Many chronic diseases start with a slow progression of metabolic dysfunction that can be tied to the overconsumption of sugar. One of the diseases with documented connection to glucose metabolism and metabolic dysregulation is Parkinson’s disease. People with Parkinson’s disease should be mindful of their intake of simple carbohydrates and sugar, found in things like baked goods, packaged foods, cereals, etc. Studies suggest that having persistent high blood sugar, insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, may accelerate disease progression.1,2
Insulin Resistance in People with Parkinson’s
A data analytics project I worked on about a decade ago provided access to a large set of hospital data, including over 40,000 Parkinson’s patients over a 15-year period. During the project we looked at de-identified Parkinson’s patient data based on billing codes. Using these codes we were able to look for additional health issues (comorbidities) in the patients with a PD diagnosis. The two most prevalent comorbidities in Parkinson’s were diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Sugar consumption and insulin resistance are well documented contributors to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Why Don’t Doctors Notice These Connections? Our current approach to science and medicine is very specialized. As a result, theblooddon’tNeurologistsareacrossconnectionsdiseasesoftenmissed.lookatchemistry routinely, so it’s likely a neurologist would have no idea of this potential connection between diabetes, insulin resistance and Parkinson’s. Cardiologists are focused on the heart and don’t look for neurological issues other than cardiac related neuropathy. Our system ignores the fact that all of these diseases begin with metabolic disease. Something in the system isn’t functioning properly and that often goes back to the metabolism of sugars in the microbiome. Should People with Parkinson’s Avoid Sugar? Based on my many conversations with People with Parkinson’s and their partners, I noticed a tendency toward sugar addiction. I often comment on this when I attend Parkinson’s
Martha Carlin, CEO,
Sugar, Disease
Parkinson Voice SUMMER 2022 | VOLUME 15, ISSUE 2
The BioCollective, LLC CONTINUED ON PAGE 28-9577433 Educational Events Honors & Memorials A LOOK INSIDE Exercise Classes & Support Group MinoritySchedulesOutreach Program PAR Spotlights Play Fore PAR 10-11 9
In 2018, researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center published a study in the Journal of Parkinson’s disease, titled “High Prevalence of Undiagnosed Insulin Resistance in Non-Diabetic Subjects with Parkinson’s disease” (Hogg et al, 2018). The study revealed that nearly 60% of the non-diabetic study participants had undiagnosed insulin resistance - despite having normal blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance was connected to Body Mass Index in the study, but the sample was too small to determine a correlation between insulin resistance and cognitive impairment.
Insulin Resistance and Parkinson’s
support group meetings or even research presentations at universities where the tables are spread with donuts and candy - the very “foods” you should NOT be eating. To understand the connection between sugar and Parkinson’s, it can be helpful to start with insulin and how it functions in the body. What is Insulin Resistance? Insulin resistance occurs when your cells become less sensitive to insulin and receptors on the cells can no longer pull glucose in to the cell for energy. Conventional wisdom says that this insensitivity then requires more and more insulin to get the same action.
There are an increasing number of studies suggesting that insulin resistance impacts dopamine function in the brain and muscles.
A study from researchers at Harvard Medical School showed that insulin resistance increased dopamine turnover in the dopaminergic neurons in the brain. Both Type1 and Type 2 diabetes are associated with age-related cognitive impairment. The Harvard study in neurons showed that changes in key molecular pathways were the consequence of loss of insulin signalling. Stress is a known contributor to Parkinson’s disease and stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline can interfere with insulin signalling.
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Resistant? •
What
•
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reduced physical exercise • Being overweight, obese, or a state known as lean obesity, where fat is localized in the belly but the rest of the body is thin • Chronic stress may also contribute to insulin resistance as stress hormones interfere with insulin signals • -MedicationsFluorquinolone antibiotics - Beta blockers for blood pressure - Anti-psychotics - Immunosuppressants - Glucocorticoids - PD medication Carbidopa-Levodopa
Dr. Jason Fung has proposed an alternative understanding of insulin resistance as the over production of insulin. He describes it in this way:
So many chronic diseases are fueled by sugar. Lowering our intake and adding healthier food options into our diet is a good start to managing this issue.
