Parkinson Voice Spring 2023

Parkinson Voice

what the Neurologists ARe saying...

Q: What are the newest studies or trends you are seeing?

Ryan Barmore, MD Matthew Mian, MD

We spoke with two members of our Medical Advisory Board to find out what your doctors want you to know about Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Dr. Barmore (RB) is a neurologist at Banner Health Clinic in Greeley, CO who specializes in movement disorders including Parkinson’s disease, tremor, dystonia, Huntington disease, gait disorders as well as the use of advanced therapies including deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Dr. Mian (MM) is a neurosurgeon at CarePoint Neurosurgery and Spine in Englewood, CO. His practice spans general neurosurgery, including brain tumors and degenerative spinal disorders, and functional neurosurgery, including surgery for epilepsy, chronic pain conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, and movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor.

RB: There is a growing emphasis on exercise - more research lately reinforces the importance of regular exercise. Physical and occupational speech therapy and music therapy are really being pushed as well. There have been recent studies using music as strategy to improve motor skills and movement. It has shown to help freezing gait by focusing on keeping rhythm and timing of movement.

MM: With regard to surgery for Parkinson’s, the major advancements lately have been in remote DBS programming (the ability to have your DBS programmed by video without the need to travel to a neurologist’s office) and in device sensing (the ability of the DBS system to sense changes in your brain rhythms and symptoms). The latter advancement (sensing) is exciting because we will soon have DBS systems that automatically adjust their settings based on a patient’s changing symptoms throughout the day.

Other advancements include a new procedure called focused ultrasound that can be used for treating tremordominant patients, robotic technology for implanting DBS leads precisely and efficiently, as well as studies on a different brain target for treating Parkinson’s.

Q: Are you seeing any changes in the average age of your clients? More Young-Onset?

RB: Not here in the Greeley, Loveland area, but the number of Young-Onset cases are increasing nationally. We are still seeing most clients that are in their mid 60’s.

MM: I have seen a slight shift towards younger patients, though it has not been dramatic.

Pizza Exercise Series

With Dr’s. Ryan Barmore and Matthew Mian

Q: What are the questions every patient should ask at their first appointment?

RB: It’s important to just start by asking about the basics of the disease.

1. Ask about the fundamentals: why this disease happens, how does it progress?

2. When do we use meds and why? Because medications vary by patient, it’s important to really understand your personal medication path.

3. What are some treatment strategies besides medication, such as exercise and physical and occupational therapies?

4. What are some good trusted resources for us to learn more on our own?

As a general principle, having a close family member with you at the appointment to help identify changes that you may not have noticed. Often the people around us notice things before we do.

MM: These questions are for patients who are considering or planning on having deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery:

1. What can I expect the experience of surgery to be like? How do you perform the procedure?

2. Which of my PD symptoms are most likely to improve with DBS? Which may not?

3. Do I want to have both sides of my brain treated at the same time, or should I start with just one?

4. Should I get a rechargeable or nonrechargeable battery?

5. What does the recovery from surgery look like?

Q: Understanding every patient is different, is there one piece of advice you would give to all your patients?

RB: Exercise! Do 150 minutes per week using a variety of exercises -aerobic, strength, balance and stretching. Getting your heart rate up is key.

MM: Be your own advocate. Seek a second opinion if you’re struggling and your team doesn’t have options, or if you think you might be a candidate for a treatment (surgery, medication) that isn’t

being offered to you. Read online about different therapies, and ask friends, family, and other PD patients about their experiences and recommendations. Think carefully about your symptoms on a typical day and which are the most disabling/which you would like to see treated the most. And exercise! Exercise is one of the single most impactful therapies we have for patients with PD. It’s free, and it’s good for your overall health, too!

Q: What else would you like People with Parkinson’s to know?

RB: It is so important to get in to see a movement disorder specialist. Educating yourself on the importance of therapies like, speech, occupational, physical, etc., but make sure it is someone who specializes in Parkinson’s MM: PD can be a scary and difficult diagnosis. We do not (yet) have a cure, but there are many therapies today that can help improve quality of life. Seek out a care team that you feel comfortable with.

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month

April is Parkinson’s disease awareness month and a great time to start raising community awareness. There are many ways to raise awareness in your local Parkinson’s community: Ask your local city council to read a Proclamation declaring April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month, ask the local newspaper to run an announcement of the Proclamation or write to the editor to thank the mayor/city council for signing the Proclamation to highlight the point; Parkinson’s disease deserves our attention.

