The Parkinson's Perspective: 2023 Q1

The Parkinson’s Perspective

Staying in Touch

CONNECTING WHEN YOU NEED US

Last August we launched a client feedback survey and we are grateful for the thoughtful responses we received. It is clear that the needs of people with PD in Oregon and SW Washington are both significant and diverse. Data from this survey, as well as ongoing evaluations and analysis will continue to guide our priorities and activities.

One thing that stood out - members of this local Parkinson’s disease community use a variety of resources to gather information and learn about programs! We do our best to meet you where you are, with active social media engagement (Facebook & Instagram), email updates (typically just twice a month), a print newsletter and other program flyers, our website with an online calendar of events, and of course, telephone!

Each of these communication channels serves a different purpose and reaches a different audience. For example, Facebook and Instagram are where you might find time sensitive announcements, photos

from the community and information on upcoming events. Our email newsletters focus on hyper-regional information - like support groups in your town, nearby education classes, etc. The website is a resource for disease education, organizational information, a searchable calendar for exercise classes, and more.

The Parkinson’s Perspective Newsletter is produced quarterly and allows for more detailed articles and content relevant to readers across the region. Because of the publication schedule, readers should also refer to email and social media for time sensitive content or updates.

WHERE TO FIND US:

Facebook: Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) | Beaverton OR | Facebook

Instagram: Parkinson’s Resources (@pdpronw) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon: My Company | LinkedIn

Website: https://www.parkinsonsresources.org/

Eventbrite: Go to pro. eventbrite.com for our listing of classes open for registration.

Email Newsletter: Sign up for email updates when you visit our website or simply call or drop a note and we will take care of it for you.

Print Publications: Conference flyers, support group reminders, invitations and the newsletter are all reasons to make sure we have your mailing address!

Telephone: Our main office (1-800-426-6806) will get you connected to a friendly staff or volunteer to help.

Serving OR and S. WA

Calendar of Events

REGISTRATION AT WWW.PRO.EVENTBRITE.COM

Please check our website (parkinsonsresources.org) or the event registration site (pro.eventbrite. com) for the latest information! It is critical that you register, even for free programs so that we may plan materials and send links for virtual programs.

Want to stay current with updates and new program additions that occur between the quarterly print publication? Sign up for our emails! We send two emails a month with a focus on activity and services that are targeted for your interests and local geography.

WELLNESS

We have wellness classes for a myriad of Parkinson’s symptoms! Fill your week with a variety of classes! Anxiety, stress and depression? Try one of our free Mindfulness or Breathing Yoga sessions. Mindfulness activates brain circuits that help with feeling happy and regulates emotions. Breathing yoga energize the body and mind, improving alertness and concentration. Both practices reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

Speech and memory issues? Try our virtual Communication Skills Group or Singing group, in-person or virtually. Speech-Language Pathologist, Julia Robinson from Legacy Health leads the Communication Skills Group, this group is tailored to participants by working on communication skills to improve speech and memory strategies.

Issues with mobility? Join our virtual Movement class with instructor Laura Lou or in-person in McMinnville. Designed specifically for

those with PD, combines yoga, tai chi and dance to improve flexibility, strength and balance.

Communication Skills Group

New session starts Jan 6th

Join at any time - Fridays, 11 am VIRTUAL - (register here) Parkinson’s can take a toll on voice strength and clarity – research shows that people with Parkinson’s speak about 60% less than similarly aged people without Parkinson’s! Join us to see if practice might help you avoid this situation.

This virtual series is led by Julia Robinson, Speech-Language Pathologist from Legacy Health. Julia leads the group through voice exercises, memory activities and discussions.

Just as you exercise your body to maintain movement, participating in voice exercise will help to maintain your voice clarity, volume and breathing! This class is great whether you have participated in speech therapy or not, practicing within a group setting allows for some fun social connection as well! This program is in partnership with Legacy Health. Donations encouraged.

