From PRO's New Executive Director The Parkinson’s Perspective
Fall is often a season that is associated with change. The transition I prefer the most is the one of our trees. The beautiful color changes all around us. Like the leaves and the weather, fall is also our season of change.
I know this community, and hopefully, most of you know me by now. Over the coming months, I intend to reintroduce myself and our team as a whole as we collectively experience change together. The first part of change is about our people. We are proud to introduce the Program Director at PRO, Anna Sanger Reed. Anna first joined Parkinson’s Resources in 2008, supporting the administrative and program needs of the growing team after completing her BA in psychology. Since leaving in 2014, Anna has gained experience in other nonprofit leadership roles but remained connected as a volunteer and supporter. We are thrilled she rejoined our team in 2024 as Program Director.
One of the things she's most looking forward to is connecting with and learning from the community on a daily basis, and working creatively with the team to meet the ever-changing needs of the individuals and families we are here to
support.
As I’ve transitioned into my new role, I find myself coming back to this theme of hope. In one of our videos, we say Hope at PRO is helping people understand that there is life after Parkinson’s and it’s about finding a community. My involvement and growth within programs have enriched my experience at PRO and I feel honored to pass the torch back to Anna as our new Program Director. I can speak on behalf of everyone on the team that Anna shares the same passion, dedication, and heart.
Again, I have been looking back at photos of clients and partners, I have been reflecting on our achievements as an organization and how my evolving role and personal experiences have shaped my leadership style and vision for the future. My journey at PRO has been incredibly fulfilling and deeply impactful. I continue to have a passion for making a difference and the ability to adapt and grow within the organization has been truly inspiring. The personal connections I have made and the impact I have seen on the community (with the help of amazing staff, a supportive volunteer board of directors, and
a commitment of our 200+ volunteers throughout the state) have undoubtedly added depth and perspective to the work I will continue to do as Executive Director.
Here at PRO we are small, but mighty. Although we are spread out geographically, I feel tied to the places I have been as a representative of our organization and that is a bond I continue to carry into my time as Executive Director. The connection and culture we share at PRO is a big part of what makes our team and organization special. I thank this community for taking the time to share your stories and experiences with me throughout the years, it is what drives and shapes how I will continue to be a leader.
2016 Gala
Melissa Greer (R), Executive Director
Anna Sanger Reed (L), Program Director
Year-end Giving: Continue Your Impact Now and Into 2025
As the year winds down, many of us have a tendency to take stock of the months now in the rearview mirror (wow, that happened more quickly than ever, right?):
• Did I do what I set out to do way back on New Year’s?
• How did I show up for my family and friends…and myself?
• What might I think about changing for next year?
• The future has no guarantees…so did I make a difference in 2024 in ways that matter?
The calendar just might be too tight before December 31 to reach those ambitious fitness goals, refresh that language you learned in high school, or completely reorganize all your closets…but there’s still plenty of time to plan your year-end philanthropic giving and know that you helped thousands of your fellow community members and their families living with Parkinson’s.
In the time ahead, we’ll be sharing personal client stories with you that highlight the importance of the services available through PRO and the positive influence your donation will have. You’ll enjoy “meeting” these PRO family members in our November appeal for support, but of course you never need to wait for a letter in the mail to make your impact.
Our goal is to make this incredibly easy for you and be certain you know your full menu of options:
• Give online via our website: www. parkinsonsresources.org
• Call us at (800) 426-6806 and donate via phone—takes less than one minute!
• Mail your check to Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon, 8880 SW Nimbus Ave., Suite B, Beaverton, OR 97008. Our Federal Tax ID number is 93-0905013.
• Donor Advised Fund gifts – It helps when you let us know you’ve initiated the gift, since those checks don’t always include the donor’s name, and we most definitely want to thank you!
• Make your gift via Give!Guide— yes, we’re in it again! — at www. giveguide.org and automatically win free prizes and treats while also getting entered into amazing drawings! PRO is in Give!Guide’s “Health” category.
• Stop by and see us here at the Beaverton main office—we LOVE when our friends come visit—and let us receive your check, credit card or cash donation in person in barely a minute flat.
Most of us can probably agree that 2024 has been a year to remember; let’s make sure that those memories include the deep knowing that we stepped up and made the world a little brighter and more hopeful for multiple thousands of brave folks. As we look forward to wishing you each a happy, healthful, and hopeful 2025, all of us here at PRO can’t thank you enough for continuing to make our work possible.
