Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Conversations Spring Session

Are you curious about Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as a treatment option for Parkinson’s, or wondering what the experience is really like?

Join our quarterly DBS Conversations, a virtual Zoom gathering centered on real experiences. Individuals living with Parkinson’s who have undergone DBS will share what led them to consider surgery, what the process looked like, and how things have evolved since. There will also be time for open conversation, questions, and connection.

This group is open to people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. It’s a casual, supportive space where you’re welcome to listen, ask questions, or share if you’d like.

*This group is intended for support and sharing of experiences. The subject discussed in the group is not to be taken as medical advice or as consultation for DBS. Please consult your healthcare team regarding your personal care and treatment.

Parkinson’s 101 Webinar

Presented by Dr. Elise Anderson, M.D., Providence Neuroscience Institute, Movement Disorder Program

Have you been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s? Are you concerned about yourself or a loved one? Or do you just have questions and want to learn more? This program will help you understand what Parkinson’s is and is not and why it is difficult to diagnose.

Parkinson’s disease (PD), is a chronic, neurodegenerative condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms and challenges. In this presentation, Dr. Anderson will provide an overview of the signs and symptoms of PD, what is happening physiologically to cause them, and most importantly what treatment options and resources are available. Dr. Anderson will also discuss the importance of exercise, as well as share some guidelines and strategies for managing symptoms.

 

Register

 

How Exercise Helps PD: The Science and Personal Stories

Join us for a roundtable talk about the latest evidence on how exercise slows disease progression and the experiences of PD exercise class participants.

We talk about it often – exercise is the single intervention that has been shown to slow the progression of Parkinson’s. But what are the options? How are exercise recommendations evolving? And what are the first-hand experiences of participants in PD-specific classes? Join this informative virtual roundtable discussion with exercise instructors, researchers, and individuals living with Parkinson’s.

 

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Tea Time Wiggle Break, 52 Moves

This is a half hour class for any level of ability or energy.  We go through a series of functional moves in a playful style that accommodates “your body’s way”  Be sure to register in advance of class time to receive the link to class session. https://momence.com/u/moving-toward-health

Instructor: Janet Hollander

Fee: $5/ class

Navigating End-of-Life for Those Living with Parkinson’s

This workshop is dedicated to individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers, focusing on the important yet often challenging preparations surrounding end-of-life planning. We will explore how to approach death with clarity and compassion, delve into the role of death cafes and death doulas, and offer practical strategies for ensuring that personal wishes are communicated and respected. Participants will gain insight into the unique considerations for those with Parkinson’s, including managing communication challenges, involving family members, and celebrating the lives of loved ones after they pass. Join us to empower yourself and foster greater peace through proactive planning and meaningful dialogue.

Presented by Angela Franklin, QMHA, EOLD. Angela is an advocate at the intersection of life’s most profound moments. As an Older Adult Behavioral Health Specialist, Suicide Prevention Coordinator, and Death Midwife based in Southern Oregon, she brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her work. She heads the Josephine County Older Adult Health and Wellness Coalition and is a co-founder of Journey Home Support Services.

Register

 

Online Chair Movement Class, Tuesdays

Join Anne Cooper and others for an hour of movement and exercise specifically for those who may be just starting an exercise program or who will benefit from the added stability and safety of seated movement. Explore face and vocal exercises, playful encouragement and instruction on moves from yoga, tai chi, and dancing to help people with PD fulfill exercise guidelines.

Always check with your physician before starting any exercise program.

This class, and all programs at PRO, is offered with an option for scholarship registration. Similar classes in the community have registration fees of $8 – $15/session. If you are able, please consider a full or partial fee registration to help offset our related program expenses. (All contributions help)

INSTRUCTOR: Anne Cooper

Register

Online Chair Movement Class, Fridays

Join Anne Cooper and others for an hour of movement and exercise specifically for those who may be just starting an exercise program or who will benefit from the added stability and safety of seated movement. Explore face and vocal exercises, playful encouragement and instruction on moves from yoga, tai chi, and dancing to help people with PD fulfill exercise guidelines.

Always check with your physician before starting any exercise program.

This class, and all programs at PRO, is offered with an option for scholarship registration. Similar classes in the community have registration fees of $8 – $15/session. If you are able, please consider a full or partial fee registration to help offset our related program expenses. (All contributions help)

INSTRUCTOR: Anne Cooper

Register

Managing Anxiety – What Is It and What To Do If I Experience It? (Virtual)

Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, but people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners experience it at a higher rate than the general population. In this talk, you will learn to identify symptoms and sources of anxiety and how it can impact the overall sense of well-being. You will learn various strategies for managing anxious feelings and understand what coping skills work for you and how to adapt them to individual situations. There will be time to share personal experiences and learn from each other in addition to hearing the clinical perspective.

Joan Laguzza, MSW, LCSW is a mental health therapist specializing in working with older adults and people with chronic and complex medical issues. She works in private practice in Lake Oswego.

Register

 

Parkinson’s 101 (Virtual)

Are you concerned about yourself or a loved one? Have you recently been diagnosed? This program will help you understand what Parkinson’s is and is not and why it is difficult to diagnose.

Parkinson’s disease (PD), is a chronic, neurodegenerative disease that can lead to a wide range of symptoms and challenges. This presentation will provide an overview, what the signs and symptoms are, and what treatment options and resources are available. We will also be discussing the importance of exercise along with some guidelines and strategies for managing symptoms.

Presented by Libby Kennard, Program Lead and Mike Mulligan, Community Health Education Coordinator. PRO provides education and trainings, along with support groups and a helpline to those experiencing PD and their families across Oregon and SW Washington.

Register

 

March Ahead: Parkinson’s

This exercise class is specifically designed for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.  The class format is founded on latest scientific principles and research at OHSU, to improve mobility constraints and brain function.  Balance coordination and mobility are all part of this active movement class.  Individual needs are addressed to fit level of function.  Improvements in many neurological deficiencies can be made by attending this class.

Instructor: Derek Wallace, [email protected], www.ohsu.edu/march-wellness

$115 per month