Singing 3rd Thursday of the month

HYBRID

Note: no singing group in January All are welcome. We’ll have a zoom link to share for those who are unable to join us in person at the PRO offices in Beaverton. Participants who join the fun virtually will also receive a song list and lyrics in advance of the group.

You will sing along with our gifted and beloved volunteers, Michelle Garratt, Jill Williams and Kera Magarill!

Movement Classes w/LauraLou

New sessions start 1st week of Jan VIRTUAL

Offered three times a week, our chair-based program instructed by LauraLou is on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. Registration for each day is separate. These virtual classes are ideal if you are unsteady on your feet or feel safer in a seated position. The class provides a full range of movement as well as communication support. Classes fill quickly, but don’t fret. If they are full, we can help you find other options or put you on the waitlist for an opening. Sliding scale registration with scholarships available.

Movement Class in McMinnville Starts January 5th Thursdays 11-12:30PM

IN-PERSON - (register here)

PRO Movement classes continue in-person in McMinnville. We are working with Bill Wilson to instruct the weekly program. There is a sliding scale registration fee with scholarships available. If you are interested, please email Nancy Nancy@ parkinsonsresources.org or register online at www.pro.eventbrite.com.

Breathing Yoga

Begins January 2nd Mondays, 5:00pm

VIRTUAL - (register here)

Pranayama yoga is the practice of breath control and synchronizing breath with movement. It provides a method to help manage PD symptoms such as anxiety and tremor. Sign up for the link to join us for the weekly sessions. Sliding scale payment options available.

426-6806 -

Mindful Meditation Class

Thursdays at 12:15 - 1PM

Ongoing start any time!

VIRTUAL - (register here)

What is Mindfulness? It is a capacity that we all have. That capacity to be aware and present to every moment of our lives without judgment, without striving. The Sitting Practice of Meditation helps us relate to the breath and to the mind. When we practice, we uncover our innate capacity of mindfulness.

Instructor Martha McJacobs has been a mindful practitioner and teacher for over 40 years. Her passion is to help people experience life in the present moment with courage and kindness.

Carepartners are welcome to attend. Thank you to Washington County for sponsoring.

EDUCATION

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.

**NEW**

Autonomic Dysfunction Series February 7th 2PM

Why Do Non-Motor Symptoms Matter?

VIRTUAL - (register here)

It is now recognized that the damage that PD causes to peripheral nerves affects such vital functions as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure and can lead to serious consequences for PD patients. In fact, disruption of the autonomic nervous system and accompanying symptoms may occur long before any of the typical PD motor symptoms and may ultimately lead to greater disability and death. Join us as Dr. David Goldstein, Section Head of Autonomic Medicine at NIH, presents this first talk in the Dysautonomia series.

Mark the date for Part 2 on March 9th.

Community Education in Columbia County February 14

IN PERSON

**NEW **

Deep Brain Stimulation

Quarterly Forum

January 27th Friday 4PM

VIRTUAL - (register here)

If you are considering Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) or have had DBS and would like to share your experience with others, we welcome you to join the first virtual meet-up to share experiences and have an open conversation. We welcome

PRO’s Community Health and Education Coordinator, Mike Mulligan, will be providing an informational presentation to help members of the community learn more about Parkinson’s disease. Mike will cover symptoms, disease management, treatment options, the importance of exercise and available resources.

If you live in the Columbia County area and wish to attend, please contact Mike Mulligan, 971-727-3535 | Mike@parkinsonsresources.org

Preparing for the Unexpected February 22nd, 1:00PM - 2:00PM

PRO Beaverton Office

IN-PERSON - (register here)

Illness, family obligations, and medical needs can all arise unexpectedly. When you live with chronic illness or care for someone who does, it is important to plan ahead. In this 1 hour workshop, participants will identify actionable steps that can be taken to get prepared for an emergency or other sudden change to routine. Topics covered will include rallying support and identifying roles ahead of time for family and friends, finding care resources, and gathering and organizing crucial information. By helping you take steps now 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?”

