2027 APDA Iowa Parkinson’s Conference
Mark your calendar and join us for a day filled with practical information, meaningful connections, and plenty of encouragement.
Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for trusted resources and community, this conference is designed with you in mind. You’ll hear from experts, discover helpful tools and strategies, connect with exhibitors, and spend time with others who truly understand the Parkinson’s journey.
Along the way, you’ll learn ways to support brain health, prepare for the future, stay safe and independent, care for yourself as a care partner, and stay informed about important advocacy and policy issues.
✨ New This Year: Care Community Experience
While your loved one attends afternoon Parkinson’s programming, care partners, spouses, family members, and friends can participate in a special interactive experience designed just for them.
Build your own caregiver toolbox through hands-on stations focused on self-care, future planning, community resources, accessible travel, practical caregiving strategies, and finding meaning and connection.
Come with questions. Leave with knowledge, resources, and a stronger sense of connection.
Friday, June 4, 2027
Lutheran Church of Hope
925 Jordan Creek Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Check-In & Vendor Fair: 8:00–9:00 a.m.
Conference Program: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
APDA Iowa Conferences – Archived Session Videos and Slides
2026 Iowa Parkinson’s Conference – West Des Moines
Keynote Presentations:
- Kathleen Matthews, PhD – The Unseen Battle: Supporting Mental Health & Wellbeing in PD
- Peggy & Jeff Johnson, PhD – Hearing I (WE) Have Parkinson’s
- Lee Neilson, MD – Cognitive Dysfunction and Resilience in Parkinson’s Disease
- Lynn Struck, MD – BrainSense Adaptive DBS (aDBS)
Breakout Sessions:
- Elizabeth Stegemoller, PhD & Ryan Smith, MM, MT-BC: Music, Movement, and Mind: Understanding Music Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
- Care Partner Panel: Bob Miller, Lori Samson, and others
- Caitlyn Ferin, RD, LD: Cooking for Confidence: Simple Recipes for Parkinson’s Nutrition
- Jeremy Greenlee, MD: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
- Cynthia Letsch, JD: Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me? Yes, You Can Qualify for Medicaid without Spending all of your Money First.
- Emily Anker, SLP & Hillary Harting, SLP: Preserving Communication, Identity, and Connection Through AAC
- Sophia Slocum, OTR/L & Jamie Rognes, OTD: Double the Challenge, Double the Impact: Dual Tasking with Parkinson’s Disease
- Dr. Dale & Mary Vermeer Andringa: Finding Your Purpose in Third Phase
- Courtney Sand, MS: Having But Not Having: Ambiguous Loss and Parkinson’s
- Sarah Martin, MPT & Cadence Simmons, SLP: LSVT Big & Loud