Welcome to Parkinson’s University.
PD University is a fully non-accredited, non degree granting school where people affected by Parkinson’s Disease can learn from each other about all things Parkinson’s Disease.
I will include some evidence based information, that is backed up by real science; but unlike a traditional school, much of what is here will be anecdotal tips and tools that have helped others living with Parkinson’s Disease.
There is so much information, it can be incredibly overwhelming. I have tried to keep it to just the things I think you should know without too much fluff.
Oftentimes researchers decide what to spend time and resources researching based upon experiences of those living with this disease. I hope this can also be a place that those looking for ideas of what to research can see if there are helpful tools that can be scientifically validated, and can be published and shared with professionals who care for people with Parkinson’s disease.
Reading List-Books to Educate and Inspire
LEVEL 1: INTRODUCTORY COURSES:
PD 101: Introduction to Parkinson’s Disease: You have just received this life altering diagnosis, now what?
PD: 105: Sharing the news of your PD diagnosis with your loved ones, co-workers, friends, acquaintances. What have other’s experienced when sharing the news?
PD 110: What is Parkinson’s Disease?: What is happening in my brain that is causing all this trouble?
PD 120: PROGRESSION OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE: What happens from here? How long can I stay active? What do I need to do to stay active as long as possible?
PD: 130: What do I need to do now? Care Team Establishment
PD: 140: Should I take Medications? What are the pros and cons of taking medications? What are the different types of medications? How do I talk to my doctor about medications?
PD 150: How to make the most of your Doctor’s appointments.
LEVEL 2: EXERCISE
PD: 202: History of exercise and Parkinson’s Disease? What has research shown about exercise and Parkinson’s Disease?
PD: 210: What type of exercise should I do? This course will include a summary with many different ways we can exercise with comments from other PD Warriors who have tried it and their experiences.
PD: 220: How do I start an exercise program?
PD: 230: Tools to Maintain an Exercise Program
PD 240: Tools to Track your fitness
PD 260: Tools to Track Parkinson’s disease symptom progression and improvements
Upcoming Events in which fellow Parkinson’s Warriors are participating
LEVEL 3: PD SYMPTOMS AND TRACKING PROGRESSION
PD: 303: Common Parkinson’s Symptoms and Tools to Manage them?
PD: 360: Cognitive Assessments
PD: 380: What is a UPDRS score?
LEVEL 4: DEEP BRAIN STIMULATOR
PD 404: What is deep brain stimulation?
PD 410: How do I know when I am a candidate for DBS?
PD 420: What are the different types of DBS and how do they differ?
PD: 430: Personal experiences from those who have done it.
LEVEL 5: RESEARCH
How can I get involved in Research?
Recently published research and what it means for us?
LEVEL 6: FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
How long can I keep working?
How does disability insurance work? Is it too late to get it, if I don’t already have it?
What do I need to know about Medicare with Parkinsons’ Disease?
What do I need to know about Social Security?
LEVEL 7: CARE PARTNERS
PD: 707: What are the best ways I can support my person with Parkinson’s Disease?
PD: 727: What does a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis mean for our future?
PD: 737 A page for care partners to share how a PD diagnosis has affected their relationship.
Reading List-Books to Educate and Inspire
