"serving as a resource for individuals and their families affected by Parkinson's disease in the Carolinas, through education, community outreach and direct support"

April Newsletter - 2021

Dear Friends ,

Spring has sprung, and the flowers are in bloom! Come out for PAC's "TipToe thru the Tulips" fundraiser on April 14th-16th, and help us reach our goal of filling Symphony Park with 200 giant tulips! Proceeds will go toward PAC's cost-free services benefitting the local Parkinson's community. View the full flyer here!

Save the date for more PAC FUNdraisers! MoveIt! Walk in Myrtle Beach, SC on May 8th, 2021 https://give.parkinsonassociation.org/moveitwalkmyrtlebeach2021 MoveIt! Walk in Charlotte, NC on May 22nd, 2021 https://give.parkinsonassociation.org/moveitwalkcharlotte2021

Congratulations to our Early Registration prize winners Tatanish Campbell and Carey Swanson!

Save the date for more PAC Programs! Our next Virtual Support Group will take place on Wednesday, April 7th, 2021 at 2PM, and we are expanding our programs to include Wellness Wednesdays on the third Wednesday of every month! Join us Wednesday, April 21, 2021 for our second Wellness Wednesday Webinar focused on resolutions versus mindsets! ______

We will continue to prioritize the needs of our Parkinson's community, and we will keep building upon our programs with commitment and creativity. Of course, we will do this while keeping a pulse on any COVID-19 restrictions and following health guidelines. It is our pleasure to deliver meaningful services, and we look forward to broadening our reach and growing our impact.

Let's move forward together!

Sponsored Webinars

We are extremely grateful to all of our sponsors for their continuous support in bringing you more educational opportunities at no cost to you! Please register for the webinars below for exclusive educational opportunities brought to you by the PAC team and our sponsors!

Join Dr. Andrew Falconer, MD for an educational webinar "Motor versus Non-Motor Symptoms and Remote Care" on Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 at 6:00 P.M., sponsored by Abbott Pharmaceuticals.

To register, click on the following link: REGISTER NOW, or click on the "Motor versus Non-Motor Symptoms and Remote Care" above. If prompted enter the Meeting ID: 836 1505 1817 | Pass Code: 725831

For information on our sponsors and subsequent webinars click the more information button below. More information for all webinars, including registration links will be emailed and posted on both social media and our website in the following weeks! Our social media platforms can be accessed at the bottom of your email by clicking the designated social media icon, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates! Please note there is no cost to participate in these webinars, and all information provided is a paid advertisement by the sponsoring company and is not an endorsement by Parkinson Association of the Carolinas of the product or service. As with any treatment option or medication, please consult your physician.

We hope to see you there!

More Information

News

New Doctor in NC Introducing, the newest Dr. Thenganatt previously held Movement Disorder Specialist at faculty positions at two large Wake Baptist. Dr. Mary Ann movement disorders centers, Thenganatt received her medical initially at Baylor College of degree from Boston University Medicine in Houston, TX and School of Medicine in Boston, most recently at The University of MA. After completing an Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. internship at UCLA Medical A board-certified neurologist, Dr. Center in Los Angeles, CA, she Thenganatt has extensive pursued a residency in neurology experience in the diagnosis and and fellowship training in management of all movement movement disorders at Columbia disorders, including treatment University Medical Center in New with Botulinum Toxin and Deep York, NY. Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapies.

The Many Variations of Loss of neurons in the brain that Instead, Levodopa, a precursor of Carbidopa/Levodopa - use dopamine to communicate is dopamine, which does cross the The Mainstay of one of the hallmark features of blood-brain barrier is used. If Parkinson's Disease Parkinson’s disease (PD), Levodopa is ingested by itself Treatment causing slowness, stiffness, however, it breaks down in the tremor and balance problems. bloodstream before it crosses Replacing the brain’s dopamine is into the brain, so Levodopa is therefore one of the key typically ingested with another treatment strategies to help medication that stops it from improve the motor symptoms of breaking down. In the US, the PD. Dopamine itself does not combination of cross the blood-brain barrier and Carbidopa/Levodopa is used. therefore can’t be used to treat PD. Continue Reading more from APDA

