Parkinson's Disease Foundation Announces Latest Online Educational Series

Free Online and Phone Seminars for People with Parkinson's Disease, Care Partners, Family Members and Health Care Professionals

NEW YORK, Sept. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Parkinson's Disease Foundation^® (PDF^®) is pleased to announce its newest series of PD ExpertBriefings, free interactive seminars presented by leaders in Parkinson's disease research and care.  Designed for people living with Parkinson's disease, care partners, family members and health care professionals, the series of six seminars – which can be accessed online or by phone – will begin on Tuesday, September 25 at www.pdf.org/parkinsononline.

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"PDF is committed to providing the community with the tools they need to improve their own lives, or those of their patients, as 'managers' of Parkinson's disease," commented Robin Elliott, Executive Director of the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.  "We invite the entire community – people with Parkinson's disease, their loved ones and professionals – to join us and our outstanding faculty for this new series of PD ExpertBriefings."

This year's PD ExpertBriefing faculty includes leaders such as Matthew Farrer, Ph.D., of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.  Dr. Farrer will kick off the series by discussing a promising area of research, "What is New in Genetics and Parkinson's Disease?" on Tuesday, September 25 at 1:00 PM ET.  Additional seminars will focus on tips for effectively managing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as speech problems and issues related to gait and falls.

Thomas A. Palizzi, Chair of PDF's People with Parkinson's Advisory Council, noted, "I have always valued PD ExpertBriefings because they provide us, as people living with Parkinson's disease, with a chance to interact with the world's leaders in Parkinson's disease.  PDF's innovative use of technology is ensuring that all people with Parkinson's disease have access to the best information."

Due to popular demand, this year's series will also offer continuing education credits to a variety of health care professionals who participate live or within 30 days of any live PD ExpertBriefing. Continuing education credits are managed through PDF's sponsorship of the American Society on Aging.

PD ExpertBriefings Schedule

What is New in Genetics and Parkinson's Disease?
Tuesday, September 25, 2012, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
Matthew Farrer, Ph.D.
Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

Caregiving and Parkinson's Disease
Tuesday, November 20, 2012, 1:00 PM– 2:00 PM ET
Julie H. Carter R.N., M.S., A.N.P.
Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
In Recognition of November as National Family Caregivers Month

Gait, Balance and Falls in Parkinson's Disease
Tuesday, January 15, 2013, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
Terry Ellis, P.T., Ph.D., N.C.S.
Boston University College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston, MA

Under-recognized Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
Tuesday, March 12, 2013, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
K. Ray Chaudhuri, D.Sc., M.D., F.R.C.P.
National Parkinson Foundation International Centre of Excellence, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom

What's in the Parkinson's Disease Pipeline?
April 2013
Faculty to be announced
In Recognition of April as Parkinson's Awareness Month

Improving Communication in Parkinson's Disease: One Voice, Many Listeners
Tuesday, June 4, 2013, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
Angela Roberts-South, M.A., C.C.C.-S.L.P., C.A.S.L.P.O. (Reg.), Ph.D. Candidate
Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, Ontario, Canada

To join a live PD ExpertBriefing, call (800) 457-6676, visit www.pdf.org/parkinsononline or email [email protected].  Pre-registration is recommended.  Phone participants will receive an event-specific number, which differs from the one above.

About Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly one million people in the United States and an estimated seven to 10 million people worldwide.  Although promising research is being conducted, there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease.

About PD ExpertBriefings
PD ExpertBriefings are free interactive seminars that provide people with Parkinson's disease, families and health care professionals with first-hand access to the leaders in Parkinson's disease research and care.  PDF offers an annual series of six live PD ExpertBriefings and provides more than 30 recorded PD ExpertBriefings on its website, www.pdf.org/parkinsononline and DVD.  This year's series has been made possible by educational grants from Abbott Laboratories and Teva Neuroscience.

About the Parkinson's Disease Foundation
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation^® (PDF^®) is a leading national presence in Parkinson's disease research, education and public advocacy.  PDF is working for the nearly one million people in the United States who live with Parkinson's by funding promising scientific research while supporting people living with Parkinson's through educational programs and services.  Since its founding in 1957, PDF has dedicated over $96 million to fund the work of leading scientists throughout the world and over $40 million to support national education and advocacy programs.

SOURCE Parkinson's Disease Foundation