How Does Insulin Resistance Play a Role in PD?
•
•
Inactivity,
The best diet is one that is nutrient dense and includes lots of fresh, organic colorful vegetables, herbs and spices, organic blueberries, oily fish like salmon, pasture-raised meats and eggs, and incorporates oils like coconut and olive instead of the seed oils. A diet high in fresh vegetables and organic legumes (properly soaked and prepared) will increase the amount of fiber in your diet and reduce the simple carbohydrates. This will feed a population of healthy bacteria and reduce the growth of pathogens that prefer simple carbohydrates and sugar. Another source of great help in lowering blood sugar is taking the right probiotic.
1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.10.001 2. https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.28551 3. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.01219.2003 4. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.01219.2003
•
Insulin is a fat storage hormone which blocks the burning of fat and converts any excess sugars in to fat for stored energy. The more carbs you eat, the more likely you are to have chronically high insulin levels and a gradual build of fat.You can think of it in the same way that an alcoholic takes more and more alcohol to feel the same effect over time. I learned while writing this article is how certain medications for Parkinson’s can cause insulin resistance. One of the most commonly prescribed drugs for Parkinson’s, Carbidopa-Levodopa is known to increase insulin resistance over time3. This increases the likelihood of insulin resistance in people with Parkinson’s. Can Happen When You Become Insulin
Something
•
The Best Diet for Balancing Your Health Diet is the biggest predictor for a healthy microbiome and balanced blood sugar. The Western diet, unfortunately, is not the optimal diet for your best health. The Western diet is high in processed foods, seed oils (canola and soybean), high fructose corn syrup, soft drinks, emulsifiers, preservatives and trans-fats. You can change the bacteria in your gut in under thirty days by changing your diet.
Insulin resistance in the brain induces mitochondrial dysfunction and impacts dopamine in the brain. This is particularly interesting given the data indicating that Carbodopa-Levodopa causes insulin resistance based upon this research in muscle tissue and animal model4. Glucose transport into the muscles is stimulated by insulin in skeletal muscles. Skeletal muscle is the predominant insulin response tissue. This study from 2004, showed that CarbidopaLevodopa decreased insulin-stimulated glucose transport, glycogen accumulation (glucose stored in fat) and glycogen synthase activity in skeletal muscle. This provides some insight to the descriptions from Parkinson’s patients about how their legs feel when they are not working properly. Lack of glucose in the muscles would, of course, make the legs feel heavy and Separateunresponsive.research has shown that MAO inhibitors, drugs often used in the treatment of Parkinson’s, can impact glucose levels in the blood, indicating that these drugs can improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Our Relationship with Sugar is Complicated. Our brains depend on glucose as the main source of energy and tight regulation of glucose metabolism is critical for brain physiology. Disrupted glucose homeostasis affects cell death pathways and forms the basis for many brain disorders. Glycogen storage is the primary mechanism for managing glucose homeostasis in the body. 1% of glycogen is stored in the muscles, with the rest stored in the liver. Glycogen stored in the liver is converted back into glucose when needed to maintain glucose homeostasis. Given the potential impact on glycogen storage from the primary Parkinson’s medication, it is more likely that people with Parkinson’s will have trouble maintaining glucose homeostasis. The Texas Institute for Neurological Disorders reports that too much sugar/glucose can lead to memory deficits and a high sugar diet can lead to dopamine deficits as the brain becomes used to high levels of sugar. The brain can use glucose, lactate or ketones for energy. Recent research has shown that ketones are some of the best brain fuel.
Excess food consumption, especially carbohydrates, results in more and more insulin secretion to drive blood sugar into cells.
What
Excess sugar can build up in the blood, damaging the blood vessels to your organs It can develop into diabetes with many side effects such as neuropathy, vision problems and cardiovascular issues Contributes to increased systemic inflammation Puts strain on the pancreas where insulin is made and is correlated with pancreatic cancer Are Potential Causes or Contributing Factors to Insulin Resistance?
