Parkinson’s 101 welcomes immediate family unless otherwise noted, please see descriptions. We strongly encourage participants to attend all four sessions open to those newly diagnosed to make the most of this opportunity (two sessions are for immediate family only).
Enrollment is limited. Register early!
To register, email info@parkinsonswf.org or give us a call at (212) 831-3476.
The Seminar Series:
DECODING PARKINSON’S: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Presented by Dr. Joohi Jimenez-Shahed | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 5:30 – 7:30PM
Dr. Jimenez-Shahed, Mt. Sinai Neurology Professor, Co-Chair of the Parkinson Study Group, and Bandeen Center Medical Advisory Board Member, will discuss diagnosis and symptoms, medication and treatments, non-motor symptoms, and the importance of communicating well with your doctor.
Who should attend: newly-diagnosed PD members, along with any immediate family members who would like to join
MORE THAN A MOTOR DISORDER: THE EMOTIONAL AND IDENTITY SIDE OF PD
Presented by Dr Allison Waters and Dr Rachel Fremont | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 5:30 – 7:30PM
Mt. Sinai mental health experts, Allison Waters, PhD and Rachel Fremont, MD will review the emotional impact of Parkinson’s, including depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and identity changes, while offering practical coping tools and resources to support resilience. Please note, this session is limited to newly diagnosed people with PD only.
Who should attend: Newly-diagnosed members with PD only (Not intended for family members)
PARKINSON’S AND FAMILY DYNAMICS
Presented by Dr. Alessandro Di Rocco | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 5:30 – 7:30PM
Dr. Di Rocco, Neurology Professor at Hofstra Northwell, System Director, Neurology, Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders at Northwell Health, and Bandeen Center Medical Advisory Board Member, will lead an intimate discussion with the family members of those with PD on how a Parkinson’s diagnosis affects the whole family—and how greater awareness can foster compassion and connection.
Who should attend: Immediate family of newly-diagnosed PD members only (Not intended for those with PD)
SUPPORTING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH: NAVIGATING CHANGE AND UNCERTAINTY
Presented by Rachel Lugo, LMHC | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 5:30 – 7:00PM
Rachel Lugo, LMHC, will lead a discussion-based and interactive session about the emotional experience of being newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s. We’ll explore what uncertainty can bring up, the ways we naturally respond when we feel a loss of control, and different ways of meeting difficult moments. Together, we’ll consider how to make room for what is happening, identify what is within our influence, reduce our stress responses, and stay connected to others—without expecting ourselves to have everything figured out.
Who should attend: Newly-diagnosed members with PD only (Not intended for family members)
SUPPORTING SOMEONE YOU LOVE: NAVIGATING PARKINSON’S TOGETHER
Presented by Rachel Lugo, LMHC | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 5:30 – 7:00PM
When someone we love is diagnosed with Parkinson’s, the diagnosis can bring change, uncertainty, and new questions for both people. Rachel Lugo, LMHC, will lead a discussion-based and interactive session exploring how we can support someone we love while staying connected to their needs, our own needs, and the relationship we share. We’ll consider the different ways we may respond when someone we love is struggling, how to offer support while respecting their independence, and how to continue making space for our own lives along the way.
Who should attend: Immediate family of newly-diagnosed PD members only (Not intended for those with PD)
THE IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE AND NUTRITION IN PARKINSON’S
Presented by Rose Gallagher, PT, DPT, PhD and Zari Ginsburg, MS, RDN | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 5:30 – 7:30PM
Rose Gallagher, PT, DPT, PhD, The Bandeen Center’s Fitness Advisor and professor of physical therapy will speak about the benefits of an exercise routine and our resident nutritionist, Zari Ginsburg, MS, RDN, will provide an overview of emerging research on how nutrition can be used to manage symptoms of PD. This talk is open to all members and their partners.
Who should attend: newly-diagnosed PD members, along with any immediate family members who would like to join