Remember, you are the voice of the Parkinson’s disease, and how you use that voice is vital to raising awareness, funding, and advocacy for the entire community. While community awareness and advocacy are important year round, Parkinson’s Awareness Month is a great time to start.

www.ParkinsonRockies.org/Ski4PD

To obtain a Proclamation template, please contact Annie at AGoyanes@ParkinsonRockies.org or call (303) 830-1839

PAR Spotlights... Young-Onset PD

Doug ReiD

Doug was diagnosed with Young-Onset

Parkinson’s disease (YO) at age 36. It has been 13 years since diagnosis. Doug co-leads PAR’s DBS support group.

Q: How long did it take before you received the correct diagnosis?

A: About a year before I was diagnosed, I had a slight tremor in my left thumb. I saw my primary care doctor who gave me a beta blocker. The tremor got worse after a year so I went to a neurologist who right away said this was classic Young-Onset Parkinson’s.

Q: What was your acceptance process? Was there denial?

A: I was not thinking about PD at all, so I was in total shock when I got the diagnosis. I fell into depression for a few years following. I had DBS surgery 3 years ago and now I often feel like I don’t even have PD.

Q: What unique challenges do you feel YO people have vs. those who are older?

A: Because we are a minority in the PD community, it can be difficult to find peers.

Q: What services or programs do you feel are missing for people with YO?

A: I would love to see a Zoom support group specifically for YO.

Q: What is the most common response or misconception when people find out your diagnosis?

A: Most are just shocked by my age. People view it as an older disease.

Q: What advice would you give to someone just diagnosed?

A: Reach out to the Parkinson’s community, get invloved. It truly is a great community of people. I haven’t met one PD peson who is a jerk. Get active - try to exercise each day.

Doug and Kirsti are a part of PAR’s Young-Onset Advisory Committee. One of PAR’s long-term goals is to increase our outreach to the Young-Onset community in Colorado. The experiences of the advisory committee will help PAR better understand what services and programs are most beneficial to the Young-Onset community.

KiRsti PeteRson

Kirsti was diagnosed with Young-Onset

Parkinson’s disease (YO) at age 46. It has been 7 years since diagnosis. Kirsti is part of PAR’s YO Committee.

Q: How long did it take before you received the correct diagnosis?

A: My first symptom was 3 years before I was diagnosed. I had cramping on my right thigh and right front shin so I went to an orthopedic surgeon. I saw additional orthos but they felt it was a pinched nerve. Finally, a family member noticed my gait issues and suggested seeing a neurologist, but it was not until I got to see a movement disorder specialist that I actually got my PD diagnosis.

Q: What was your acceptance process? Was there denial?

A: I almost felt relieved after all the confusion.I addressed it head-on and even shared with my friends and family by throwing myseft a Parkie Party. I may have been in a little denial about just how much things would change.

Q: What unique challenges do you feel YO people have vs. those who are older?

A: Often you are still working or have younger children. Having to quit work and stop driving at such a young age was really hard. Most friends can’t relate to your challenges.

Q: What services or programs do you feel are missing for people with YO?

A: I have been lucky to find plenty of YO groups. It just takes reaching out and asking around.

Q: What is the most common misconception when people find out your diagnosis?

A: That your symptoms should be much worse if you have it. I would often hear, “You look fine!” “You look so great!”

So much is hidden with PD that people don’t see - cognition, fatigue.

Q: What advice would you give to someone just diagnosed?

A: That it will be okay. Don’t just go by what your doctor says - be more inquisitive of what you are putting into your body. Pay attention to side effects. Don’t have unrealistic expectations and try to focus on the present. Live the best life you can right now.

Sunday, June 4 - 9:00am - Denver, CO - Washington Park

Sunday, June 11 - 9:00am - Longmont, CO - Sandstone Ranch

Added this year:

Saturday, April 22 - 11:00am - Casper, WY

Saturday, September 23 - 9:00am - El Jebel, CO

New this year!

Up For Parkinson’s!”

Parkinson Association of the Rockies will be changing the Vitality 5K registration to help make a significant difference for People with Parkinson’s, their families, and the Parkinson’s communities in Colorado and Wyoming. We will no longer be charging a registration fee. Instead, we are putting the POWER to fundraise in your hands. This is an opportunity to POWER UP your fundraising efforts and motivate your friends, family, coworkers, and team.

Out of town? Have to work? You can still join the cause online with Virtual Vitality.

POWER UP your fundraising!  Fundraising Levels:

$75 - T-shirt

$125 - Fleece Throw Blanket

$250 - Travel Folding Chair

$500 - Prize ticket for the Grand Prize - Getaway Vacation Package (every $500 raised will earn you a prize ticket for the Grand Prize Drawing) For more information, contact Jess at JNagell@ParkinsonRockies.org, or call (303) 830-1839

“Power

DONATIONS | MEMORIALS

Your thoughtfulness helps Parkinson Association of the Rockies continue to provide services & support in the Rocky Mountain region. The following gifts in memoriam were received between September 30, 2022 - December 31, 2022.