Are Ping Pong Players Better Than The Rest Of Us?
CONTRIBUTED BY ROB SOLOMON
Here’s What The Research Says... There seems to be something interesting going on in their brains. Whether you call it table tennis or ping pong, you’re probably familiar with the basics of the game. Two players grab their paddles and try to keep a small ball in play on a tabletop surface that resembles a miniaturized tennis court.
But if you’ve ever gone up against a skilled player, you know the game is deceptively simple. And mastering it might provide quite a bit more than just bragging rights.
A new study published in Brain Research highlights the cognitive changes that players undergo while learning the ins and outs of this fast-paced game. Table tennis requires quick decision-making and laser-like focus, and growth in the respective regions of the brain can be seen in the world’s most elite players.
Researchers compared brain scans of 20 ping pong pros with a group of college students who hadn’t trained for the game but otherwise had similar attributes.
The results were pretty conclusive, with the skilled players showing evidence of:
• Enhanced brain structure and function
• Increased neuron communication
• Better performance in attention-related tasks
While this was a limited study and correlation doesn’t always signal causation, this research seems to suggest that the brain’s white matter improves as a person becomes better at ping pong.
Should you pick up a paddle?
If you enjoy the challenging fun of this game, then by all means you should play to your heart’s content. But if you’re doing it just for the brain benefits, it’s worth noting that this is just one study.
But the researchers are interested in conducting even more robust testing to see if they can replicate these early results, specifically that the game’s “high demand for visual attention and information processing speed” leads to “plastic changes in white matter structure and functional connectivity in the brain.”
How to be involved:
PRO Beaverton Office: Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons for a session with our coach and a little friendly competition.
Table Tennis for PD at the West Linn Senior Center on Tuesdays 1 PM.
Table tennis opportunities exist for interested players in Bend and Eugene as well. Please be in touch so that we can connect you!
If there is a center with tables, all it takes is 2 to start! We will help you spread the word and get you connected. Call for more information 800.426.6806
Saturday, October 12, 11AM, Parkinson’s Table Tennis Tournament | PRO Beaverton Office.
• Open to players with Parkinson’s in Southwest Washington & Oregon.
• Individuals only-no teams
• Tournament design depends on number of signups
• No cost to register
Call PRO, 800.426.6806 for more details and we can connect you to Coach Rob!
Calendar of Events
Please check our event registration site, pro.event.com, for the latest information and to register.
WELLNESS
Communication Skills Group
The new session starts October 4thJoin at any time.
Fridays, 11 AM
-------- VIRTUAL
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. 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! Thank you to Legacy Health for your support and partnership with this program.
Singing- Hybrid
4th Thursday of the month
Keep your eye out for a special Holiday Sing-along in December
-------- HYBRID
All are welcome. We’ll have a Zoom link to share for those who are not able 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/ Laura Lou New sessions start the first week of October Mondays, Wednesdays at 11 AM & Fri-
days at 1 PM -------- VIRTUAL
If you’re looking for an exercise class that helps with mobility but also leaves you with a smile on your face, join our Movement class with instructor Laura Lou! Designed specifically for those with PD, the program combines yoga, tai chi, and dance to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Instructor Laura Lou Pape-McCarthy also works to improve the use of facial muscles and incorporates vocal exercises.
McMinnville Movement Series
Thursdays 11 AM | McMinnville Senior Center
New sessions start October 3rd -------- IN PERSON
The focus is on mobility and safety, with movements that improve strength, balance, endurance, and flexibility. Classes are designed to accommodate varying degrees of ability and limitations. Movements include gentle stretching, both seated and standing exercises, and hand-eye coordination. We share moments in life that bring a smile and a laugh! Instructed by longtime local fitness trainer Bill Wilson, BA, CPT-CSCS (ret.) who brings many years of expertise working with neurological challenges.
Breathing Yoga - Ongoing
Mondays 5:15 - 5:45 PM -------- VIRTUAL
Practice breath control and synchronizing breath with movement. Just 30 minutes helps energize the body and mind and reduce stress. This practice may benefit those with tremors, improve memory and cognitive functions, help with sleeping disorders, provide mental-emotional stability, build confidence, and improve quality of life.