For details go to pro.eventbrite.com

Saturday Series - PD 101 February 25th 10-11:30AM

VIRTUAL - (register here)

Have you recently been diagnosed? Are you concerned about yourself or a loved one? This program may help you understand what Parkinson’s is and is not and why it is difficult to diagnose. This presentation will provide an overview of PD, 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 Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO).

Parkinson’s Disease Training for

Balance Disorders Laboratory at OHSU

WHY VOLUNTEER FOR A BALANCE STUDY?

The most important reason to volunteer your time and effort to be a subject in a research study at the Balance Disorders Laboratory is to improve the lives of people who get PD in the future. Another, side-benefit, is a better understanding of your own balance problems or the balance problems of your loved-ones.

Outcomes of studies in the Balance Disorders Laboratory help us understand:

• How the brain controls balance and walking

• What goes wrong with balance in people with PD

• The relationships between balance disorders and falls

• How levodopa and DBS affect balance

• Whether sleep disorders are related to balance disorders

• How freezing of gait comes about and affects balance

• What are the best ways to assess and treat balance disorders

• The types of new drugs and rehabilitation that best improve balance

• Which new technologies improve assessment and treatment of imbalance

OHSU’s Balance Disorders Laboratory is internationally renowned for its research over the past 40 years. They were the first to:

• Characterize ankle and hip strategy balance responses to external perturbations

• Quantify turning and walking during daily life with body-worn sensors

• Show how balance control is

needed to initiate walking

• Understand how PD impacts turning quality

• Record from the brain of people with PD while walking

• Measure standing balance with a body-worn sensor

• Relate brain changes with balance impairments

• Develop novel rehabilitation approaches to improve balance and dual-task walking

• Define “vestibular rehabilitation” for dizziness and balance disorders

• Relate falls with balance, walking, and turning impairments

• Help found a small business that developed novel, body-worn sensors to measure walking and balance

OHSU Balance Disorders Lab Active Studies

Highlights of currently recruiting studies are listed below along with relevant contact information if you fit criteria and are willing to help.

1. Does difficulty turning relate to falls?

• One week of monitoring turning with instrumented socks

• No falls last year but monitor falls for 12 months

2. Can quality of turning improve with training?

• 6 weeks training how to turn at OHSU

• Must have had > 1 fall in last 12 months

3. Can telerehabilitation improve balance?

• Telerehab or unsupervised balance exercise at home

• Wear instrumented socks for 2 weeks

4. Does endurance exercise slow disease progression?

• Treadmill exercise 18 months @ 4 days/week

• <3 years since diagnosis and no PD medication

5. Is walking quality a good marker of disease progression?

• Wear instrumented socks for one week per year x 4 yrs

• <3 years since diagnosis and no PD medication

If interested in volunteering, contact balance@ohsu.edu or 503329-3828

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair: Kelly Sweeney

Vice Chair: Kristin Whitney

2nd Vice Chair: Justin N. Smith

Secretary: Todd Bauman

Treasurer: Gregg Giboney

Directors at Large:

Laurie Ayers Pino

Melody Boyce

Greg Chaille

Chris Cline

David DeFiebre

Barney Hyde

Jerry Hulsman

George Lee

Joseph Quinn, MD

Richard Rosenbaum, MD Ann Usher

Thank You for Your Support

YOUR GIFTS TO PRO MATTER

I recently received a note that had been written to Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) by a gentleman just prior to his passing away. It moved me, and perfectly captures the spirit of PRO.

“You help so many people who deeply feel the loss of independence and the weight of hopelessness by giving them back their lives. I was blessed to work with so many of your staff. With steadfast love and commitment, you have improved and changed lives for the better. I am forever grateful.” ~Roger

THIS is why your gifts matter. The extensive portfolio of services for the Parkinson’s disease community that are accessed by thousands

each and every year - with no requirement to pay - clearly has lasting impact! It wouldn’t be possible without the skills and talents of the professional staff and volunteers that work alongside me ensuring that we continue pressing to address your most urgent and critical needs.

We must work together to continue to fund opportunities for people with Parkinson’s to experience the same hope and improved lives that Roger describes. Care and connection is important. Access to resources change lives, and your tax-deductible gifts help make this possible.