REFERENCES
Poor diet is the number one contributor Inflammation in the body from other causes, eg. infection, contributing to a vicious cycle
3 3
Region. The following
in memoriam were
4 Your thoughtfulness helps the Parkinson Association continue to provide services & support in the Rocky Mountain Region. The following gifts in memoriam were received between October 2, 2021 - December 31, 2021 DONATIONS | HONORS
thoughtfulness helps
Your Parkinson Association of the Rockies continue to provide services & support in the Rocky Mountain Region. following received between January 1, 2022 - April 31, 2022. Parkinson Association of the Rockies continue to provide services & support in the Rocky Mountain gifts received between January 1, 2022 - April 31, 2022.
The
gifts in honor were
Stephen Balint Jean Balint John Carruthers Jack Berquist Nancy Kirkpatrick William Boden Ronald Cox Victor Villegas Joan Camozzi Lisa Mintz Ben Casillas Dolores Schlessman Joanne Christofferson Karen Roberts Robert Cragoe Colleen Cragoe John Cragoe Timothy L. Devine Nancy Callender Larry Dietz Fenton FoundationFamily Arthur Ecoff Louise Ecoff Bruce Gambell Carolyn Gdowski Jerry Garcia Sandra Brenner Daryl J. Heskin Karen JenniferCynthiaHeskinSchwartzWeller Louis B. Hood Robin ReggieEngenGolden Mike Jackson Kevin KellyMaxieFlorenceDykHessKohlerLandrith Robert Karney Crystal Bachelder Patrick GinaJohannesKarneyRhondaSchuette Alex Kotch Anne Kotch A. Gordon LaMunyon Lisa LaMunyon Kelly Lane Michele Kohn Larry Leff Douglas Alde Gary Klearman Patrick Maley Annne Arrison James TerryThomasArrisonArrisonFranBerryGeoffreyHolmesRichardHoweAnitaHutnerJohnKarpanDouglasKellyKathleenKracerLindaLittrellJohnMarksSharleneMarthisJayneMarzanoMichaelMcCannKathy&DonMcMahanMimsiMiltonPatrickOrmsbyHerbertSchwensohnMalennaSumrallMarilynThomasWeeberLindaWestern Michael McGill Molly McGill Thomas & Carol Moore Gretchen Read Edd Nichols Mary Linda Shoaff Jay Parker Winnie & Neal Borden Liza BarbaraRahimElizabethBurrellRahmanRahmanSmith JoAnn Pettinger Dawn Pettinger Philip E. Pittz Marsha Sarver Dan Porreco Ken DebraCathyBuecheGrievePorreco Craig Rowlen Sharon Rowlen Bill Shepard Nancy Nelson James Siegwarth Alice Doyle Pat StephanieEdwinGiarratanoVandeNoordYulaev Shelley Smedley Charles Thoma Stanley Stein Lisa Eller Davis Sheryl Weisberg Nancy K. France Celeste Grynberg Paula Gudder Joyce Theyson Jennifer Morgan Donald Uram Jean Kimes
Michael Cannizzo James Atkinson Rick KunnigundaBaker Biener Claudia Lennon Krisitn WilliamMcCordMoranNicholasSerenyi Paul French David Block Lori CarlaFerinKlein Angela Halpern Nelson Vincent John Hensley William Hensley Jerimy Hiltner Ken Boenish Wendy Hutchinson Debra Hulse Marc Jamison Marc McCreary Lawrence Judd Nancy Patton Byron Robinson Kennard Lubbs Patrick Wilson David McCormick Meryl McCormick Margie Munishor Philip Stahl Dina Pace Patricia Martinez Winslow Parker Christine Ballonoff Frances Smith Judith D. Wilson Richard Kurth 4 DONATIONS | MEMORIALS Your thoughtfulness helps
A: Finding myself in a cloud of apathy. Usually in the afternoons, I have no interest in doing anything - I just sit, and sit, and do jigsaw puzzles. I also have less desire to be organized about things.
A: Plugging through it. Keeping a positive outlook, even on bad days, I try to see the the good in things. My goal is to have a belly laugh every day. My dog helps me by getting me up and out every morning for a walk.
A: It’s time to get moving. The comradery in exercise groups is what really motivates me. Also, you need a movement disorder specialist. Develop your team, PCP, neurologist, and family.
A: My voice. I used to be a professional speaker and trainer. Also, signing my name. I’m still learning to accept my PD.