Dr. Rebecca Gilbert

7 Famous Women with Most people can name at least Valerie Perrine Parkinson’s one famous man with The seventies silver screen icon Parkinson’s, but can you name a Valerie Perrine (pictured above) famous woman? As part of our launched her career with a role Women and Parkinson’s as a Las Vegas showgirl in campaign, we highlight some of ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ (1971). the women in the public eye who She went on to star alongside have lived with the condition, some of the most celebrated from the actress Valerie Perrine – actors of the time, including who played a showgirl in Dustin Hoffman, Jack Nicholson, ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ and a Robert Redford and Christopher villain’s moll in ‘Superman’ – to Reeve in the original ‘Superman’ US singer-songwriter, and friend film in 1978. of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt. Continue Reading on Parkinson's Life

Stress Linked to Harsher People with Parkinson’s These findings were in the study Parkinson’s Symptoms, disease experience more stress “Stress and mindfulness in but Mindfulness May Help than those without this disease, Parkinson’s disease – a survey in and high stress levels associate 5000 patients,” published in npj with a worsening of symptoms, Parkinson’s Disease. research based on a patient A team led by researchers in the survey reported. Netherlands sent out a survey Mindfulness, a practice of through The Michael J. Fox maintaining a heightened state of Foundation’s Fox awareness of thoughts and Insight program. The survey feelings, may help to lower stress asked a variety of questions in people with Parkinson’s, about stress, Parkinson’s, and related factors.

especially anxiety and depressive feelings. Continue Reading On Parkinson's News Today

Upcoming Events

Parkinson Association of the Guest Speaker: Carolinas hosts Rock Steady Boxing Monthly Virtual Support Coaches Rob Fisher and JT Group Monthly Virtual Support *To register please click the Group Wednesday, April 7th, 2021 highlighted "Monthly Virtual at 2:00PM Support Group" if prompted enter the Meeting ID:82414839345 | Pass Code: 793980

Parkinson Association of the Featured Presenters: Carolinas is excited to bring you our second focused on Ann Marie Worman Resolutions Vs. Mindset Quinci Christian Wellness Wednesdays: Wellness Wednesday Resolutions vs. Mindsets For more information click here Wednesday, April 21st, 2021 or visit our website. at 3:30PM *To register please click the highlighted link "Wellness Wednesday" if prompted enter the Meeting ID: 829 8791 4693 | Pass Code: 552411

Parkinson Association of the Featured Presenters: Carolinas has partnered with Abbott Pharmaceuticals to Dr. Andrew Falconer present *To register please click the "Motor versus Non-Motor highlighted link "PD and Nutrition" if prompted enter the Meeting ID: Symptoms and Remote 836 1505 1817 | Pass Code: Care" 725831 Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 at 6:00PM

Help us reach our goal of Please see the full flyer for filling Symphony Park with more details and information 200 giant tulips! on donating/purchasing a tulip! April 14th-16th, 2021 TipToe thru the Tulips Or contact a PAC team View Full Flyer Here You can purchase a tulip in honor member today! or memory of someone affected (980) 245-2786 by Parkinson's or simply in support of PAC! Proceeds will go toward PAC's cost-free services benefitting the local Parkinson's community.

