There were fourteen of us at our October 5th meeting via Zoom, including two new women, one who was recently diagnosed. Some of us live alone, some with spouses, and some in multi-generational houses that include sons or daughters and their spouses, as well as grandchildren. We talked about our various ages and stages of Parkinson’s we are at now, our ages at the time of diagnosis (which ranged from 55 to mid-80’s), and the symptoms that drove us to doctors and our eventual Parkinson’s diagnosis. Discussions about REM sleep disorder, and constipation, remedies, and what doctors to turn to for help followed. We also talked about medication’s effectiveness when you first take it and how that changes over time. One member shared her recent experiences with caregivers and companions. Another mentioned a helpful online offering on Parkinson’s-related anxiety, depression, and apathy she found helpful.
A Brief Reminder: During our meetings we share all kinds of information and resources. Naturally the medications we take, both prescription and over-the-counter, as well as dosages and frequency comes up. This seems as good a time as any to remind everyone that this information is shared in the spirit of support and helpfulness. Knowledge is power. However, no one should make any changes to their medication without discussing with their doctor first.
Online Resources: We talked about the wealth of information and classes offered online. I’ve compiled a list of these resources with links (in blue) to the sites. The first three are local. Some offer podcasts as well as videos, so you can listen or watch as you prefer. You can also join their email lists to be notified of new offerings and updates. ** Note our meeting dates are at the end of this post. Our November 6th meeting will be via Zoom. **
Parkinson’s Foundation of the National Capital Area offers Online and In-Person Wellness Programs including exercise, communication, boxing, tai chi, yoga, book club, and other activities.
Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center offers Online and In-Person Programs plus resources and information. You can also sign up for their weekly newsletter.
PSN Parkinson Social Network In addition to its weekly programs, events, groups, and webinars, PSN has the most extensive list of resources I’ve seen anywhere, and it is updated regularly.
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Lots of offerings here, among them Monthly Webinars; Ask the MD and The Parkinson’s Research Podcast
Davis Finney Foundation for Parkinson’s has a full range of educational offerings, some of which are listed below.
- Monthly Webinars https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/webinars/
- The Parkinson’s Podcast https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/the-parkinsons-podcast/
- Videos https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/resources/videos/
- YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/davisphinneyfdn
- Every Victory Counts resource manual https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/every-victory-counts-manual/
American Parkinson’s Disease Association offering webinars and resource library of information.
Parkinson’s Foundation offers weekly virtual wellness programs and informational blogposts; a recent blog is Addressing Apathy and Other Mood Disorders in Parkinson’s.
For your calendar, a reminder of our 2024/2025 meeting schedule (dates are firm; In-person or Zoom format subject to change).
- September 11 – Cancelled
- October 2 – Zoom
- November 6 – Zoom
- December 4 – In-person
- January 8 – Zoom
- February 5 – In-person
- March 5 – Zoom
- April 2 – In-person
- May 7 – Zoom
- June 4 – In-person