Hugh Allen

Karen Allen

Ralph Alman Sr.

Mary Chavez-Rey

Larry Amsler

Amity Mainridge

Dale Stephens

Joyca and Paul Audino

Myrna Audino

Col. E.T. Archuleta

Emily Archuleta

Stephen Balint

Lois Balint

Clark Beavers

Ellen Bane

Lorraine Christensen

Katelyn Fobes

Karen Jahn

Paul Browne

Linda Mealman

Adele Cornelius

Katharine Cornelius

Cathryn Culver

Thomas Giddings

Randy Dudding

Fay Russett

Flint Russett

Alan Smith

George L. Dumas

Judith Dumas

Arthur Ecoff

Louise A. Ecoff

Clara Edmonds

Rendel Edmonds

Susan E. Feingold

Cyle Feingold

Russell Fillman

Judy Fillman

Barbara Fishkin

R.F. Blecman

Gordon Friednash

Zelda Friednashs

Patricia A. Gilmore

Rebekah Morano

Michael Grandstaff

Colleen Bootjes

Charlotte Campbell

Randy and Carol Feather

Jane Frasier

Andie Grandstaff

Forest Grandstaff

Arlene Melendy

Marilyn Moulds

Florence and John

Schiell

David and Linda Shelter

Janelle Unkel

Patricia A. Gregory

Judith Mason

Johnnie C. Hamilton

Dora Hamilton

Tanisha Hamilton

Susan E. Houghton

James French

Bob Hull

Donna Hull

Linda Johnson

Margot Johnson

Lela Kathka

Loretta Johnson

David Kathka

Susan Kingston

Rebecca Loptien

Jan MacClary

Mickey Miller

Johnny Osborn

Jean Price

Beth and Dick Reece

John Kellogg

Mark Kahl

Alex Kotch

Anne Kotch

Arthur G. LaMunyon

Lisa LaMunyon

George Lund

Julie Lund

Al Lavitt

Alan Seiver

Larry Maeda

Gretchen Knutson

Mary Rushing

Wayne Salmen

Wayne Major

Bob Engstrom

Patrick Maley

Kathleen Kracer

Candace Maley

Hannah Marsh

James Marsh

Michael McGill

Molly McGill

William McGovern

Anee Romero

Margaret Melander

Kitsi Atkinson

George and Pat Bethel

Colin and Linda Broo

Nanci and Peter Byrne

Andrew Buck Family

Covenant Living of CO

Cornelia Dietz

Dawn Erickson

Susan Griepenstroh

Samantha Harrington

Mary Jackson

Janice Kilgore

Shari Lynch

Deborah Maehs

Cindy McCall

Margaret Melander

Tom Melander

Michael Miles

Helen O’Connell

Dennis and Phyllis

Rieken

Linda Stoffel

Marion Sustad

Walt Weibler

Kenny Wichert

Lee Mendel

Barbara Mendel

Maurice Mendel

Cynthia Parker

Hugh Parker

Julie Park

Wes Myres

Dave Petiya

Steve Sargent

Philip E. Pittz

Marsha Sarver

Robert Rector

Janet Grohs

William Reining

Kathy Ahroon

Marilyn Anderson

John Brannock

Kathleen Daily

Marcella Darling

Chris Hovey

Nancy Karakoulakis

David Kaufman

Gary Kerns

Michael Mapes

Wanda McKnight

Linda Micikas

Gregory Parker

Robin Peabody

Debra Weitzel

Helen Reierson

Robert Reierson

Dennis Rock

Cindy Custer

Philip Rose

Paula Rose

William Roth

Cheryl L. Goeorge

Mary Sabus

Brenda Hallee

George and Cristal Sammeth

Carol Sammeth

Rick Schafer Sr.