MoveIt! Walk in Myrtle Congratulations to our Early Beach, SC Registration prize winners May 8, 2021 Tatanish Campbell and Carey Register below: Swanson! https://give.parkinsonassocia tion.org/moveitwalkmyrtlebe Register today for a chance to ach2021 win more prizes, raffles and giveaways! MoveIt! Walk in Charlotte, NC May 22, 2021

Register below: https://give.parkinsonassocia tion.org/moveitwalkcharlotte 2021

Neuro Challenge Foundation *To register please click the for Parkinson's presents highlighted "Parkinson's Virtual Care Partner Connection Support "Parkinson's Virtual Care Group" Partner Connection Support Group"

Thursday, April 1st, 2021 at 10:00AM

Featured Presenters: The Davis Phinney Foundation presents Altaf Saadi, MD, MSC

"Health Disparities and Conssuelo H. Wilkins, MD, Parkinson's: Understanding MSCI the Role of Trust" *To register please click the Tuesday, April 6th, 2021 at highlighted "Health Disparities and 3:00PM Parkinson's: Understanding the Role of Trust"

Neuro Challenge Foundation *To register please click the for Parkinson's presents highlighted "Adult Children of People with Parkinson's "Adult Children of People Discussion Group" with Parkinson's Discussion Group"

Thursday, April 8th, 2021 at 6:00PM

Parkinson's UK has Featured Presenters: launched a global campaign called #TogetherApart. Physiotherapist Josefa Domingos Sunday, April 11th, 2021 at 7:00AM via the EPDA Speech Language Facebook Pathologist John M. Dean page and YouTube channel

The Michael J. Fox *To register please click the Foundation presents highlighted "Volunteering for Parkinson’s Research: What to "Volunteering for Parkinson’s Know and Expect" Research: What to Know and Expect"

Thursday, April 15th, 2021 at 12:00PM

The Michael J. Fox Featured Presenters: Foundation presents Micheal J. Fox "A Conversation with Michael J. Fox: On Testing *To register please click the the Limits of Optimism" highlighted "A Conversation with Michael J. Fox: On Testing the Limits of Optimism" Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 at 5:00PM

The Davis Phinney * Dates for each vary. For more Foundation presents information or to register please webinars for click the highlighted "YOPD", "YOPD for Women" or "Care Partners" YOPD, YOPD for Women, and Care Partners

Programs

Disclaimers! Support Groups Exercise Opportunities

Many meetings have been PAC assists 90+ support groups in Find your way to Move It! suspended until further notice, NC and SC. Click here to view our Exercise has been proven to slow others have pivoted to virtual Support Group list for a group the progression of the disease. meetings. Similarly, many classes near you. If you have questions Click here to view the most current or facilities are closed out of an about a specific group please list of exercise classes throughout abundance of caution for public contact the Support Group leader. NC and SC. safety. Rock Steady Boxing: streaming Please refer to the highlighted The PAC Virtual Support Group on YouTube links for contact information and will continue every first Dance for PD & Sing for PD: updates regarding availability. Wednesday of the month at streaming here 2:00PM. Pilates for PD: streaming here We ask that you practice caution Invigorate Physical when participating in all programs Our next Virtual Support Group Therapy: www.invigoratept.com especially exercise programs. will be April 3rd, 2021 at LSVT -Speech Therapy: Talk to your doctor about what 2:00PM. www.lsvtglobal.com program would be best for you, stay hydrated, exercise in a safe Check our website for updates. PAC will continue to offer Gentle location, move at your own pace Yoga, and Dance for Parkinson's and preferably with a partner - online. either with a caregiver or video Please check our website here for exercise with a friend! updates.

Additional ongoing programs are listed below. Note that some of the programs listed below are not facilitated

by Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) and are subject to change, please check the programs affiliated link for more information.

The Poise Project presents *Please note acceptance the Spring Poised for into the classes is based on Parkinson's classes The Poised Project's prior screening. Please check the Beginning April 12th and flyer attached for more April 19th, 2021 information on getting started!

View Full Flyer Here

Facebook Live Parkinson's Monday-Friday at 11:00AM Speech Exercises Tuesday at 7:00PM More Information Here.

Rock Steady Boxing Headquarters is now offering classes online via YouTube!

More Information Here.

Classes in Hickory, NC with Coach Rob Fisher are now Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9AM and 10:30AM. For more information call (980) 245-2786 Dance and Sing for PD classes are now online.

Check danceforparkinson.org or more information here!

For those of you in Charlotte who have attended our Dance for Parkinson’s class with Gretchen Jax, click here to see her most recently recorded class.