PRO is a 501c3 non-profit that receives no funding from state or federal sources. Our entire annual budget is supported by proceeds from fundraisers, sponsors, estate/ planned gifts and the generosity of individual donors across the region. When you give to PRO, 100% of your contributions remain local - serving Oregon and SW Washington.

If you have questions or would like to learn more about supporting PRO now or with a planned gift through your estate or Donor Advised Fund, please be in touch!

Yours Truly, Holly Chaimov, Executive Director holly@parkinsonsresources.org 800.426.6806

Call for Artist Nominations

Over the last year, we’ve had the pleasure to work with three talented artists from our community - exploring their process, motivation and creative vision. Thank you to Eugenia Parker, Judith Lynne and Trisha Hassler. Each artist graciously agreed to allow us to host an exhibit of select pieces of their work at our office in Beaverton.

As we wrap up the most recent show, Notice, by Trisha Hasser, we are turning our attention to what is next for the walls... and have opened nominations for our next three exhibits. If you are an artist who also happens to live with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s (or a carepartner whose work has been influenced by PD) and you would like to be considered, please be in touch with Holly!

We work with each selected artist to create an article describing their background and inspiration, help with installation, and host a reception for friends and family to view the exhibit. Timing of the show is mutually agreed upon, although we prefer a 2-3 month run. Our space is most conducive to pieces that can be hung on a wall, although we will gladly explore options for other mediums.

Interested? Please reach out via email if you would like to nominate yourself or someone you know. A member of the PRO staff or a volunteer will follow up and gather more information. Send your inquiry to: Info@parkinsonsResources.org

Calendar of Events

Continued from Page 3

Long Term Care Professionals

3:00 to 4:15pm on Thursdays

March 2nd - March 30th (5 weeks)

VIRTUAL - (register here)

Parkinson’s disease is the most common degenerative, neurological disease after Alzheimer’s and many people with PD rely upon paid caregivers (in-home or residential) at some point in their progression.

We’ve created a training course to provide professional caregivers with crucial knowledge that is specifically designed to be applied to everyday situations. If you work to provide support and care for someone with Parkinson’s (in-home or residential care), please join us for our Winter Series program. Increase your awareness and skill managing the unique care needs of people living with Parkinson’s. The curriculum is specifically designed to be easily understood and applied in everyday situations.

Registration fee of $25/person includes course materials. Contact Libby@parkinsonsresources.org for on-site or group training rates.

Personal Care Series

March 21st and 28th 1:00om - 3pm

VIRTUAL

With Mindy Laidlaw, Occupational Therapist. Instruction and ideas for family care partners of loved ones with Parkinson’s disease to help with situations such as bathing, cooking/ feeding, toileting, and mobility.

Are you caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease? In this workshop we will be sharing ideas and adaptive equipment to make care and activities easier for your loved one to retain his/her independence and to make your role as caregiver

easier. Whether you need this support now, or are planning for a future time, family care partners are welcome.

This two-week program is intended for family care partners only. Mindy Laidlaw, OT, graduated from Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR and has worked for St. Charles Medical Center in Bend Oregon for 34 years. Space is limited to 20 participants.

LIFT for Family Care Partners

March 1st 1:00PM

PRO Beaverton Office IN-PERSON

During this hour and a half program, Physical Therapist Sukhee So Chinn, PT, DPT, CEEAA, will lead you through the proper and safe techniques to transfer your loved one who has mobility issues due to Parkinson’s disease. This program is intended for family care partners only.

There will be 5 interactive stations 1) Sit to stand 2) Transfer in and out of bed 3) Transfer in the bathroom 4) Transfers in and out of the car and, 5) How to get up off the floor. Each caregiver will participate, rotating to each station and practicing with other caregivers as you gain valuable hands-on practice and confidence.

On the Road Again! IN PERSON

Please keep watching your email and our social media for announcements about more programs in the region as we continue making connections within the Parkinson’s community! In addition to special education programs, PRO staff will be visiting with support groups, attending health & wellness fairs and

open for opportunities to help raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease.