Mindful Meditation Class
Wednesdays at 12:15 - 1 PM
The next session starts Nov 13-Dec 18th (OK to start any time!) -------- VIRTUAL
If you are feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed, we offer Mindfulness FREE. Mindfulness activates brain circuits that help with feeling happy and regulate emotions. Instructor Martha McJacobs has been a mindful practitioner and teacher for over 40 years. Carepartners are welcome to attend. Thank you to Washington County for sponsoring.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Lift - IN-PERSON
October 16 (Wednesday) 2pm - 3:30pm
Mennonite Village, Albany -------- IN PERSON
Emily Antonishen, PT will be collaborating with PRO to provide this training for care partners. During this hour and a half program, we 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. Watch for upcoming dates for Corvallis and Salem!
Nighty-Night – Sleep Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease –VIRTUAL
October 24 (Thursday) 1pm -------- VIRTUAL
Dr. Amie Hiller, MD, will present an overview of normal sleep and wake cycles as well as many of the common sleep issues seen in Parkinson’s disease, and the latest approaches to managing them. These will include urinary issues in sleep, acting out of dreams, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and day time sleepiness. Dr. Hiller will review ways to approach many of these sleep issues.
This talk will also include perspective from Terry Smith who is living with PD in Eugene. His journey may be helpful to others as we know that just as symptoms vary so much in PD, the treatment that works for one person may not work for another person.
Communication & Swallowing in Parkinson’s Disease: Impacts and Proactive Management –IN-PERSON
October 29 (Tuesday) 3pm PRO Office Beaverton -------- IN PERSON --------
Did you know that about 89% of all individuals with Parkinson’s will at some point experience issues with their communication and/or swallowing? Come to this informative education event where Providence’s speech-language pathologist Wes Smith, MA CCC-SP, will discuss how Parkinson's disease can affect communication and swallowing, as well as share proactive steps you can take to manage these issues and live well with Parkinson's.
Exploring DBS, A Roundtable Discussion Presented by Boston Scientific– HYBRID
November 8 (Friday) 2pm – 3:30pm PRO Office Beaverton & Online -------- HYBRID --------
Join us for an in-person discussion with Megan Connolly, a Nurse Practitioner from Providence, to learn about DBS for Parkinson's Disease. Megan will discuss when DBS is considered in your Parkinson's journey, what makes a suitable candidate for DBS, and how DBS can make a difference in treating Parkinson's Disease. The Oregon Boston Scientific team will also provide education on what makes Boston Scientific DBS unique.
Basics and BeyondIN-PERSON
November 9 (Saturday) 1pm – 2:30pm Samaritan Center for Health Education, Newport -------- IN PERSON --------
This education program is part of a larger Rural Outreach Initiative of Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) to expand access to services and education throughout the region. It includes a series of three lectures, grant funding for new exercise classes, support group development and personal support for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. In this first program, we cover how Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed, what the common symptoms are, as well as offer his insight into the most current thinking on best practices for therapeutic treatments. Future lectures will focus on Living Well with Parkinson’s and a discussion of current and promising research underway.
PD 101 – IN-PERSON
November 14 (Thursday) 2pm – 3pm Boomerang Therapy Works, Vancouver -------- IN PERSON
Are you concerned about yourself or a loved one? Have you recently been diagnosed? This program may help you understand what Parkinson's is and is not and why it is difficult to diagnose. This program will be presented by Mike Mulligan, PRO’s Community Health Education Coordinator and Emily Kaemmerlen, PT, DPT, owner of Boomerang Therapy Works. Key points of this discussion will include an overview of PD and treatment options.
Gizmos & Gadgets - IN-PERSON
December 5 (Thursday) 2pm – 3:30pm Boomerang Therapy Works, Vancouver
-------- IN PERSON
Join Megan Shah, OTR/L for an interactive and engaging discussion about what Occupational Therapists (OTs) do, how they assist their clients, and the many gizmos and gadgets they use to help people achieve their goals. These might range from maintaining daily activities like preparing a meal, balancing a checkbook or working in the garden. You’ll even get to try out some of the devices on display!
Preparing for the Unexpected –VIRTUAL
December 10 (Tuesday) 1pm -------- VIRTUAL
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. In this online discussion, Mike Mulligan, PRO Community Health Education Coordinator, will assist participants to identify the steps to take to get prepared. This includes rallying support and identifying roles ahead of time for family and friends, finding care resources, and gathering and organizing crucial information.
SOCIAL, COMMUNITY & FUN
Annual Active Aging FairIN-PERSON
October 4 (Friday) 10am - 2pm Mennonite Village, Albany -------- IN PERSON
This annual event celebrates active aging and promotes a healthy lifestyle through education from wellness-related programs, services, and providers located in our surrounding community.