Alice Anderson

Randy Schiell

Janelle Schiell

Mae Schlepp

Jamie Pounders

Carli Schumacker

Tim Vloin

Barry Segal

Gary Segal

Phil Seibold

Vicky Autry

Laura Brown

Helen Burnside

Dick and Dottie Buss

Carolyn Copeland

Ruth French

Brianne Heidbreder

Judy Manning

Bruce McCullough

Douglas Moen

Pat and David Nicholson

Janet Odell

James Pearl

Lois and Bruce Robb

Susan Ryerson

Dean and Mary Seibold

Susan and Joe Simms

Chris and Bob Sterner

DONATIONS | MEMORIALS cont’d

John Shotton

Spotswood Shotton

Ron Sloan

Bridgette Muse

Ben P. Steiner

Elizabeth Leipold

Catherine Lykken

Ann Root

Linda Wingate

Anthony Vadino

Christina Vadino

Gayle Weinstein

David Weinstein

Charles Williams

Nina and Robert Kight

DONATIONS | HONORS

Glenn Wilson

BK Media Group

Nash Wininger

Jamie Shaw

Eric E. Wright

Sarah Albert

Susan Cohn

Catherine Cyrus

Cynthia Hansen

Karen Harris

Molly McGill

Jon O’Donnell

Helene Schnider-Dobrer

William Stokes

Conrad Wright

Louis Yob

Janet Rockwell

Marilyn Young

David Allan Dezen

Your thoughtfulness helps Parkinson Association of the Rockies continue to provide services & support in the Rocky Mountain region. The following gifts in honor were received between October 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022.

George Baisley

Dana Stuart

Perry Bernal

Charles Miller

Martin Buckley

Deborah Buckley

Mary Caton

David Caton

Larry Covillo

Cindy Hertz

Christian Craig

Michael Barber

Amy Dressel-Martin

Elizabeth Dressel

Cindy Dunn

Eugenie Hindall

Lon Erwin

De Colores Civitan Club

John Etscheid

Nancy Etscheid

George and Nora Forristal

Curtis Forristal

Anne and Jack Green

Jacqueline Millan

Kirk Hall

Linda Hall

Sybil Hall

Tyler W. Jenner

Mary Scott

Rita Kahn

Vien Le

Anjali K. MacDonald

Douglas MacDonald

Steve Martin

Vannah Martin

Lina Montoya

Donna Delellis

Art Newsham

Barbara Lyrysa Smith

John Norton

Judith Baillie

Delisa Novak

Kelli Kindel

Muriel Olsen

David Olsen

Tom Palizzi

Andrea Kenne

Patricia Reetz

Scott Reetz

Dudley Rice

John Freitas

PAR Staff

Susan Greenwald

Rich Sauvain

Thad Sauvain

Sally Schuler

Barbara Lyrysa Smith

Barbara A. Smith

Barbara Feller

Marc Sorkin

Linda Dofman

Daniel Tillapaugh

Catherine Dutcher

Liv Tobey

Morley Tobey

Lonnie Weese

Marilyn Weese

Marlonz Weese

William Weiskopf

Alfonso Lopez

Joshua Wright and Kaitlin Kunkler

Susan Cohen

Sherry Dickstein

Carol Gajewski

Lindsey Lang

Steven Lipsman

Mary Molo

Ellen Reath

John Redmond

Laurie Woodward

Abigail Wright

Elizabeth Wright

Mary Wright

A special Thank You to our sPARks Club members!

The following people have set up recurring donations.

Eileen Bedell

Wayne Berly

Suzette Bettger

James Bettger

Sheryl Fleming

Will Fleming

George Forristal

Jane Frasier

Doug Hagaman

Evan Halpern

Jerome Hansen

Mary Ellen Holmes

Guy Kaskie

Irene Kuoni

Richard Lappen

Rich Lathrop

Emily Loyd

Ronald Marks

Patricia Martinez

Molly McGill

Shawn McKibben

Karen Newman

Edward Norman

Jerry Pellini

Ed Prieto

Steve Sargent

Andrew Vega

Patrick Wilson

Kristin Zeid

2023 EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

Ahead of the Curve

This educational series, based in the Denver Metro Area, provides the community with opportunities to attend presentations from a diverse set of experts in the field of Parkinson’s. Topics include nutrition, speech and swallowing, mental health, DBS, medications and treatments, and more.

Castle Rock, CO | April 11

Topic: Mental Health and PD

Aurora, CO | May 5

Topic: Hallucinations and Delusions

Chat with the Parkinson’s Pro

Lakewood, CO | April 15

Topic: Cognition, Speech & Swallowing with PD

Broomfield, CO | TBD

This educational series provides topic-based seminars from experts in the field of Parkinson’s for the satellite communities in Colorado and Wyoming. PAR offers the opportunity for these communities to learn and engage with nurses, neurologists, lawyers, physical therapists, speech-language therapists, psychologists, and more.