Now offering online Pilates classes! Check poewellnesssolutions.com

Explore worldpdcoalition.org for articles, webinars, and more! More Information Here.

Research and Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer with PAC! Would you like to offer your services or insight in a different For opportunities to assist our way? Share your feedback PAC team with projects relating to help us improve PAC's to development, digital programs and raise awareness marketing and about our organization. communications, and We are looking for community community surveys, OR to members to provide complete

serve as a Board Member, surveys and share testimonies on Committee Member, or PAC PAC’s behalf. We’re welcoming Ambassador, click on the “More program participants, care Information” button below and partners, and industry leaders to get started today! To volunteer at take just a few minutes to an upcoming PAC event, contact complete the survey below. Also, Associate Director, Lauren if you have just a bit more time, Tankersly we would love to hear a at ltankersly@parkinsonassociati testimony about PAC’s services. on.org. If you or someone you know has been positively impacted by our educational webinars and programs, movement therapy classes, support groups, toll free resource line or even our regular communications, you can submit a written or video testimony to Lauren Tankersly at ltanekrsly@parkinsonassociati on.org. We appreciate your time and support! More Information Take the Survey

Dr. Vanessa Hinson, Director of The TOPAZ Study is a fracture the Parkinson’s Foundation prevention trial where the Center medication of Excellence at MUSC, recently will be administered during a one- spoke to the attendees at a time, 45-minute visit to your support home. group meeting about two ongoing Please contact Sandra Wilson at trials in the Charleston area that [email protected] for more require minimal or no visit to a information. medical facility. You do not have to be an MUSC patient to participate!

LSVT Global and CurePSP are If you are interested in partnering with Google for new learning more about Project study called Project Euphonia. Euphonia, visit this Project Euphonia is looking for webpage. Please contact volunteers with moderate to severe speech disorders project.euphonia@lsvtglobal. associated with Parkinson’s (or com with any questions. other Parkinsonism-related diagnoses), to participate in this View the full flyer here new study involving recording spoken phrases to help improve automatic speech recognition software (e.g. phones, computers, devices).

The purpose of this study is to This research team is, looking for understand the experiences of people with Parkinson’s people with Parkinson’s while in diagnosed (and/or their partner or the hospital. Participation would family member who was involved entail attending a single, two-hour in the care) who experienced a online focus group. During this stay in a hospital sometime focus group, which would be between September 2018 and attended by approximately 8-10 the end of February 2020. The people, we will be asking recruitment flyer for this study is questions about your attached to this email. hospitalization experience, Anyone who may be interested in including the medical team’s participating, has questions or familiarity with Parkinson’s would like to learn more, is symptoms and treatment, positive welcome to reach out to Jessica aspects of the care provided and Shurer. what could have improved the stay in the hospital. Through gathering this information, we are hoping to develop patient- IRB Study #20-2474 centered recommendations for IRB contact information: improvement of experiences and (919) 966-3113 care of people with Parkinson’s [email protected] during hospitalization. The study Recruitment Flyer is being funded by a grant through the Parkinson’s Foundation.

The Social Communication and The survey can be found Neuroscience Lab at East here. Carolina University is looking for For questions, contact individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s to participate in a Kathrin Rothermich at online research survey. (252) 744-2329 or Participation involves completion [email protected] of a survey that consists of five short questionnaires about mental health, demographic variables, and coping during the COVID-19 pandemic and takes about 15-20 minutes to complete.

Get Involved

It is our mission to empower individuals and families living in the Carolinas who are affected by Parkinson’s disease through education, outreach and direct support. Therefore, all programs and services provided by Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) are at no cost to you.

Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) is grateful to our amazing donors and community that makes what we do possible! To donate to PAC and our mission, click the "DONATE NOW!" button below or click the highlighted "DONATE NOW!" here.

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Our Contact Information Parkinson Association of the Carolinas 2101 Sardis Rd. N, Suite 102 Charlotte, NC 28227 (980) 245-2786