PD Education

Education for Those with Parkinson’s Disease

If you or someone close to you has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you are likely experiencing many emotions and have many concerns and questions. We are here to help you meet the challenge of PD with support, optimism and hope. We encourage you to attend these programs and support services available through the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center (MAPC).

As a Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence we are pleased to provide you with the following educational resource opportunities.

Mindful Me: A Self Care Journey

Do you self-care? Everyone needs to take time to care for themselves. Living with Parkinson’s or being the care partner doesn’t always allow you time to consciously find an activity that will enhance your physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social health. This six-week series is designed to help you find your self-care outlets.

Remember that self-care is not synonymous with self-indulgence or being selfish, it is not a luxury but a priority, and it does not have to cost money or be expensive. 

This course is open to those with Parkinson’s and their care partners. Registration is required.

Newly Diagnosed Education Class

This one-time class is presented as a foundational layer of general understanding of Parkinson’s disease. Each class includes a guest speaker, a physician or an outpatient therapist. The goal for the class is for you to know that you are not alone! This class is a great prerequisite for Parkinson Disease 101 and 202.

Parkinson Disease 101

This four-week seminar course for people with Parkinson’s disease and their families. It meets once a week for two hours. The course covers basic neurology and the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, as well as medication, nutrition, exercise, mind-body connections such as sleep disorders and depression, caregiving, how to talk to your doctor, and any other topics of interest to the group.

Parkinson Disease 202

This four-week seminar course provides in-depth information and practical suggestions concentrating on the most bothersome non-motor symptoms that impact the quality of life of people living with Parkinson’s disease. Topics covered include fatigue and managing energy, working through depression and anxiety, adapting to cognitive changes, and keeping relationships healthy and balanced.

PD in the News: A Fireside Chat

Want to stay informed about the latest news concerning PD? Join us for a fireside chat with a movement disorder physician from the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center as they discuss information recently shared in the news. It can be hard to tell if information shared via the web, email, or on television is accurate and valid in treating or living with PD. The physician’s at the MAPC will address these news alerts and help guide you to understand these truths, myths, or unknowns better. Recordings of the sessions will be available for on demand viewing here.

Virtual Lunch and Learn Series

This bi-monthly 90 minute Lunch and Learn session will present topics pertinent to those living with Parkinson’s. Held in-person at the MAPC, boxed lunches will be offered. Previous Lunch and Learn webinars are available for on demand viewing here. For more information or to register contact Kristina Watts at (602) 406-4921 or Kristina.Watts@DignityHealth.org.

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Contact Information

Darolyn O’Donnell
Phone: (602) 406-6903
Email: Darolyn.O’Donnell@DignityHealth.org

Kristina Watts
Phone: (602) 406-4921
Email: Kristina.Watts@DignityHealth.org