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.

Register

Managing Depression in PD: Live in Bend, or Virtual

Learn about the unique relationship between Parkinson’s Disease and depression and ways you can help manage symptoms.

How do we know if we’re experiencing depression and what can we do feel better? You may be wondering about this if you are living with Parkinson’s Disease, or if you care for a loved one with Parkinson’s. Let’s talk about it! In this presentation we will explore the unique relationship between Parkinson’s Disease and depression, signs and symptoms that may indicate depression, and strategies for dealing with depression while living with Parkinson’s.

End of Life Choices for PwP: Virtual

Death. For most of us, this is not a topic we wish to or are comfortable discussing. However, it is important that we do. The focus of this online talk is to provide our community with information about and a forum in which to explore end-of-life choices.

Our presenter, Ani Sinclair, is a volunteer with End of Life Choices Oregon (EOLCOR). In this role, Ani educates and supports clients as they explore all of their end-of-life options. In this talk, Ani will explain several paths toward a peaceful death, including using Medical Aid in Dying (MAID or Death with Dignity) and Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED), as well as answer your questions.

For those of you in Washington, there is a similar organization, End of Life Washington (https://endoflifewa.org/) we encourage you to join this event and connect with EOLW for more information.

Register

Preparing for the Unexpected: Virtual

5 family members sitting outdoors having a serious discussion

Illness, family obligations, and medical needs can all come unexpectedly for any of us, and for those of us in crucial roles as caregivers (for ourselves or others), it is important to plan ahead. This event is appropriate for people with Parkinson’s, family carepartners and family members.

In this virtual event, we will assist participants as they identify steps to take to get prepared, including rallying support and identifying roles ahead of time for family and friends, finding care resources, and gathering and organizing crucial information. By taking steps to prepare and communicate with your larger network, we hope to lessen the stress of “what will happen if I can’t be there?” and “What will happen if I need help?”

This event will be an online event. Handouts with important information will be emailed prior to the event.

Register

 

Breathing Yoga: Online

older man and woman dressed in blue sitting to practice yoga

Pranayama yoga is the practice of breath control and synchronizing breath with movement which can help energize the body and mind, improve alertness and concentration, reduce stress. This practice may benefit those with tremor, improve memory and cognitive functions, help with sleeping disorders, provide mental-emotional stability and build confidence and improve quality of life.

Register

Alternative Approaches to PD Support Group

The alternative approaches group meets every other month on the 2nd Tuesday at 7pm on Zoom. This group is open to people with Parkinson’s as well as care partners. It is a place to learn, share, and connect about different approaches to PD.

 

If you would like to join the group, please reach out to Tasha, the facilitator, before your first meeting at 503.788.2333

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Quarterly Conversations – 4th Q

Are you considering Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and would like to hear more about it? Have you had DBS and would like to share your experience with others? Register for our quarterly Zoom DBS Conversations!

If you already registered for the 1st, 2nd or 3rd quarter DBS Conversations, you do not need to reregister.

For those who are registering for the 1st time, you will have access to this session and following session on:

  • Friday, October 27th at 1pm

We welcome people with Parkinson’s as well as care partners to join the conversation. This group will be casual in nature with opportunities to hear real experiences of people with Parkinson’s who have had DBS. There will be time to share and engage.

 

Living Well w/Parkinson’s, Virtual

Please join Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon for an afternoon 2-part series workshop (on 8/9 and 8/16) focused on lifestyle strategies to live your best life. Between visits to the doctor, your daily choices can help you manage symptoms. We will discuss the evidence behind recommendations about exercise, nutrition, provide strategies to manage healthcare information (including creating a healthcare notebook), building your care team, and discuss available resources.

This educational program is for those living with PD, their families, and care givers.

Whether you are new to PD or you have been living with it for many years, there will be something of interest to everyone -along with opportunities to ask questions.

Presented by: Mike Mulligan, Community Health Education Coordinator, Melissa Greer, Programs Director, and Jess Joseph, Program Coordinator

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Quarterly Conversations – 3rd Q

Are you considering Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and would like to hear more about it? Have you had DBS and would like to share your experience with others? Register for our quarterly Zoom DBS Conversations!

If you already registered for the 1st or 2nd quarter DBS Conversations, you do not need to reregister.

For those who are registering for the 1st time, you will have access to this session and following session on:

  • Friday, October 27th at 4pm

We welcome people with Parkinson’s as well as care partners to join the conversation. This group will be casual in nature with opportunities to hear real experiences of people with Parkinson’s who have had DBS. There will be time to share and engage.

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.