Healthier You Expo- IN-PERSON
October 19 (Saturday) 9am - 1pm Samaritan Center for Health Education, Newport -------- IN PERSON --------
This event brings awareness to the community about local health and wellness resources and to help improve overall health and well-being.
EASTERN OREGON HIGHLIGHT
Walk Where You Are: La Grande - IN-PERSON
October 19 (Saturday) 11am –2:30pm
Riverside Park and Pavillion -------- IN PERSON
Everyone in Eastern Oregon is encouraged to attend! Potluck and socializing starts at 11am, followed by a beautiful 1k or 5k walk around the park. Thank you to our local support group facilitator, Kate, for coordinating! Call PRO (800.426.6806) to learn how to join us!
TEAM-PD, Presented by OHSUIN-PERSON
October 25 (Friday) 12pm – 5pm Eastern Oregon University, La Grande -------- IN PERSON
The OHSU Parkinson Center is organizing this unique opportunity to join in a series of lectures along with care professionals from across the region. Register to attend this free event and you will hear from Parkinson’s experts on the latest best practices in medical treatment, speech therapy, physical therapy, and nurse support. This program will also include time for facilitated discussion with other community members to connect and learn from each other’s experiences. View the full agenda details and register at ohsu.swoogo.com/TeamPD.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair: Justin N. Smith
Vice Chair: Kristin Whitney
2nd Vice Chair: Scott Philips
Treasurer: David de Fiebre
Secretary: Laurie Ayers Pino
Immediate Past President: Kelly Sweeney
Directors at Large: Elise Anderson, MD
Todd Bauman
Melody Boyce
Larry Bradley
Barney Hyde
Jerry Hulsman
Chad Naganuma Joseph Quinn, MD
Ann Usher
THANK YOU
GEORGE
We at PRO want to express our sincere gratitude to our outgoing board member, George Lee. George served on our board for the last 4 years and was the first board member to represent the Central Oregon region. He has actively participated in our programs, volunteered at our conferences and has been a great champion and mentor for those that are newly diagnosed. We wish him all the best and we are forever thankful.
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.
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 - In Person 3rd Wed, 3:30 pm Laurie, 650.575.8434
Astoria - In Person 2nd Mon, 1:00 pm Donna, 503.738.5295
Beaverton - In Person (New Facilitator!)
2nd Wed, 10:00 am Caren, 336.202.6601
Bend - In Person 3rd Wed, 2:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806
Clackamas - In Person
3rd Tue, 3:00 pm Kim, 503.698.1600
Coos Bay - In Person 2nd Thurs, 1:00 pm Aaron, 541.808.1336
Corvallis - Hybrid 2nd Tue, 11:00 am Libby, 541.345.2988
Eugene/SpringfieldHybrid 2nd Tue, 10:30 am Dave, 541.686.8615
Florence - In Person 4th Thur, 1:00 pm JoAnne, 541.633.3330
Gresham - In Person 2nd Tue, 2:00 pm Kevin, 503.278.0516
Canby - In Person 1st Mon, 2:00 pm Shirley, 503.380.1712
CARE PARTNER GROUPS
All Area Care PartnerZoom
4th Wed, 1:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806
Ashland - Zoom
1st & 3rd Fri, 9:30 am Ann, 415.279.8754
Astoria - In Person
4th Tue, 1:00 pm Donna, 503.738.5295
AM Women Care Partners - Hybrid 1st Tues, 11:00 am Martha, 503.830.7246
Dementia and PDZoom
Hermiston - In Person 3rd Wed, 1:30 pm Sheila, 541.561.7576
Hillsboro - In Person 2nd Mon, 2:30 pm Mark, 503.718.7484
Klamath Falls - In Person 4th 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
Medford - In Person
3rd Sat, 12:00 pm Curt, 541.601.0602
Medford, Rogue Valley Manor - In Person 3rd Tue, 1:30 pm Meridel, 541.857.6605
Newberg - In Person 3rd Thur, 10:00 am Marshall, 503.550.7670
Pendleton - In Person 2nd Tue, 1:00 pm Michelle, 503.758.9648
Providence PortlandZoom 2nd Tue, 10:00 am Theresa, 971.358.9499
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
The Dalles - In Person 1st Thur, 10:45 am Chad, swansoce@ah.org
The Springs at Tanasbourne - In Person