Colorado Springs, CO | March 25

Topic: Balance & Mobility

Greeley, CO | March 30

Topic: Cognitive Changes in PD

Glenwood Springs, CO | May 13

Topic: Memory & Cognitive Changes in PD

Casper, WY | May 20

Topic: Management of PD Symptoms

Durango, CO | August 19

Topic: PD Medications and Research

Grand Junction, CO | September 9

Topic 1: Advanced Treatments in PD

Steamboat Springs, CO | September 16

Topic: Cognition and Hallucinations

Pueblo, CO | October 7

Topic: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Summit County, CO | October 14

Topic: Sleep Disorders

Cheyenne, WY | TBD

Fort Collins, CO | TBD

For more information or to register, contact Annie at AGoyanes@ParkinsonRockies.org or call (303) 830-1839

PD 101 For the Newly DiagNoseD

This three-part educational series occurs during the Spring (March-May) and Fall (August-October). Each session of the series will help newly diagnosed People with Parkinson’s and their Care Partners navigate their journey with Parkinson’s while introducing them to resources available in Colorado. This informative series will be most beneficial for those that have been diagnosed for 1-5 years.

session one:

Wednesday, March 22 | 4-6pm

The first session focuses on a general overview of Parkinson’s. This overview includes understanding commonly used terminology, stages, signs, symptoms, and possible causes of Parkinson’s.

session two:

Wednesday, April 19 | 4-6pm The second session focuses on the medications and treatments for Parkinson’s. A movement disorder neurologist will go over how different types of medications interact with the brain and work within the body.

session thRee:

Wednesday, May 17 | 4-6pm

The third session a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and SpeechLanguage Pathologist will be discussing the importance of these therapies for People with Parkinson’s.

(All sessions will take place at 1325 S. Colorado Blvd, Suite 204-B, Denver, CO 80222)

For more information or to register, contact Annie at AGoyanes@ParkinsonRockies.org or call (303) 830-1839

Mike Whitt started to notice that things seemed off. When he patted his baby daughter on her back, he realized he couldn’t do so with any sense of rhythm.

A few months later, the young rocket scientist couldn’t type with his right hand.

Mike began a medical journey that led to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and, ultimately, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), a surgery to implant electrodes at targeted locations in the brain via a battery-powered connection wire.

“They turned it on, and I could feel my body just relax. It was the weirdest thing,” Mike said.

Before surgery, he barely had the energy to go to work. After, he could go on bike rides and kick a soccer ball around with his two older kids.

DBS isn’t a Parkinson’s cure, Mike knows, “but it allows me to do the things that I want to do with my life.” Cure or not, DBS couldn’t have come sooner for the space engineer, who put it in familiar terms.

“It’s not rocket science,” Mike said, “but it is brain surgery.”

Scan here to read Mike’s full story.

Mike Whitt Parkinson’s Disease

Equipment Loan Program

Parkinson Association of the Rockies provides durable mobility equipment at no cost to our community, to make living life with Parkinson’s disease a little easier.

The purpose of this program is to provide People with Parkinson’s the opportunity to test drive a piece of equipment before they make a purchase, or to loan equipment while they are working with their insurance provider to acquire their own. All equipment is for short-term loan (2 months with possible 30-day extension).

Some of the equipment PAR loans: U-Step Walkers

• 4-wheel Walkers

• Transfer Chairs

• Wheelchairs

To schedule an appointment, contact our office at (303) 830-1839 or email Info@ParkinsonRockies.org

NEEDED

We are growing our volunteer base and are looking for people interested in helping PAR in the following areas:

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Save the Date! PAR’s 2023 Events

Punch - A - Thon

Saturday, April 22 - Fort Collins, CO - TITLE Boxing Club

Join Parkinson Association of the Rockies and TITLE Boxing Club in Fort Collins to Knock Out Parkinsons! We will be hosting the Punch - A - Thon to raise funds and show our support for those living courageously with Parkinson’s Disease.

Contact Jess at JNagell@ParkinsonRockies.org

Vitality 5K

Saturday, April 22 | 11:00am - Casper, WY - Restoration Church

Sunday, June 4 | 9:00am - Denver, CO - Washington Park

Sunday, June 11 | 9:00am - Longmont CO - Sandstone Ranch

Saturday, September 23 | 9:00am - El Jebel, CO - Crown Mountain Park

Join us for our 21st Annual Vitality 5k. We have added 2 new locations this year! Wherever you are, come join the fun and help raise awarenesss and funds for those living with Parkinson’s.

Contact Jess at JNagell@ParkinsonRockies.org

Play Fore PAR

Monday, August 7 | 8:00am

Lone Tree, CO - Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel

Join us for the Play Fore PAR golf classic to benefit Parkinson Association of the Rockies (PAR) and the CO and WY Parkinson’s Communities. Games include, Mulligans, Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive, and more!

Contact Jess at JNagell@ParkinsonRockies.org

e3 Conference

Saturday, September 30 | 8:30am

Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center (7800 E Tufts Ave, Denver, CO 80237)

PAR’s 11th annual conference brings together individuals with Parkinson’s, their Care Partners, and family members, as well as professionals who work with the Parkinson’s community to provide them with tools and resources for living vibrant and healthy lives.