A: My motto changes because life is always changing, but it is typically play it as it comes. Today is this, and tomorrow is that.
A: That it’s the end of the world. Parkinson’s doesn’t own me, I own it. People treat me differently - they can be a little patronizing. They are hesitant to ask me questions, or bring up PD at all.
A: Get out of my way! See the positive in things.
Q: What is your biggest challenge day-to-day?
Q: What would be the first thing you would say to a person newly diagnosed?
55 Tom Letourneau, age 79 Tom was diagnosed with PD at the age of 72. He had been experiencing tremors for about two years when he decided to see a doctor who then confirmed that it was PD. Tom is still working part-time as a Senior Member Services Coach. Tom keeps going with the help of Kwincy, his trusted Border Collie companion. “She’ll just look at me with those brown eyes and let me know it’s time to get moving.”
Q: What have you found helps you the most?
Q: What is a misconception you or others around you have had regarding PD?
Q: What is your motto when it comes to PD?
A: PAR’s weekly, evening support group.
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Q: What have you found helps you the most?
A: Walking, support groups, boxing, gardening. Staying active and social.
Q: What PAR services have you used?
Q: What would be the first thing you would say to a person newly diagnosed?
Q: What PAR services have you used?
Q: What is a misconception you or others around you have had regarding PD?
Q: What is your motto when it comes to PD?
Q: What is your biggest challenge day-to-day?
A: Support groups, boxing classes.
PAR Spotlights...
Suzanne Stewart, age 72 Suzanne was diagnosed at age 70 after noticing some tremors. She had recently taken a bad fall and went into the doctor for scans. They performed a DAT scan and that is when she was told she had PD. She was diagnosed 10 days before Covid shut everything down. After noticing some weakness on her left side, she decided to get moving and began walking 2-3 times a week, adding some elevation change for more challenge. Suzanne uses Nordic walking poles called “Leki.” She has seen a huge improvement in her lungs, and feels like her disease progression is very slow.
Favorite quote: “Don’t be afraid of going slowly, be afraid of standing still.” Chinese proverb
A: Congratulations! You now have a chance to be a role model for someone else. It’s going to be tough, but you’ll get through it. You’ve been given your lot in life. Accept it, make the most of it and do the best with what you’ve got. Keep perspective that there are many people out there who have bigger challenges.
A: People think because you have a diagnosis, that you are sick and not able to do things. I get a lot of, ‘Oh how are you?’ with a note of sorry. They treat me more delicately than I am.
With over 1,500 participants and 70 teams, we filled Wash Park and Sandstone Ranch with amazing people raising awareness for Parkinson’s disease. Without the support of these teams and their participants, Parkinson Association of the Rockies wouldn’t be able to provide the vital resources that help improve the quality of life for PD patients and their families.
Thank you to everyone who organized, participated in, sponsored, and fundraised for the 20th Annual Vitality 5k Walk & Run. This year’s event successfully raised $143K to help continue funding the free programs and services PAR offers to the Rocky Mountain Parkinson’s community.
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THANK YOU, COLORADO! The 4th Annual Care Partner Summit is Colorado’s only educational event exclusively for the Care Partners of People with Parkinson’s. Saturday, November 12, 2022 10:00am - 1:00pm Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center 13200 E 14th Pl, Aurora, CO 80011 SAVE THE DATE! For more information on this event, contact our office at (303) 830-1839 or email Info@ParkinsonRockies.org 6
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Are you familiar with PAR’s Minority Outreach Program?
The Minority Outreach Program has partnered with Denver Health to connect with their providers, nurse practitioners and staff in all Denver Health clinics, including neurosurgeon Fabio Garcia to present our PD101 series which provides information on all the basics of Parkinson’s. This will also allow us to connect with patients who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s and provide information on PAR and all of the programs and resources available.
Our Minority Outreach Coordinator, Joanna Aguirre has been attending health fairs across the Denver metro area to expand our outreach to minority communities. This has also given us the opportunity to connect with other health organizations around town that would like to help in our outreach program.
