenings at Lee Senior Center
Thursday, July 18th, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Lee Senior Center, 5722 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22207
Concerned about your memory? A memory screening is a simple and safe evaluation tool that checks memory and other thinking skills. It can indicate whether an additional check up by a qualified healthcare professional is needed. Stop in for a free screening!
Lindsey Vajpeyi, Director of Education and Outreach, will be providing free memory screenings from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
RSVP: Learn more online, or contact Adriana Carr at 703-228-0555

We’re in full swing with our summer events starting this week. At our Side by Side support groups on Wednesday, July 10, Dr. Drew Falconer will be answering our questions. And on Thursday, July 11 independent support group leaders are meeting for lunch.

I hope we’ll see you Out & About soon!
Cheers,
Sonia
email: Sonia@ParkinsonSocialNetwork.org