On March 13th and 14th Jess Joseph, PRO’s Program Coordinator will travel to Pendleton visiting the newest Eastern Oregon support group and providing education to the community. For information, email Jess at Jess@parkinsonsresources.org.

PRO’s Community Health and Education Coordinator, Mike Mulligan, will be visiting Medford and Klamath Falls. Presenting our Basics and Beyond workshop which reviews symptoms and treatment options, then takes a more in depth look at self-efficacy and the importance of exercise, nutrition and socialization. For details email Mike@parkinsonsresources.org.

SOCIAL

Oakshire Inspires

January 25th All Day

207 Madison St., Eugene, OR IN PERSON

The folks at Oakshire Brewing in Eugene invite everyone to head to their Madison Street location on January 25th for a Parkinson’s

awareness night. Bring a pal and come for a pint. $1 from every pint or 4-pack sold on location will be donated to PRO.

The Bitchins

February 4th 6:00PM - 10:00PM Diversity Cafe & Club, Forest Grove Tickets $20

DO NOT MISS this once-a-year Bash by one of the best horn-driven bands you will hear. Consisting of some of the best musicians from Portland and around the country, The Bitchins will have you dancing and grooving all night long playing hours of the best of Tower of Power, Chicago, Joe Cocker, AWB, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, Toto, James Brown, and so much more!

ALL PROCEEDS go to Parkinson’s

Resources of Oregon.

Diversity Cafe has a full menu and bar with plenty of free parking nearby so make plans to make an evening of it.

IN-PERSON

There is strong evidence to support Ping Pong for Parkinson’s as therapeutic with benefits as a form of exercise and helpful with eye-hand coordination. Join us Monday and Wednesday afternoons for a session with our coach and a little friendly competition at the PRO Beaverton office.

Table Tennis for PD started this fall at the West Linn Senior Center! Tuesdays 1:00PM. Drop in or all Nia (503.594.0901) for details.

Table tennis opportunities exist for interested players in Bend and Eugene as well. Please be in touch so that we can connect you!

Table Tennis at PRO

Patterned for Parkinson’s

Whether you consider yourself a fashion maven or not, style and how we dress is an expression of self. Colors chosen, comfort, ease and fit – all combine to impact mood, send a message, and support our ability to complete daily activities. In the visioning and planning for our first Patterned for Parkinson’s adaptive showcase, held in Portland last November, we uncovered some exciting resources.

We met talented designers, read blogs about inclusive design, and had our eyes opened to the growing numbers of businesses and individuals who now include adaptive features in an effort to be inclusive for all.

Parkinson’s:

Stages and Solutions

Independence and the ability to seamlessly make choices in your wardrobe to fit your mood and ac-

tivities varies immensely as people diagnosed with Parkinson’s advance along a continuum of disease progression. One goal with this project was not only to share information about clothes that are designed specifically for folks with a disability, but also to help our community identify and shop for “mainstream” features that can be found at most any retailer once you know what to look for.

To facilitate our conversations about how Parkinson’s disease impacts independent dressing over time, we started by creating an education tool – a chart organized by stage of PD progression, listing common symptoms and possible solutions to look for in a garment.

We also compiled a listing of retailers, influencers, bloggers and other sources of inspiration that we found helpful. Much of this information

has been posted on our website and we will continue to add and refine what and how this information is shared. ( https://www.parkinsonsresources.org/blog/adaptive-design-resources/)

Now tell us…. What is your biggest challenge or favorite innovative solution? We can’t wait to continue this conversation with you and hope to bring the runway to Central Oregon this spring! Stay tuned…

A Year in Review - Welcome Back!

Last year we focused on reconnecting. While we never stopped facilitating support groups, hosting education programs and offering counseling support, we know that the online experience was difficult for many and it felt great to be out in the community with you again. From the RECONNECT conferences to in person events in smaller communities it was clear that creating these engagements was serving

a critical need. Program staff even visited EVERY support group.