In the state of Colorado, 21% of the population is Hispanic, making Colorado the 8th most populated state for Spanish speaking residents in the country. With Hispanics suffering from Parkinson’s disease at twice the rate of other ethnic minority groups, our goal is to educate the Hispanic population in Colorado about this disease and to increase participation and involvement of other cultural groups. Our overall goal at PAR is to be a source of information and to build relationships within the minority communities not letting language be a barrier.
For more information on our program, contact our office at (303) 830-1839 or email Joanna at JAguirre@ParkinsonRockies.org
Topics: Latest Research Developments, Care Partner Relationships (Care partners only)
Parkinson Association of the Rockies is offering a free, three-part educational module for the recently diagnosed Parkinson’s community. This curriculum will help newly-diagnosed people with Parkinson’s and their care partners navigate
Summit County, CO - October 1
Solis-Cohen, Colorado Neurodiagnostics, will delve into the different types of medications used to treat Parkinson’s and how they interact with the brain and work within the body. why is that? In our final session in the series, Lyndsey O’Keefe, DPT, Pace West Physical Therapy will discuss the research supporting exercise as a form of medicine for Parkinson’s. signs and symptoms, stages, and possible causes of Parkinson’s. Participants will hear about available resources and learn tips on how to thrive with Parkinson’s.
Fort Collins, CO - October 22
weDneSDaY, auguSt 31 4:00 - 6:00Pm weDneSDaY, SePtember 28 4:00 - 6:00Pm weDneSDaY, october 19 4:00 - 6:00Pm
Pueblo, CO - October 8 Topic: Medications and Recent Studies
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Castle Rock, CO - August 18
Topic: Nutrition Boulder, CO - September 21 Topic: The Gut Lakewood, CO - September 24 Topic: Medication Management of Non-Motor Symptoms Chat With the Parkinson Pro’s: These topic-based educational events are offered outside the Denver metro area.
For information, or to register for these events, contact our office at (303) 830-1839 or email Info@ParkinsonRockies.org
PD 101 for the Newly Diagnosed
2022 Educational Programs
Ahead of the Curve: This educational series is dedicated to providing topic-based opportunities from experts in the field of Parkinson’s. These events take place in the Denver metro area.
Topic: Deep Brain Stimulation
9 9 The 10th Annual e3 Conference will bring 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 tips and tricks for living vibrant and healthy lives. This conference educates, empowers and energizes attendees. The theme for this year’s conference is “Healthy Habits.” Saturday, September 10, 2022 9:45am - 2:00pm Check-In begins at 8:30am - enjoy some coffee while you visit the vendor booths. • Speakers • Empowerment Bar • Panel Discussion • Lunch Provided Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center 7800 E. Tufts Ave., Denver, CO 80237 This event will be offered both in-person and virtually. There is NO COST to attend this educational and inspiring event! Register at: www.ParkinsonRockies.org/e3 or Scan Code For Information on the Event: (303) 830-1839 | Info@ParkinsonRockies.org For information on Sponsorships: contact Seth (303) 830-1839 | SDean@ParkinsonRockies.org