Contact Annie at AGoyanes@ParkinsonRockies.org

Evening of Empowerment

Saturday, November 4 | 6:00pm

Join us for the 11th Annual Evening of Empowerment! The Evening of Empowerment is a night to remember. This event is filled with delicious food, drinks, entertainment, games, and a live and silent auction all to benefit People with Parkinson’s.

Contact Jess at JNagell@ParkinsonRockies.org

Care Partner Summit

Saturday, November 18 | 10:00am

Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center (13200 E 14th Pl, Aurora, CO 80011)

PAR’s 5th annual conference is exclusively for Care Partners of People with Parkinson’s. This conference is designed with Care Partners in mind by hosting social workers, psychiatrists, neurologists, palliative care physicians, and others to present on Care Partner-related topics.

Contact Annie at AGoyanes@ParkinsonRockies.org

VERCISE GENUS™

Deep Brain Stimulation System

PROGRAMMING MATTERS

The Most Stimulation Options

The Boston Scientific DBS System powered by Image Guided Programming, offers the precision to shape and steer stimulation today and the flexibility to manage your needs now and in the future.

Patients are having their lives changed by the Boston Scientific Vercise Genus™ Deep Brain Stimulation Systems.

To learn more about Image Guided Programming, visit DBSandMe.com.

Indication for Use: The Boston Scientific Vercise™ PC, Vercise Gevia™, Vercise Genus™ Deep Brain Stimulation Systems are indicated for use in:

-Bilateral stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) as an adjunctive therapy in reducing some of the symptoms of moderate to advanced levodopa responsive Parkinson’s disease (PD) that are not adequately controlled with medication.

-Bilateral stimulation of the internal globus pallidus (GPi) as an adjunctive therapy in reducing some of the symptoms of advanced levodopa responsive Parkinson’s disease (PD) that are not adequately controlled with medication.

-Unilateral thalamic stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) is indicated for the suppression of tremor in the upper extremity. The system is intended for use in patients who are diagnosed with essential tremor or parkinsonian tremor not adequately controlled by medications and where the tremor constitutes a significant functional disability.

The Boston Scientific Vercise Deep Brain Stimulation System is indicated for use in:

-Bilateral stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) as an adjunctive therapy in reducing some of the symptoms of moderate to advanced levodopa responsive Parkinson’s disease (PD) that are not adequately controlled with medication.

Contraindications: The Boston Scientific Deep Brain Stimulation Systems are not recommended for patients who will be exposed to the following procedures: Diathermy as either a treatment for a medical condition or as part of a surgical procedure, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). The safety of these therapies in patients implanted with the Vercise DBS System has not been established. Patients implanted with Boston Scientific Deep Brain Stimulation Systems without ImageReady™ MRI Technology should not be exposed to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Patients implanted with the Vercise Gevia or Vercise Genus or Vercise DBS Lead-only system (before Stimulator is implanted) with ImageReady MRI Technology are Full Body MR Conditional only when exposed to the MRI environment under the specific conditions defined in ImageReady MRI Guidelines for Boston Scientific Deep Brain Stimulation Systems. Boston Scientific Deep Brain Stimulation Systems are not recommended for patients who are unable to operate the system or are poor surgical candidates or who experience unsuccessful test stimulation. Warnings: Unauthorized modification to the medical devices is prohibited. You should not be exposed to high stimulation levels. High level of stimulation may damage brain tissue. Patients implanted with the Vercise DBS System may be at risk for intracranial hemorrhages (bleeding in the brain) during DBS lead placement. Strong electromagnetic fields, such as power generators, security screeners or theft detection systems, can potentially turn the stimulator off, or cause unpredictable changes in stimulation. The system should not be charged while sleeping. If you notice new onset or worsening depression, changes in mood or behavior or impulse control, or have thoughts of suicide contact your physician or emergency services immediately. Chemical burns may result if the Vercise Stimulator housing is ruptured or pierced. The Deep Brain Stimulation System may interfere with the operation of implanted stimulation devices, such as cardiac pacemakers, implanted cardioverter defibrillators, or medication delivery pumps. Patients should operate motorized vehicles or potentially dangerous machinery with caution. It is unknown if the device may hurt an unborn baby. Your doctor may be able to provide additional information on the Boston Scientific Vercise DBS System. For complete indications for use, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and side effects see DBSandME.com or call 833-DBS-INFO or 833-327-4636.

Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.

NM-1260603-AA ©2022 Copyright Boston Scientific Corporation or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

Exercise is one of the most important actions People with Parkinson’s can take to gain some control over the disease. However, have you ever felt lost when choosing an exercise program, given the many options out there? Parkinson Association of the Rockies and Parkinson’s experts Josefa Domingos and John Dean will help you adapt and enroll in an exercise program with the appropriate exercise “ingredients.”