Seeing you in-person was the highlight of our year. Virtual programs are an essential tool that we will always use. Nevertheless, the foundation of what we do is to see you, listen and provide personal services where you are.

Here’s a peak at some of our favorite moments from 2022.

Amy

ning

Visiting support groups was a highlight all year long!

PATTERNED FOR PARKINSON’S

Andy modeling magnetic close jacket at Patterned for Parkinson’s

and Michelle featured the win-

designs from the Patterned for Parkinson’s contest. Shown with student designers, Kylie and Maria.

Caren modeling and easy-on wrap dress at Patterned for Parkinson’s

Patterned for Parkinson’s was a Mother/Daughter affair!

Holly and Rachel at Beaverton Chamber meeting

Luz made the runway shine

RECONNECT ‘22

SOLE SUPPORT

PEDAL SUPPORT

Sole

Pedal Support riders came solo, tandem and recumbent!

Nia Jones welcoming folks to reconnect in Eugene

Under the big top at Reconnect Kim, Julie and Nancy came out to encourage exercise at reconnect in Bend

New team of Friends at Sole Support Vancouver

Bend support group members came to Reconnect

Peggy, Heather, Jess and Nia representing PRO staff (past and present)

Sole Support kickoff in Bend was a family affair

Vancouver was the first walk location to reach goal!

Well deserved lunch break for Pedal Support riders

Support participants had reason to celebrate with great weather at all four walks

Area Group Meetings

Our peer-led groups are meeting in person, online, and hybrid. If a group is hybrid, you can join via Zoom or in person. We also have PRO staff hosted meetings for all clients and carepartners needing support or engagement.

NOTE: Please note, PRO requires groups to follow current COVID-19 guidelines and the guidelines of the meeting place. Guidelines will vary by county depending on risk level. Please choose a Zoom or staff facilitated meeting if you are unable to comply. Thank you for understanding!

