New Date! Therapeutic Development for Neurodegenerative Diseases

These are exciting times for therapeutic development for chronic neurodegenerative diseases. For Parkinson’s disease, there is now a test for a key Parkinson’s associated biomarker in the cerebrospinal fluid that can indicate disease pathology in the brain even before the clinical symptoms emerge. Importantly, it appears we may soon have a blood-based marker of brain pathology for early diagnosis.

This talk will highlight the current pipeline and the opportunities for developing medications that have the potential to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

Our speaker, Dr. Kalpana Merchant, has been studying Parkinson’s disease biology to help develop therapeutics for more than 20 years. She is an advisor to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research and other companies developing medicines for Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Register

Tigard General Interest Support Group

This group meets on the 2nd Wednesday each month and is peer-led. The group is open to people with PD, family members, care partners, and friends. The group meets in-person at the Summerfield Clubhouse from 10am-11:30am.

 

Contat Jane or Caren to find out more. Jane: 630-564-2624. Caren: 336-202-6601

 

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What is THIS Pill For: BEAVERTON and ONLINE

In this talk, Michael Shih, Clinical Pharmacist at OHSU will discuss the medications typically prescribed for the management of the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s Disease. This will include an overview the different classes of drugs, their mechanism of action, both their common and serious side effects, and the considerations for administering these medications.

Mr. Shih will explain how the medications are selected for you and the pros and cons of drug selection. He will cover motor complications, how the management of your medication plan may evolve over time, and combination drug therapy. Finally, this program will address complimentary therapies with time to answer your questions.

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Taking it in Stride: VANCOUVER

Five adults standing outdoors, one with a walker, one with a cane and another seated in a wheelchair.

A discussion of the types of assistive devices available, when to use them, and safety with Emily Kaemmerlen, PT, DPT.

Plan to attend this in-person presentation and demonstration by Emily Kaemmerlen, PT, DPT at Boomerang Therapy Works in Vancouver. We all know that walking is a very important part of maintaining our independence. We rely on our ability to walk in performing daily activities and know it is good for our fitness and overall health. With Parkinson’s though, one’s pattern of walking, or gait, can be affected. This, along with changes in balance, can increase the risk for falls. Emily will explain the types of assistive devices, such as trekking poles, canes, and walkers, that are available to help you walk more confidently and safely, and discuss why and when you should consider using them. She will share what factors a PT considers in making a recommendation for the appropriate device, cover what may be indicators that it is time to switch to a different type of assistive device, and demonstrate how to use these devices safely.

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Newly Diagnosed Meetup – In Person

Meet others who have recently been diagnosed with PD, get to know the PRO staff, and find supportive community!

From staying home to keeping a safe distance from people, the past three years have a been a tough time to connect with each other. As support groups and services moved to online platforms, we lost some of the aspects of socialization and connection that are so important for people living with a new diagnosis.

We welcome those who are newly diagnosed, typically identified as a diagnosis in the last 3 or so years, care partners, family, and friends to join us for a meetup and social hour at the PRO office in Beaverton. This is an opportunity to meet people in person, make local connections to others navigating similar waters, get to know what PRO offers, collect resources, and meet the staff.

Light snacks and refreshments provided.

Register

Taking it in Stride: A Review of Assistive Device Options

Five adults standing outdoors, one with a walker, one with a cane and another seated in a wheelchair.

A discussion of the types of assistive devices available, when to use them, and safety with Lauren McIntyre, PT, DPT at the Beaverton office.

Plan to attend this in-person presentation and demonstration by Dr. Lauren McIntyre, PT, DPT, CSRS. We all know that walking is a very important part of maintaining our independence. We rely on our ability to walk in performing daily activities and know it is good for our fitness and overall health. With Parkinson’s though, one’s pattern of walking, or gait, can be affected. This, along with changes in balance, can increase the risk for falls. Dr. McIntyre will explain the types of assistive devices, such as trekking poles, canes, and walkers, that are available to help you walk more confidently and safely, and discuss why and when you should consider using them. She will share what factors a PT considers in making a recommendation for the appropriate device, cover what may be indicators that it is time to switch to a different type of assistive device, and demonstrate how to use these devices safely.

Register

McMinnville Movement Class: PRO sponsored in-person

These classes are based on the Methods of John Argue and have been designed specifically for those with Parkinson’s disease.  The approach combines yoga, tai-chi and dance, improving flexibility, strength, balance and overall coordination. This method is known to help prevent falls, improve facial expressiveness and improve intelligibility of speech. His proven strategy for coping with Parkinson’s is to “develop an artful way of moving and speaking,” one that is “graceful, mindful and complete.” 

Register

Instructor: Bill Wilson

Sliding Scale Fees

Sole Support for Parkinson’s: Portland

Team Love Crab
EVERY STEP IS PERSONAL
Join us as we gather to celebrate and support each other, raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease, and fundraise for local programs and services. We are gathering and walking from the Rose Quarter at Moda Center.
Take the first step, register online, or call PRO at 800.426.6806 and we’ll get you registered.
If this is your first walk or your 18th, we thank you for joining us as we fundraise and raise awareness for the important local programs and services provided by Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon.

Gizmos and Gadgets for Everyday Life: Beaverton

Join Isabelle Brewer, OT for an interactive hour of engaging with some of the gizmos and gadgets occupational therapists use to help people achieve their goals. Working with an OT is more than just the activities of daily living!

Isabelle will present about what an occupational therapist does, how to set goals with an OT, and what to expect. Attendees will have the opportunity to try some devices and have open conversation with Isabelle about tools that could work for them.

Register

Duopa, Is It Time to Try Something New? – Beaverton/Hybrid

As Parkinson’s disease progresses, issues with timing and managing medications can become a challenge as more pills are added and fluctuations in on/off increase. DUOPA (carbidopa and levodopa) enteral suspension is a prescription medicine used for treatment of advanced Parkinson’s disease. DUOPA contains two medicines: carbidopa and levodopa.

In this presentation, Michael Vitti, Account Executive with Abbvie, will talk about PD with a focus on the changes that may occur in the gut as the disease progresses. He will describe what Duopa therapy is, how it works, who is a good candidate, information on the safety of this treatment, and what kind of resources Abbvie offers to make this a successful decision for you. Michael will also address the question of insurance coverage and discuss how Duopa therapy can be incorporated it into your life.

Maximize your learning and opportunity to have your questions answered by joining us live in person! Virtual registration is also an option. Please choose if you will be in-person or online when registering.

Who should attend?

PwP and family carepartners who want to stay current on options
PwP and family carepartners who have been recommended for the procedure
PwP and family carepartners who are noticing changes in symptom control
PRO does not endorse or recommend specific therapies and encourages you to work closely with your physician for the approach that is right for you.

This is an independent event with content provided by Abbvie Pharmaceuticals, and is not an endorsement or recommendation by PRO of a specific therapy or treatment modality. Abbvie Pharmaceuticals is a proud partner of Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon.