APDA Northwest is proud to present a series of free virtual workshops designed to give you practical tools and techniques to help you improve your quality of life with PD.
Next Session
Nutritional Strategies in PD
MONDAYS, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
July 21, July 28, Aug 4 and Aug 11
*Please note this is a series and is not meant to be a drop-in program as information in each class will build upon the other.
On Zoom
ABOUT
This four-week educational series empowers people with Parkinson’s to use nutrition as a tool to support medication effectiveness, digestive health, balanced eating, and affordability. The series blends science with realistic strategies to help people with Parkinson’s eat well, feel better, and thrive. Each session focuses on a key strategy:
Week 1: Timing Is Everything: Protein Distribution & Parkinson’s Meds
Getting enough protein is important … but when you eat it matters, too. In this class, we’ll look at how protein timing and spacing can impact the effectiveness of medications like levodopa. You’ll learn how to adjust your meals to get the most out of your medication while still meeting your nutrition goals.
Week 2: Gut Check: Nutrition Strategies for Better Digestion
Constipation, bloating, and reflux are common in Parkinson’s, but small changes can make a big difference. This session will cover gentle, effective ways to support digestion – highlighting foods, herbs, fluids and simple meal routines that work with the nervous system to promote comfort and regularity.
Week 3: Tame the Cravings: Managing Your Sweet Tooth
You can enjoy sweet foods and support your brain – no need to choose one or the other. In this class, we’ll unpack why cravings for sugar is common in Parkinson’s and how to respond with foods that satisfy and nourish. Learn how to build snacks and treats with fiber, healthy fats, and key nutrients that support energy, mood, and brain health while still feeling like a treat.
Week 4: Smart & Savvy: PRO Meal Planning on a Budget
Discover how to follow the PRO (Patient Reported Outcomes) diet pattern for Parkinson’s without breaking the bank. We’ll explore practical tips for planning, shopping, and cooking meals that support brain health using everyday ingredients, pantry staples, and culturally diverse options.
FACILITATED BY
Kelly Morrow, MS, RDN, FAND
Seattle Integrative Medicine
Completed 2025 Series
Cognitive Fitness
People with Parkinson’s disease may experience cognitive changes. The importance of maintaining brain health and understanding modifiable factors that impact brain function is the key to cognitive fitness. Learning strategies to improve cognitive functioning in everyday life will be the focus of this seminar. This will be an interactive seminar with tasks and activities that will be assigned after each session and discussed the following week.
Topics Covered: Lifestyle Factors that Impact Brain Function, Executive Functioning, Mood and Brain Function, Cognitive Training
Facilitated By: Karen Torres, Psy.D.
Neuropsychologist
UW Medicine
Held May of 2025
Caregiving Considerations: Positioning and Transfers – a focus on mobility & safety
In this session we will focus on practical tools for the Care Partner. We welcome back Occupational Therapist, Heidi Huynh from Ascend Therapy Services who will share practical skills and tools that will help you safely assist a loved one a loved one in a variety of areas.
It is often something small that can make a big difference, and you will come away from this 4-week series having learned the small things that will help you to feel more confident, safe, and relaxed while caring for your loved one.
Facilitated By Heidi Huynh, OTR, CTRS
Occupational Therapist
Ascend Therapy Services
Held March of 2025
Future 2025 Series Topics include:
- Cognitive Fitness
- Nutritional Strategies
- Protect Your Swallowing
- And MORE!
2024 Series
Recordings can be found on the APDA Northwest YouTube Channel
SERIES #1
4 Weeks to PD-PRO: Optimizing Your Diet with Parkinson’s Disease
Description:
In this four-week course, you will learn about the PD-PRO diet and its connection improved quality of life with Parkinson’s disease, how to manage common Parkinson’s symptoms, transitioning to a plant-based diet, and the role of diet in reducing inflammation and supporting brain health. Acquire the knowledge and tools to integrate brain-protective foods into your daily meals, all while optimizing nutrition and flavor.
Facilitated by Kelly Morrow, MS, RDN, FAND
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Seattle Integrative Medicine
Held in Jan-Feb 2024
SERIES #2
Hand On Helpful Caregiving
Description
Throughout these workshops you will learn how to help the one you care for help themselves, using a variety of techniques including adaptive tools, simple modifications to the environment, and adjusting positioning / using proper ergonomics. You will come away with the tools needed to put these techniques into action and the understanding of how big changes can result from even little adjustments. This will allow you and those you care for to work as a team throughout the day.
Facilitated By Heidi Huynh, OTR, CTRS
Occupational Therapist
Ascend Therapy Services
Held in March of 2024
SERIES #3
Finessing Fine Motor Skills
Description
We use our hands and our fine motor skills throughout many tasks on a daily basis. During this workshop series you will not only learn about tools and techniques to maximize your fine motor skills at home, but also participate in exercises and activities as a group together. Work alongside each other as we strengthen, stretch, and coordinate these precise muscles to maximize independence and accuracy throughout daily activity.
Facilitated By Heidi Huynh, OTR, CTRS
Occupational Therapist
Ascend Therapy Services
Held in May of 2024
SERIES #4
Beat the Freeze
Description
Freezing of gait can cause people with Parkinson’s Disease to feel stuck in their tracks. During this workshop series, we will discuss the complexities of why freezing occurs. You will learn practical tools that physical therapists utilize to help manage freezing episodes.
Facilitated by Dr. Jennie Allex & Dr. Nate Coomer
Physical Therapists
Parkinson’s Fitness Project
Held in August of 2024
SERIES #5
Power Up Your Voice
Description
Take control of your voice and fight back against the changes Parkinson’s can bring. In this 4-week series you’ll learn techniques and tools to keep your voice strong, clear, and confident. With expert guidance and practical exercises, you’ll gain the skills to maintain your vocal strength and communication abilities for the long haul. Don’t wait for changes – be proactive in preserving your voice!
Facilitated by Jessica Aubin, MS CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Aubin Speech & Language Center
Held in November 2024