Educational Programs

APDA Resources & Support Educational Programs

Welcome to our Educational Programs

PD 101
Thursday, May 18, 5:30 pm
Cedar Ridge Village

If you’ve been diagnosed within the past several years, then this program is for you. You’ll get an overview of Parkinson’s disease…

Click here for more information and to register.

Parkinson’s Conference – Boldly Living with PD!
Friday, June 16, 8 am to 4 pm
$15 Individual
$25 Individual & Care Partner
Lutheran Church of Hope

Fantastic keynote speakers, great breakout sessions, meet amazing people.

Click here for more information and to register.

Archived Events

Summer 2022 Iowa Parkinson’s Conference

Thank you to all who attended the Iowa Parkinson’s Conference on June 17, 2022. We had more than 600 people join in person, and now we are delighted to share some of our presentations with those who could not join us.

Below are links to the recordings and/or copies of their presentations for your reference:

Write a New Chapter in Your PD Journey…And Make It an Inspiring One
Brenda Clark Hamilton, MA Ed. Fresh Coffee Professional Growth Programs

According to APDA data, one million people are living with Parkinson’s disease and a new diagnosis is given every nine minutes. Once diagnosed, individuals and caregivers have choices to make, including to what extent they will continue to live as full of a life as possible. In this engaging, upbeat presentation, Brenda will focus on strategies for managing the changes that come with a PD diagnosis with wisdom, positivity, and resilience. Participants will be inspired to thoughtfully ‘write’ this new chapter in their lives…and consciously make it active, enriching, and inspiring. Click Here to view the PowerPoint.

Exercise – Medicine for Parkinson’s Disease and the Aging Brain
Jackie Russell, RN, BSN, CNOR, ACE, and David Zid, BA ACE APG
Total HealthWorks, Co-Founders OhioHealth Delay the Disease

Join David Zid, BA ACE APG, and Jackie Russell, RN BSN CNOR – Co-Founders of their new neuro fitness platform, Total HealthWorks,  for this interactive and energy-filled presentation.  Find out how exercise can rewire the brain, promote wellness, and may positively impact neurologic diseases including Parkinson’s Disease and the progression of other age-related changes in the brain. Click Here to view the PowerPoint.

Fusing the Virtual and Real-worlds to Aid in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Jay Alberts, Ph.D.  Vice Chair of Innovations, Cleveland Clinic
Founder Pedaling for Parkinson’s

Cleveland Clinic neurological researchers have received a $2 million grant to study a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease called freezing of gait (FOG), which is currently untreatable. The study is led in part by Jay Alberts, Ph.D., Department of Biomedical Engineering.

Freezing of gait prevents PD patients from initiating movement, thereby “freezing” them in place. Since FOG usually occurs while individuals with PD perform daily living activities, it is rarely observed in a clinical environment. Hear Dr. Alberts discuss the design of a virtual reality study to recreate these situations and identify the brain activity leading up to FOG events and, ultimately, develop an effective treatment. Click Here to view the PowerPoint.

Non-Motor Symptoms of PD
Lynn Struck, MD , Neurology Movement Specialist, Unity Point,
APDA Iowa Medical Director

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is generally thought of as a disease that only involves movement. But in addition to motor symptoms such as slowness of movement, tremors, stiffness, and postural instability, most people develop other health problems related to Parkinson’s. These symptoms are diverse and collectively known as non-motor symptoms.

While family and friends may not be able to see these symptoms, it is essential to realize that non-motor symptoms are common and can be more troublesome and disabling than motor symptoms. Dr. Struck will discuss possible non-motor symptoms that can occur in Parkinson’s disease and treatment options. Click Here to view the PowerPoint.

Sleep in Parkinson’s Disease and Related Disorders
Stuart McCarter, MD    Mayo Clinic

Sleep dysfunction is common in patients with Parkinson’s disease and similar disorders, leading to a worsening in quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. We will review common sleep disturbances seen in patients with Parkinson’s disease and both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies to address these sleep issues. Click Here to view the PowerPoint.

Total HealthWorks Exercise Workshop – Break-out Session

More of David Zid, BA ACE APG, and Jackie Russell, RN BSN CNOR – Total HealthWorks  Join David and Jackie for the opportunity to actively participate in this interactive and energy-filled workshop.  

Unleashing the Power of Nutrition in Managing Parkinson’s
Jessica Schroeder, RDN LD    Expedition Wellness

While no food or combination of foods has been proven to help in Parkinson’s Disease, foods may be able to help ease symptoms. Let’s Unleash the Power of Nutrition in Managing Parkinson’s by learning why food is important, what type of foods should be chosen more often, and how to execute and apply these foods to daily life while managing symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Click Here to view the PowerPoint.

Deep Brain Stimulation – Is it Right for Me?
Jeremy Greenlee, MD, University of Iowa Hospitals 

Dr. Greenlee will discuss DBS surgery: how it works, who are the best candidates for this type of surgery, and the pros and cons of the effectiveness of DBS. DBS is the most frequently performed surgery to treat Parkinson’s symptoms, but not everyone with Parkinson’s qualifies for this surgery. There are many factors to consider before deciding to pursue DBS surgery. This session is for those who are considering DBS or for those who are curious about the process. Dr. Greenlee will provide information in regard to how one becomes a candidate and the path towards undergoing the procedure. Click Here to view the PowerPoint.

Research at ISU; Stronger than Ever
Elizabeth Stegemoller, PhD.  Iowa State University College of Human Sciences

Parkinson’s disease affects an area of the brain that controls movement. While music and other forms of art are gaining recognition for their potential to improve health outcomes, it’s important to understand exactly how these therapies affect the human system. Using music therapy in research can address how people with Parkinson’s disease move, their stress level, their bonding, and social experiences, depression, and anxiety. The research results will lay the groundwork for designing treatments that have the most impact on improving the overall health of people with Parkinson’s disease. Join this session to understand how Dr. Stegemoller’s research project will get science closer to understanding why music is a powerful tool for health and healing. Click Here to view the PowerPoint.

Fall 2021 Parkinson’s Optimism Week Virtual Conference

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