10 POWER PARKINSON’SPUNCHBOXING Arvada Tuesdays • 1:00 - 2:00pm Aspen Thursdays • 9:00 - 10:00am Aurora Wednesdays • 1:30 - 2:30pm Carbondale Tuesdays • 10:00 - 11:00am Wednesdays • 10:00 - 11:00am Castle Rock Thursdays • 3:00 - 4:00pm Colorado Springs Mondays • 10:00 -11:00am 11:15am - 12:15pm Thursdays • 4:00 - 5:00pm Denver 11:15am10:00Tuesdays-11:00am*-12:15pm * Wednesdays • 9:30 - 10:30am Thursdays • 11:00am - Noon Saturdays • 9:00 - 10:30am Durango** Thursdays • 11:00am - Noon Fort Collins Mondays • 11:00am - Noon Tuesdays - 11:00am - 12:30pm* Fridays • 11:00am - Noon Glenwood Springs Thursdays • 10:00 - 11:00am Littleton (Hybrid) Tuesdays • 10:30 - 11:30am Thursdays • 10:30 - 11:30am Lone Tree Tuesdays • 3:00 - 4:00pm Longmont Mondays • 2:00 - 3:00pm Northglenn Tuesdays • 4:00 - 5:00pm Pueblo Fridays • 9:00 - 10:00am Steamboat Springs Saturdays • 9:00 - 10:00am FINDING YOUR VOICE Steamboat Springs Mondays • 9:00 - 10:00am* YOGA PARKINSON’SFOR Arvada Mondays • 11:30am - 12:30pm Cortez** Tuesdays • 11:00am - Noon Denver Wednesdays • 12:30 - 1:30pm Thursdays • 10:30 - 11:30am* Durango** Tuesdays • 10:30 - 11:30am Greeley Tuesdays • 9:30 - 10:30am* Fridays • 1:00 - 2:00pm* Lone Tree Thursdays • 8:00 - 9:00am* Pueblo Tuesdays • 9:00 - 10:00am Steamboat Springs Thursdays • 11:00am - Noon PWR!® MOVES Aurora Wednesdays • Noon - 1:00pm Centennial Mondays • Noon - 1:00pm* Frisco Thursdays • Noon - 1:00pm STEP AND CLASSBALANCE/CIRCUITCONNECT Denver Tuesdays • 9:30 - 10:30am* Thursdays • 9:30 - 10:30am* LOUD FOR LIFE: VOICE CLASS FOR LSVT LOUD GRADUATES Centennial Mondays • 1:30 - 2:30pm* Call (520) 444 - 0618 for more info TANGO DANCE Denver Tuesdays • 2:30 - 3:30pm PACC VOICE CLASS Castle Rock Tuesdays • 4:35 - 5:35pm* Wednesdays • 4:35 - 5:35pm* CIRCUIT TRAINING FOR PARKINSON’S Durango Low Intensity Mondays • 11:00am - Noon High Intensity Wednesdays • 11:00am - Noon Highlands Ranch Mondays • 1:30 - 2:30pm Wednesdays • 1:30 - 2:30pm Westminster Tuesdays • 11:30 - 12:30pm PAR FOR THE COURSE EXERCISE Denver Wednesdays12:00Tuesdays10:008:45Mondays-9:45am*-11:00am-1:00pm Low Intensity 2:00NoonFridays3:00pm-1:00pm* RHYTHM AND GRACE: DANCE FOR PD® Denver Mondays • 11:00am - 12:15pm* Grand Junction Tuesdays • 10:00 - 11:00am MOVING PARKINSON’STHROUGH Fort Collins (Hybrid) Mondays • 11:00am - 12:15pm* Wednesdays • 2:15 - 3:30pm* Steamboat Springs Tuesdays • 9:30 - 10:30am TREMBLE CLEFS Boulder Wednesdays • 11:00am - Noon Littleton Thursdays • 1:00 - 2:00pm* PILATES Denver Wednesdays • 10:00 - 11:00am QIGONG/TAI CHI Denver Thursdays • 9:00 - 10:30am Fort Collins 9:45Wednesdays-10:45am* (Beginners) 11:00am - Noon* (Intermediate) BIG FOR LIFE FOR LSVT BIG GRADUATES Wheatridge Tuesdays • Noon - 1:00pm AQUATIC CLASS FOR PARKINSON’S Denver Mondays • 12:30 - 1:30pm WYOMING POWER PARKINSON’SPUNCHBOXING Casper Tuesdays • 12:00 - 1:00pm Cheyenne Mondays • 10:00 - 11:00am Lander Wednesdays • Noon - 1:00pm High Intensity: for individuals early in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease Low Intensity: for individuals who need assistance with mobility Classes in red are currently on *Classeshiatus. with an asterisk are currently virtual. **These classes are provided through a grant from the Davis Phinney Foundation Call (970) 764-9220 To find out how other classes are being offered, please visit our website or call (303) 830-1839. PARKINSON EXERCISE CLASSES Registration for all classes is available online through our website. You will find the most up-to-date class information there. 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 Info@ParkinsonRockies.org.