Join this unique 8-part “Exercise Pizza” Series and try out different activities that will incorporate the “ingredients” that have been studied to better help people with PD in an integrated and fun way. In the end, you will be able to choose and apply these “exercise pizza” ingredients in any program you do.

Week 1 – Thursday, Mar 2: “If your exercise was a pizza, what ingredients would you put on it?”

This session focuses on how to curate and integrate essential exercise “ingredients” into an enjoyable, comprehensive exercise program tailored to your needs.

Week 2 – Thursday, Mar 9: “Dual Task for Parkinson’s: Voice, Movement, and Cognition”

This session focuses on combining cognitive-motor ingredients into PD- specific movements.

Week 3 – Thursday, Mar 16: “Cognition and Communication”

This session features cognitive challenges and communication exercises, with a focus on attention, memory, and word finding.

Week 4 – Thursday, Mar 23: “Zumba Gold for Parkinson’s”

This session focuses on dancing with PD-specific amplitude moves to different Latin and other preferred rhythms.

*NO CLASS ON MARCH 30*

Week 5 – Thursday, April 6: “Boxing Dual Task Exercise”

This session focuses on combining voice and cognition in interactive boxing activities.

Week 6 – Thursday, April 13: “Pilates for Communication”

This session of standing and seated Pilates focuses on breath, posture, and communication.

Week 7 – Thursday, April 20: “Singing for Parkinson’s: A Parkinson’s Choir”

This session features a new take on the Parkinson’s choir with a range of specific exercises to work the voice and other aspects of communication while challenging your mind.

Week 8 – Thursday, April 27: “Speech Recognition Challenge”

This practical session trains participants to take advantage of this emerging technology on smartphones, tablets, computers, and other platforms.

This series will be hosted on Zoom and all sessions start at 12:30pm.

To register, email Annie at AGoyanes@ParkinsonRockies.org or call (303) 830-1839

PARKINSON EXERCISE CLASSES

Rhythym

To see a full list of classes, and to register, visit our website www.ParkinsonRockies.org. All exercise classes require a liability waiver and a medical consent form signed by your doctor.

All classes are FREE of charge.

For more information, please call (303) 830-1839 or email DNovak@ParkinsonRockies.org.

CHECK OUT OUR NEWEST CLASSES!

Low Intensity Chair Yoga

Wednesdays • 1:00-2:00pm

Encompass Health

1001 W. Mineral Ave.

Littleton, CO 80120

Young-Onset HIIT for PD

Mondays • 5:30-6:30pm

Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center

3880 Newport St.

Denver, CO 80207

Water Aerobics for PD

Fridays • 11:00am-12:00pm

Louisville Balfour Retirement Center

1855 Plaza Dr. The Lodge Louisville, CO 80027

Tuesdays • 12:30-1:30pm

Jewish Community Center

350 S Dahlia St.

Denver, CO 80246

This class is specially designed for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease understanding possible physical restrictions, symptoms and progression. This class will include all components of a traditional Yoga class such as stretching, breathing, meditation and relaxation.

This is a fun, high-energy cardio and strength circuit workout for those diagnosed with Young-Onset Parkinson’s disease. You will be lead through a series of exercises that challenge you to multitask while improving your strength and stamina. This class is designed for those with a higher level of mobility.

Aquatic exercise can improve balance, mobility, posture and more. Working out in the water gives People with Parkinson’s the freedom to move without fear of falling, do weight-bearing exercise without joint stress, and resistance train without weights or bands.

SUPPORT GROUPS

All Support Group information can be found on our website. For more information on support groups, and contact information for support group leaders, please contact Parkinson Association of the Rockies at (303) 830-1839 or email Info@ParkinsonRockies.org.

AURORA

2nd Tuesday • 12:00pm

BOULDER

4th Tuesday • 10:00am (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Coffee and Conversation

3rd Tuesday • 10:00am

BROOMFIELD

1st Tuesday • 10:30am

CARBONDALE

1st Tuesday • 1:00pm

CASTLE ROCK

4th Saturday • 10:30am

CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE

2nd Wednesday • 11:00am

COLORADO SPRINGS

Groups are provided by Colorado Springs Parkinson’s Support Group. Information can be found on: www.co-parkinson.org

DENVER METRO (VARIES)

Young Onset Group

3rd Friday • 6:00pm

DENVER

Last Thursday • 3:30pm

DURANGO

2nd Wednesday • 1:00pm

EAGLE VALLEY/ EDWARDS

4th Thursday • 5:00pm

ESTES PARK

3rd Tuesday • 2:00pm

EVERGREEN

1st Friday • 1:00pm

FORT COLLINS (PSGLC)

