The UAB Department of Neurology’s Division of Movement Disorders seeks to provide vital education and support to individuals and families affected by Parkinson's disease (PD) with a series of events this spring.
Made possible through funding from the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), these events cater to various needs, from aiding newly diagnosed individuals in understanding PD through the Good Start® Program, to offering coping strategies and support for daily living through an eight-part support group series. Moreover, there's an innovative collaboration with UAB Arts and Medicine for a Connecting Through Art® Watercolor class.
The PRESS Program offers an empowering journey through an eight-week support group format for those diagnosed within the last five years. Led by licensed medical social worker Cara Loy and program coordinator Brooklyn White, this series fosters emotional support, provides a platform for sharing coping strategies, and instills optimism for living well with PD. Various Movement Disorder Specialist practitioners and allied healthcare providers will participate in these sessions. The inaugural session of PRESS begins on Monday, April 1, and runs weekly through May 20.
In a creative endeavor to integrate art into the lives of those living with PD and promote socialization, the APDA has partnered with UAB Arts in Medicine to offer Connecting Through Art. Led by art therapist Valerie Hanks, this program includes a Watercolors painting class scheduled for Saturday, April 27, at the Abroms-Engle Institute for the Visual Arts (AEIVA). The event is free; refreshments will be provided, and all necessary supplies are included.
The Good Start program is a cornerstone offering aimed at individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their caregivers within the past three years. This program is led by UAB Movement Disorder Specialist clinicians and allied healthcare partners. It delivers a comprehensive understanding of Parkinson’s, including its pathology, symptom management strategies, and tips for maintaining a high quality of life with PD. Attendees have the option to participate in person or virtually via Zoom. The upcoming Good Start program will be held on Friday, May 17, at the North Shelby Library, with a virtual session scheduled for June.
The Parkinson Disease Information and Referral Center at UAB, established by the American Parkinson Disease Association in 1978, serves as a vital resource hub for individuals with PD, their caregivers, healthcare providers, and the wider community. Learn more and register for these programs at www.apdaparkinson.org/community/upcoming-programs.