To support our Parkinson’s community, Parkinson Social Network offers online (via Zoom) support options each month:

Watch & Discuss:
Dr. Bas Bloem The Parkinson Pandemic: A Call to Action!

Tuesday March 11th
10:00am-11:30am ET (9am CT | 8am MT | 7am PT)

We will Watch & Discuss a recording (~ 63 minutes) from the PD-Connect titled: Dr. Bas Bloem The Parkinson Pandemic: A Call to Action! The video is just over 1 hour viewing time and there will be a facilitated discussion after the video finishes.
In this recording, internationally known and respected Dr. Bloem from The Netherlands shares his knowledge and research about environmental factors, exercise, nutrition, stress, and these factors impact on Parkinson’s disease.

What’s Your Workaround? Tips/Tricks/How Did You/Did You Ever? Roundtable

Wednesday, March 19
10am ET (9am CT, 8am MT, 7am PT)

Do you have any tips, tricks, secrets, hacks that you are willing to share and enlighten others? Teach us something that we didn’t think of and can solve a problem in a way that we never considered. We encourage everyone in attendance to discuss what works and even what could be improved. Gadgets, gizmos, and anything that you discovered that improves your life is greatly appreciated!

Psychosocial barriers and facilitators associated with Quality of Life for People with PD with Dr. Bradley McDaniels, PhD

Tuesday, March 25
10am ET (9am CT, 8am MT, 7am PT)

Parkinson’s disease presents significant psychosocial challenges, including increased risks of depression, anxiety, loneliness, stigma, and demoralization, which can profoundly affect patients’ quality of life. Applying positive psychology concepts such as resilience-building, fostering social connections, practicing gratitude, and engaging in meaningful activities can help mitigate these challenges by enhancing well-being and promoting a sense of purpose. Encouraging a strengths-based approach, cognitive reframing, and self-compassion empowers individuals with Parkinson’s to cultivate optimism, maintain social engagement, and develop adaptive coping strategies to navigate the disease’s emotional and social burdens.
Dr. Bradley McDaniels is an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for the Rehabilitation Studies program in the Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services at the University of North Texas. His academic journey into Parkinson’s disease was deeply personal, inspired by his mother’s diagnosis in 2012, and his current research focuses on addressing the psychosocial challenges associated with the disease, aiming to improve patient well-being and quality of life.

Happening In Our Parkinson’s Community…

• March 29 – Great Minds for a Healthier Brain – Mentes brillantes para un cerebro más sano – in-person hosted by PMD Alliance, Woodbridge VA – For more information and to register, visit this link or download the flyer here.
• Through April 18 | Dance for PD at George Mason University GMU – Will be restarting on February 7- April 18: in person at GMU’s Fairfax campus. Email Elizabeth Spatz at espatz@gmu.edu to register or visit their website for more details
• April 12 – Virginia Education Day, Richmond VA, hosted by POP: Power Over Parkinson’s – Registration is Open!
• June 21 – Virginia Parkinson’s Conference, in person, Williamsburg VA – Rescheduled due to weather, registration is open. If you were previously registered for the February date, Visit the website for more information. 
• At Ease hosted by PADRECC (online) – Click this link for flyer for more information about the Tactical Humor Training for PADRECC Comedy Brigade, contact Jessica.Kaplan2@va.gov to sign up.
• WHAT PARKINSON’S FEELS LIKE: A collection of illustrations by Barbara Salsberg Mathews inspired by descriptions written by people with Parkinson’s around the globe. Download for free here: https://parkinsonseurope.org/app/uploads/2024/10/What-Parkinsons-Feels-Like.pdf
• Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program is available for residents of Virginia. Visit the Division for Aging Services site to learn more or apply.
• Shenandoah University – Loudoun Campus is offering free SPEAK OUT! speech therapy for those living with Parkinson’s, in-person and virtual. Click here to see their flyer for more information or contact Myra Schatzki, Director of Clinical Education at myra.schatzki@su.edu or 540-665-4634.
• Parkinson’s Speech therapy via teletherapy in VA and DC – The University of Utah is a SPEAK OUT! Therapy and Research Center for the state of Virginia and the District of Columbia (DC) providing SPEAK OUT! voice therapy at no cost, contact them at 801-581-3506 or email speechpath@utah.edu.
• University of Reading has developed a new online group program that aims to improve participants quality of life and help them get back in touch with what is important. To learn more visit their website by clicking here.
• Power Over Parkinson’s has an extensive listing of programs in the Richmond area for exercise and education, visit their website for more information.
• Live in Maryland? MAPS has a very extensive support group listing on their website.
• Dance for Parkinson’s program at James Madison University – JMU has in-person and Zoom online classes. For more information about this program, visit their website here.
• SPEAK OUT! Online Home practice sessions are available each day at 11am ET/10am CT/9am MT/8am PT from Parkinson Voice Project.
• Sign up for PD Avengers TODAY! PD Avengers is the Global Alliance to End Parkinson’s Disease.