1st Wednesday • 10:30am

Hybrid Contact PAR

GLENWOOD SPRINGS/ NEWCASTLE

4th Monday • 1:00pm

GRAND JUNCTION

1st Wednesday • 3:30pm

GREELEY

4th Thursday • 10:00am

GUNNISON/ CRESTED BUTTE

3rd Wednesday • 4:00pm

LAKEWOOD

1st Tuesday • 1:00pm

LITTLETON

4th Wednesday •5:00pm

LONGMONT

2nd Wednesday • 10:00am

LOVELAND

3rd Friday • 10:00am

MONTROSE

Last Monday • 1:00pm

PARKER

2nd Tuesday • 10:00am

PUEBLO

2nd Tuesday • 11:15am Contact PAR

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

2nd Monday • 5:00pm

SUMMIT COUNTY

1st Thursday • 10:30am Contact PAR

CARE PARTNER SUPPORT GROUPS

WYOMING CASPER

2nd Tuesday • 5:30pm

CHEYENNE

1st Wednesday • 1:00pm

LANDER

1st Thursday • 2:00pm

VIRTUAL GROUPS (STATEWIDE)

Coffee and Convos

1st Friday • 10:00am

PAR Group Wednesdays • 7:00pm

FORT COLLINS (Hybrid) Hardy Group Mondays every six weeks

6:00pm

MSA/PSP/CBD

2nd Friday • 10:00am

LONGMONT

2nd Wednesday • 10:00am

DBS Support Group 4th Thursday • 2:30pm

For more information on support groups and contact information for support group leaders, please contact Parkinson Association of the Rockies at (303) 830-1839 or Info@ParkinsonRockies.org.

BOULDER

3rd Monday • 10:30am*

BROOMFIELD

Friday after 1st Tuesday • 10:30am

COLORADO SPRINGS

Groups are provided by Colorado Springs Parkinson’s Support Group. Information can be found on: www.co-parkinson.org

NW DENVER

4th Wednesday • 6:30pm

DENVER

Parkinson’s & Lewy Body Dementia

3rd Thursday • 6:00pm*

DURANGO

1st Thursday • 1:00pm

HIGHLANDS RANCH

4th Thursday • 1:00pm

LONGMONT

1st Tuesday • 11:30am

WYOMING

CASPER

4th Tuesday • 5:30pm

VIRTUAL GROUPS (STATEWIDE)

Lewy Body Dementia

2nd Monday • 3:30pm

MSA/PSP/CBD

4th Friday • 10:00

PAR Group led by Cari Friedman, LCSW

2nd and 4th Monday • 2:00pm

We care about Care Partners! For Care Partner and respite care tips and resources, contact Cari Friedman, LCSW at (303) 861-1810 or CFriedman@ParkinsonRockies.org

Vision...

To provide the care that counts on the way to a cure for the Colorado and Wyoming Parkinson’s communities.

Mission...

Parkinson Association of the Rockies connects and empowers People with Parkinson’s to thrive through educating, creating awareness, promoting research and supporting those with the disease, their families and the Colorado and Wyoming communities.

(303) 830-1839

www.ParkinsonRockies.org

Info@ParkinsonRockies.org

A word From Our executive director, jodi brown

As this has been a particularly cold and snowy winter, I am ready to usher in the springtime! Don’t get me wrong; I love the beauty of the snow and a cozy fire, but there is nothing like spring to bring on that feeling of a fresh start.

Parkinson Association of the Rockies (PAR) is excited about the number of programs, services and events that we have to offer in 2023. We have even branched out into advocacy, working with a committee to bring legislation for a PD Registry forward in this legislative session. This would not only help us determine an accurate number of People With Parkinson’s in Colorado and Wyoming, but would also be a significant resource in helping researchers who are trying to find a cure. As we head into April and Parkinson’s Awareness Month, this seems like a fitting tribute. Advocacy works in many ways, and we encourage all of you to not only advocate for yourself, but to advocate for the entire Parkinson’s community.

In order to best serve our community, we need to hear from you! Our annual survey is available now at www.ParkinsonRockies.org/Survey. Please take a minute to fill this out and let us know what we can do to provide the best programs and services possible. The survey will be available through March 31st.

Whether you want to join an exercise class, support group, educational event or participate in one of our planning committees, now is the time to take that step and get involved! We appreciate your feedback, support and participation. PAR has added several new staff members who are here to serve our community and we are looking forward to “springing” into action in 2023 and making it one of our best years yet!

Jodi Brown, Executive Director