9 11 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 DENVER Parkinson’s & Lewy Body Dementia 3rd Thursday • 6:00pm* 4th Wednesday • 6:30pm DURANGO 1st Thursday • 10:00am CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE 4thMSA/PSP/CBDFriday•10:00am Jan - Oct* EVERGREEN Thursday before 1st Friday• 1:00pm HIGHLANDS RANCH 4th Thursday • 1:00pm LONGMONT 1st Tuesday • 11:30am STEAMBOAT SPRINGS Meets Quarterly Contact PAR VIRTUAL STATEWIDE Lewy Body Dementia 2nd Monday • 6:00pm* PAR Group led by Cari Friedman, LCSW 2nd and 4th Tuesday • 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 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. CARE PARTNER 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. SUPPORT GROUPS AURORA 2nd Tuesday • 12:00pm BOULDER 4th Tuesday • 10:00am Coffee and Conversation 1st Friday • 10:00am Boulder Parkies (Women’s) 3rd Friday • 12:30pm BROOMFIELD 1st Tuesday • 10:30am CASTLE ROCK 4th Saturday • 10:00am CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE 2nd Wednesday • 11:00am 2nd Thursday • 6:30pm* 2nd Friday • MSA/PSP/CBD10:00am* Contact PAR COLORADO SPRINGS Groups are provided by Colorado Springs Parkinson’s Support Group. Information can be found on: www.co-parkinson.org DENVER 3rd Monday • 10:00am Recently Diagnosed (1-3 years) 4th Tuesday • 11:30am Contact PAR Wednesdays • 7:00pm* DURANGO 3rd Thursday • 1:00pm EAGLE EDWARDSVALLEY/ 4th Thursday • 5:00pm ENGLEWOOD Recently Diagnosed (1-3 years) 3rd Wednesday • 4:00pm ESTES PARK 3rd Tuesday • 2:00pm EVERGREEN 1st Friday • 1:00pm FORT COLLINS (Hardy Group) Recently Diagnosed/Young Onset Mondays Every 6 Weeks • 6:00pm* 1st(PSGLC)Wednesday • 10:30am* Contact PAR GLENWOOD SPRINGS/ NEWCASTLE 4th Monday • 1:00pm GRAND JUNCTION 1st Wednesday • 3:30pm GREELEY 4th Thursday • 10:00am HIGHLANDS RANCH 4th Tuesday • 1:00pm 3rd Friday • 1:00pm LAKEWOOD 1st Tuesday • 1:00pm* LITTLETON 3rd Saturday • 3:00pm LONE TREE Young Onset Group 3rd Friday • 6:00pm LONGMONT 2nd Wednesday • 10:00am* LOVELAND 2nd Friday • 10:15am* MONTROSE Last Monday • 2:00pm MONUMENT 3rd Saturday • 10:00am 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 Groups in red are currentlyon *Groupshiatus.with an asterisk arecurrently virtual.
This summer is going by very quickly, and I am realizing that if I am going to meet the goals I have set for this summer, I better get going! Most of my goals are around getting back to a healthy lifestyle after recovering from a double knee replacement which has left me unable to workout for three months. We all have our reasons why we have stopped following our healthy habits, but let’s face it, they are just that, reasons that CAN be overcome. So many people tell PAR that during the pandemic, they gained weight, exercised less, were depressed, felt isolated, etc. We know that it has been hard to get out of that mindset and get back to living our best lives - but, there is no better time than the present!
In this issue, we address healthy eating and the connection between diet and PD, which is just one part of incorporating healthy habits into your life. At our upcoming e3 Conference, we will be addressing how each component (diet, exercise, developing a comprehensive medical team and support system) is just as important as the next, and when employed all together, we are giving ourselves the best chance for living a healthier life.
PermitOrganizationNon-ProfitU.S.PostagePAIDDenver,CONo.28661325 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 204B Denver, CO 80222 (303) 830-1839 Info@ParkinsonRockies.orgwww.ParkinsonRockies.org 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 community. Vision... To provide the care that counts on the way to a cure for the Colorado Parkinson’s community. A word From Our executive director, jodi brown
Taking that first step to eat healthy, workout again, go back to your support group, etc., can be daunting. Once we take that step, it continues to get easier as we build routine back into our schedules and suddenly, we realize how much we miss it if we don’t get in that workout or see our friends at the support group – it becomes a way of life. So, join me in taking that first step back to healthier habits and let’s finish the summer strong! I look forward to seeing you when I visit our exercise classes, support groups and educational events – please be sure to share your success stories with us!
Jodi Brown, Executive Director Scan to Make a Donation