3rd Fri, 10:15 am Tina, 971.803.8144
Tillamook - Hybrid 2nd Thur, 2:00 pm Randy, 314.458.1970
Vancouver, WA - In Person
4th Mon, 1:00 pm Jan, 360.433.6400
West Vancouver, WA-Hybrid 3rd Fri, 1:00 pm Hope, 518.265.0340 Pat, 360.823.6683
West Linn - In Person 2nd Thur, 1:00 pm Tiffany, 503.557.4704
1st Thurs, 1:30 pm PRO, 800.426.6806 Eugene/SpringfieldZoom
4th Tue, 1:30 pm Libby, 541.345.2988
Lewy Body DementiaZoom 2nd Sat, 10:00 am
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
Alternative Approaches - Zoom
2nd Tue, 7:00 pm (alternate months) Tasha, 503.788.2333
Beyond Parkinson’sZoom
2nd Wed, 3:00 pm Libby, 541.345.2988
Caring for a ParentZoom Care Partner Group
Eugene/Springfield
YOPD <50- Zoom
3rd Wed, 6:30 pm Libby, 541.345.2988
MSA/PSP - Zoom
4th Wed, 10:00 am Kathy, 971.222.7526
MSA/PSP - Zoom
3rd Fri, 12:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806
Portland - Zoom 1st Tue, 7:00 pm Jennifer, 503.318.5283
Women Care Partners - Zoom 1st Wed, 3:00 pm Mary, 503.332.1700
Vancouver, WA - In Person 1st Mon, 1:00 pm Jan, 360.433.6400
Newly Diagnosed < 3 yrs - Zoom
2nd Wed, 1:30 pm PRO, 800.426.6806
Portland YOPD Happy Hour - Zoom
3rd Fri, 4:30pm Jeff, jeff.lasley@gmail. com
3rd Thurs, 5:00 pm PRO, 800.426.6806
4th Sat, 10:30 am Akiko, 503.853.9584
PD without a PartnerZoom
INTERESTED IN HELPING START A NEW SUPPORT GROUP FOR YOUR COMMUNITY?
Care Partner Loss Group
4th Thurs, 1:00 pm Sheri, 503.348.2665
CONTACT PRO @ 1.800.426.6806 FOR MORE INFORMATION!
Women with PDZoom 1st Mon, 5:00 pm Nicol, 253.226.4069
PERSPECTIVES
Letter from PRO's New Executive Director pg 1
Year End Giving pg 2
Annual Sponsors pg 2 Are Ping Pong Players Better Than the Rest of Us? pg 3
Calendar of Events pg 4
Many Ways to Support
PRO pg 5
Area Group Meetings pg 7
Research Studies Recruiting
Locally pg 8
CONTACT US
info@parkinsonsresources.org toll-free: (800) 426-6806
Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon
8880 SW Nimbus Ave Ste B
Beaverton, OR 97008
Return Service requested
Research Studies Recruiting Locally
Over time, people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) may experience changes to their mobility and gait that put them at an increased risk of falling. However, it is difficult to track these mobility changes due to limited sensitivity of clinical scales, making this an important area of research. Understanding the mobility and gait changes that occur in people with PD over time can help us tailor interventions to target these changes and prevent falls. Here at the OHSU Balance Disorders Lab, we are working to identify and quantify these changes in an objective way and use them to predict fall risk with our study, Digital Markers of Mobility in Daily Life to Track Progression in Newly Diagnosed Parkinson’s Disease (IRB#24814).
Participants in this study visit our lab annually for 3 years (4 total visits) to do a variety of cognitive and mobility tasks. After each visit, participants wear our SmartSox mobility sensors at home for 7 days to collect additional daily-life mobility data. Collecting both standardized lab data and athome data allows us to analyze more aspects of people’s mobility.
Participants are paid $120 after completing the initial visit and home mobility monitoring, and $100 for each subsequent visit and round of mobility monitoring (total possible $420).
This study is actively recruiting! You might be eligible if you meet the following criteria:
• People between the ages of 40 and 89
• PD diagnosis less than 3 years ago, and
• Not currently taking medication for PD
• Individuals willing to participate in-person or remotely
If you are interested in learning more about this project or any of our other ongoing studies, please use the contact information below! You can also fill out a pre-screen survey at our website to be contacted by one of our study coordinators.
OHSU Balance Disorders Laboratory Phone: 503-418-2601
Email: balance@ohsu.edu www.ohsu.edu/balance