GENERAL INTEREST PD GROUPS

All Area General - Zoom

1st Wed, 1:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806

Albany - In Person 2nd Wed, 4:00 pm Lynn, 541.936.6154

Ashland - Zoom 3rd Wed, 3:00 pm Laurie, 650.575.8434 Gail, 479.420.8939

Astoria - In Person 2nd Mon, 1:00 pm Donna, 503.738.5295

Beaverton - Zoom

1st Thur, 9:00 am Charlene, 503.421.5058

Bend - In Person 3rd Wed, 2:00 pm Maureen, 513.678.6422

Canby - In Person 1st Mon, 2:00 pm Shirley, 503.380.1712

Corvallis - Hybrid 2nd Tue, 11:00 am Betty, 541.760.1737

Eugene/SpringfieldHybrid 2nd Tue, 10:30 am Dave, 541.686.8615

Florence - In Person 4th Thurs, 1:00 pm JoAnne, 541.633.3330

Gresham - In Person 2nd Tue, 2:00 pm Kevin, 503.278.0516

Hermiston - In Person 3rd Thurs, 1:45 pm Carol, 541.720.4256

Klamath FallsIn Person 3rd Tue, 1:00 pm Ron, 541.591.0686 Kate, 541.882.3928

La Grande - In Person 1st Thur, 4:00 pm Kate, 541.969.0883

Lebanon - In Person 3rd Thurs, 3:00 pm Angela, 503.930.3123

Medford - In Person 3rd Sat, 11:00am Jim, 541.774.9812

Newberg - In Person 3rd Thurs, 10:00 am Marshall, 971.344.4384

Pendleton - In Person 2nd Mon, 1:00 pm Jennifer, jennifercalhoun80@gmail.com

Providence PortlandZoom 2nd Tue, 10:00 am Theresa, 503.216.4903

Redmond - In Person 2nd Mon, 1:00 pm Ginny, 541.548.6310

Roseburg - In Person 2nd Mon, 1:30 pm Sandy, 541.430.1286

Salem - In Person 2nd Tue, 1:30 pm Jayne, 503.930.4239

SherwoodIn Person

4th Thurs, 1:00 pm Teresa, 503.625.9481

The DallesIn Person 1st Thurs, 10:15 am Chad, ChadSw@mcmc.net

Tillamook - Hybrid 2nd Thurs, 2:00 pm Randy, 314.458.1970

Vancouver, WA - Hybrid 3rd Fri, 1:30 pm Hope, 518.265.0340 Pat, 360.608.9818

Vancouver, WA - In Person Mon, 1:00 pm Jan, 360.433.6400

West Linn - In Person 2nd Mon, 1:00 pm Tiffany, 503.557.4704

MORE INFO! (800) 426-6806 -

Area Group Meetings

Continued from Page 10

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

Alternative ApproachesZoom

2nd Tue, 7:00 pm (alternate months) Tasha, 503.788.2333

Caring for a Parent - Zoom Care Partner Group 3rd Thurs, 5:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806

Eugene/Springfield YOPD <50- Zoom 3rd Wed, 6:30 pm Libby, 541.345.2988

MSA/PSP - Zoom 4th Sat, 10:30 am Akiko, 503.853.9584

Newly Diagnosed < 3 yrs - Zoom 2nd Wed, 1:30 pm PRO, 800.426.6806

PD without a PartnerZoom

4th Thurs, 1:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806

Portland YOPD Happy Hour - Zoom 3rd Fri, 4:30pm Jeff jeff.lasley@gmail.com

Veteran’s PD GroupZoom

2nd Fri, 10:00 am Kristi, 503.220.8262 x58594

Women with PD - Zoom 1st Mon, 5:00 pm Nicol, 253.226.4069

CARE PARTNER GROUPS

All Area Care PartnerZoom

4th Wed, 1:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806

Ashland - Zoom Care Partner Group 1st & 3rd Fri, 9:30 am Ann, 415.279.8754

Astoria - In Person Care Partner Group 4th Tue, 1:00 pm Donna, 503.738.5295

Central OR - Zoom Care Partner Group 2nd Wed, 1:30 pm Jess, 541.668.3538

Dementia and PD - Zoom Care Partner Group 1st Thurs, 1:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806

Early Stage Women’sZoom Care Partner Group 1st Tues, 11:00 am Martha, 503.830.7246

Eugene/Springfield - Zoom Care Partner Group

4th Tue, 1:30 pm Carla, 541-515-6604

Lewy Body DementiaZoom Care Partner Group 2nd Sat, 1:00 pm Kathy, 971.222.7526

MSA/PSP - Zoom Care Partner Group 3rd Fri, 12:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806

Portland - Zoom Care Partner Group 1st Tue, 7:00 pm Jennifer, 503.318.5283

Tigard Women - Zoom Care Partner Group 1st Wed, 3:00 pm Mary, 503.579.2792

Vancouver, WA - In Person Care Partner Group 1st Mon, 1:00 pm Jan, 360.433.6400

Vancouver, WAZoom Care Partner Group 2nd Fri, 1:30 pm Diana, 360.892.1985

How I Learned About the Importance of Dysautonomia for PD

over the prior 5 years--with no answers. Then, during a routine literature search, I came upon an article written by Dr. Goldstein about Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension (NOH) and Parkinson’s.

Reading the article, I learned that ~half of people with PD have NOH but most do not know it because they do not have symptoms! I quickly understood that what Dr. Goldstein was describing matched my experience. Within two months of contacting him at the NIH, I was enrolled as a subject in his Dysautonomia study and that same week I found out that indeed, I have a very significant case of NOH and an explanation for my symptoms. As a result of that discovery, my neurol-

ogist is now coordinating my care with a nephrologist and cardiologist to address my complex blood pressure symptoms.

I’ve been working with the Program staff at PRO to help raise awareness of NOH and Parkinson’s disease. As a result, we are hosting a two part education program on Dysautonomia, and I am delighted that Dr. Goldstein has agreed to be our lead presenter in this series on Dysautonomia and Parkinson’s.

Do you have an idea for an education program or workshop for the PD Community? Please send an email to Melissa@Parkinsonsresources.org for further discussion!