MARCH 2022
Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center Monthly News and Updates

A program you won't want to miss!


Northwestern Medicine Neurology presents
Advance Care Planning Series

Advance care planning can be a gift you give yourself and your family. It is a way to ensure that your wishes and preferences are consistent with the choices of care you receive now and in the future.

Please join us for our virtual Advance Care Planning Series.
Each session will feature experts in the medical and legal fields discussing financial, legal and long-term care questions.
There will be a live Q&A at the end of each session.

March 8: Planning for Care: Setting the Stage for Ongoing Dialogue
April 12: A Legal Roadmap for Aging Well
May 10: Palliative, Hospice, and End-of-Life Decisions: Reframing the Discussion
MARCH 2
Expert Briefing: Conversations About Complementary Therapies and PD
People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who seek relief from movement and non-movement symptoms may decide to explore complementary therapies that can support more traditional treatments. There are many kinds of therapies — from Mind-body applications or acupuncture to herbal supplements — that may help maximize quality of life. Learn more about how to communicate the use of these therapies with your care providers for optimal outcomes.
MARCH 14
Mental Health Care Gaps in PD
Much of the focus on Parkinson’s has been motor symptoms. Together, Dr. Subramanian and Dr. Pontone will unpack a range of barriers that fuel the crisis: lack of awareness of non-motor symptoms associated with PD, the disparities in care and access to resources that disproportionately affect diverse communities, the stigma of seeking help, and the need for caregivers to receive adequate mental healthcare, too. Together, they’ll bring light to the collective steps we need to take to close the gap and ensure everyone is supported.
Video Chat
Virtual Support Group and Class Schedule

We use Zoom for all our support groups and classes!

Register for any of the groups and classes here!
General PD Support Group
1st Wednesday of the month
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Women and PD Support Group
2nd Wednesday of the month 
11:00 am – 12:00 pm

PD Care Partner Support Group
2nd Wednesday of the month 
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Young Onset PD Support Group
4th Wednesday of the month
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

PD 101 
Next class May 18th
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

PD 201
Next class April 6th
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Therapy Tuesdays Exercise Class
1st Tuesday of the month
11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Chair Yoga for PD
2nd, 3rd, 4th (and 5th) Tuesday of the month
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Art Therapy for PD
3rd Monday of the month
10:00 am – 11:00 am

Improv for PD
Next Session: Spring 2022; exact dates TBD

Music Therapy (ON HOLD)
4th Tuesday of the month
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
For a complete list of our groups and classes, including those offered at Central DuPage and Lake Forest Hospitals, click HERE!
Research Spotlight:
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, Phase 2a study with oral UCB0599 in study participants with early Parkinson’s Disease 

  • Clinical Trial Description: The primary objective of the study is to demonstrate the superiority of UCB0599 over placebo with regards to clinical symptoms of disease progression over 12 and 18 months in this patient population. Oral UCB0599 capsules or matching placebo capsules will be administered twice per day. 
  • Clinical Trial Eligibility Criteria: 
  • Diagnosis of PD 2 yrs or less from baseline visit and 40-70 years of age at screening. 
  • Not expected to start PD meds least 6 months from baseline 
  • Research Study Visits: 18 month study with 10 clinic visits and 6 televisits (Datscan required) 
  • Coordinator Contact: Justine Houseman, phone 312-503-2128, Justine.houseman@northwestern.edu 
Social Engagement: Nutrition-Part 1
Join us for MAGICAL MOMENTS IN OUR KITCHEN – with lots of LOVE, from our kitchen to yours! In this "retreat", we will chat about PD and nutrition, where you’ll learn how to prepare three simple, nutritious and delicious recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nutritionist and Wellness Consultant, Debbie Polisky, will lead our group, in this casual and fun “workshop”.
Date: Wednesday, March 9
Time: 12 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. CT
Where: Zoom
Cost: FREE

Click HERE to view the PD Health @ Home schedule for for the month of March.


As a reminder, the Foundation has a variety of resources available to support you and the PD community, including: 
 
HELPLINE: 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) or helpline@parkinson.org
PD Conversations an online PD community, to connect with others living with PD and be part of a network of support. 
PARKINSON'S DISEASE OPEN HOUSE

April 11, 2022

2:00 - 4:00 PM CST ON ZOOM

Please join Shirley Ryan on April 11th, 2022 to kick off Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month with an engaging day of virtual presentations highlighting rehabilitation care int he treatment of PD from expert clinicians and research scientists at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Employment and Parkinson's Peer Support Group

Date: The Group meets twice per month, on the second and fourth Fridays of each month at 4:40-5:40 pm CST
Location: This is a virtual/online group. Once registered you will be given information to join the group.
Cost: Free
Contact: Sydney Achler at sachler@sralab.org or (312) 238-6825

The purpose of the “Parkinson’s Works” Peer Support Group is to develop a sense of community among people with Parkinson’s who may share similar experiences in the workplace or job-searching process. Group activities may include discussing decisions related to disclosing one’s diagnosis, navigating Parkinson’s symptoms in the workplace, formal and informal job accommodations, job crafting, job search strategies, mock-interviews, and reviewing resumes. The group is also intended to provide a supportive social-emotional environment in which participants may discuss their experiences and coping strategies for working with Parkinson’s. This group is moderated by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor who specializes in Vocational Rehabilitation. Anyone in the United States with Parkinson’s disease who is currently working or looking for work can participate. The group is conducted via a confidential web-based videoconference platform.
Connect with us