Alabama Resources and Support

HELPLINES

For questions and information specific to Alabama Parkinson’s Resources, please call 1.205.934.9100 or email apdaal@uabmc.edu. Your call or email will be returned within 24-48 business hours.

For general information about Parkinson’s, you can also contact the national APDA helpline at 1.800.223.2732 or by emailing apda@apdaparkinson.org. Assistance is available in English and Spanish.

APDA ONLINE RESOURCES

The APDA hosts a national APDA Resource Library. The APDA offers webinars with PD experts, online education conferences and more. Check out the Virtual Events Calendar to see upcoming free programs to join from wherever you are. Programs are available in English and Spanish and include educational programs as well as online health and wellness classes.

SUPPORT GROUP PROGRAMMING

APDA supports all Alabama Parkinson’s Support Groups and has programming topics and expert presenters available to present at Support Group meetings. To request a member of APDA to come and speak at your support group or to be included in future Parkinson’s support group facilitator calls, please contact APDA Program Coordinators, Laura Lieb or Brooklyn White at apdaal@uabmc.edu.

RESOURCE AND REFERRAL NETWORK

Alabama APDA can connect medical providers with the local resources and referrals needed for individuals with Parkinson’s, including:

• Movement Disorder Specialists
• Therapists (Parkinson’s certified Physical, Occupational and Speech)
• Support and Movement Groups
• Open clinical trials and research studies

MOVEMENT DISORDER SPECIALISTS

Movement disorder specialists are neurologists that focus on the basic science and research in addition to caring for patients with Parkinson’s. Many of these medical professionals are located at academic universities and have the best understanding of available clinical trials. They are also more likely to be helpful with the day-to-day challenges from Parkinson’s, can present the latest treatment options, and more commonly work with other Parkinson’s patients. Alabama has movement disorder specialists in Birmingham, Huntsville, Gadsden, Montgomery, and Mobile. For a list of available Movement Disorder Specialists in Alabama, please contact APDA coordinators at apdaal@uabmc.edu or call 1.205.934.9100.

THERAPEUTIC NETWORK AND REFERRALS

Equally important to medication options when treating Parkinson’s is the ability to add complimentary therapies as part of the overall care plan for living well with Parkinson’s. There are three key therapies that are used to help Parkinson’s patients manage symptoms that are generally covered by insurance. They include therapy sessions offered by Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapists. To receive therapy, you must have a physician referral. Please contact APDA coordinators at apdaal@uabmc.edu or call 1.205.934.9100 to receive guidance and a referral on therapy selection.

SUPPORT GROUPS

A wealth of information and knowledge can be gained by choosing to participate in a local Parkinson’s support group. There are many support group opportunities throughout Alabama with new ones added often. Participants can choose to attend a support group in person locally, or virtually over Zoom. Participating in a support group connects individuals with Parkinson’s to others with PD in their community to share important education and resources. Most support groups meet on a monthly basis and vary by time, day, and location. It is highly recommended that you contact the support group facilitator by phone or email to confirm that the support group will be meeting as listed. For a listing of support groups available in Alabama, please contact APDA coordinators at apdaal@uabmc.edu or call 1.205.934.9100.

ONLINE COMMUNITIES

Joining an online community can provide tips and learning opportunities from others on the journey at your leisure. The APDA offers an online community called Smart Patients. Members in this online forum share help, advice, and information about treatments, symptoms, and side effects. Smart Patients provides the opportunity to further a dialogue that nurtures the PD community, provides socialization, education, and critical access to information.

EXERCISE AND MOVEMENT GROUPS

Exercise is an important part of healthy living for everyone, but for people with PD, exercise is critical. Physical activity has been shown to improve many symptoms, from balance and mobility issues to depression and constipation, even thinking skills. A physical therapist can put together a recommended exercise plan for you. But there are also exercise professionals with credentials that can design personalized exercise routines, which may include personal training, group fitness instruction, or small-group training.

There are many movement groups available in Alabama specifically for Parkinson’s, from boxing and dance classes to overall general exercise and movement classes. Many people find that by participating in these classes with their Parkinson’s peers, they not only get exercise – they find camaraderie. To find a local Parkinson’s movement group near you, please contact APDA coordinators at apdaal@uabmc.edu or call 1.205.934.9100.

If you can’t locate a movement group near you, there are many options for you to build a Parkinson’s movement plan at home by attending virtual classes or incorporating Parkinson’s specific exercises into your routines at your local gym or community center.

RESEARCH AND CLINICAL TRIALS

A clinical trial, also called a clinical study or clinical research, is research conducted with people to answer scientific questions. Clinical trials determine if scientific concepts can be turned into safe and effective therapies that make life better for people with Parkinson’s. The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Heersink School of Medicine has several ongoing clinical trials being conducted for Parkinson’s. Speak with your Movement Disorder Specialist about the possibility of enrolling in a current clinical trial at your next appointment.

HEALTHCARE PROVIDER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

APDA offers specialized online training courses to help professionals better care for and support people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). By better understanding the disease, symptoms, and needs of the PD community, you can serve people in Alabama with PD more effectively and compassionately. Currently, three courses are available through the APDA online:

• Taking Care of the Person with Advanced Parkinson’s Disease
• Parkinson’s Awareness Training for First Responders
• Parkinson’s Training for Fitness, Health, and Wellness Professionals

For more information about an APDA coordinator providing training to healthcare professionals, Please contact APDA coordinators at apdaal@uabmc.edu or call 1.205.934.9100.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

We are committed to community collaboration for bringing greater Parkinson disease awareness and education to communities throughout Alabama. Members of the APDA Information and Referral center can be available to exhibit and provide resources at your community events. To request our presence at your event, available on a first-come-first-serve basis, please contact APDA Program Coordinators at apdaal@uabmc.edu, or call 1.205.934.9100.

CARE PARTNER RESOURCES

Care partner resources are available to educate and help prepare you for being a care partner to your loved one with PD. Specific support groups for care partners are also offered in Alabama, both in person and virtually. You may also find assistance by joining the APDA’s Smart Patients online community and support forum. Staying educated on important Parkinson’s topics can be one of the best ways you can help your loved one.

Join the APDA Parkinson’s Care Partner Support Group
Join us on the first Monday of each month at 7pm virtually by Zoom. Each month, a 10-minute topic will be delivered on how to help your loved one manage and care for a specific Parkinson’s symptom. The remaining time will be spent as an open Q&A and discussion between care partners to share resources and support. To learn more and request and invitation to the group, please contact Brooklyn White at bawhite@uabmc.edu.

Please contact Brooklyn White at bawhite@uab.edu for an email invitation and link to join the zoom meeting for Care Partners.