Parkinsons Disease And You Symposium
The Parkinsons Disease & You Symposium, which started in 2009, is an all-day annual event that attracts people from throughout Michigan and Ohio, regardless of where they receive care. At the Parkinsons & You Symposium, you can receive up-to-date information given by leaders in the field and connect with other people and families who are living with the condition. The University of Michigan Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinsons Disease Research has funded the Symposium since 2015 the U-M Surgical Therapies Improving Movement Program funded previous programs. To be notified of future events, please join our email list.
How Is Parkinson’ Disease Diagnosed
There are currently no blood, laboratory or radiological tests to diagnose Parkinson’s disease . In early Parkinson’s, the symptoms are often vague, such as minor tremor in a hand, a change in handwriting, pain in the neck or back, or occasional stumbling. The physician may need to observe the person over time prior to making an accurate diagnosis. Generally, when two of the four cardinal signs occur , a diagnosis may be made and treatment initiated.
Contributed by:
Edwin B. George, MD, Ph.D., Wayne State University School of Medicine. Chairman, Michigan Parkinson Foundation Board of Directors, Member MPF Board of Directors, and Past Chairman.
*please Visit Our Free Exercise Page And Our Free Support Group Page For A List Of Virtual Support Group Meetings
The Michigan Parkinson Foundation is dedicated to people living with Parkinson’s disease. We are an independent non-profit 501 charitable corporation that was founded in 1983. We are funded primarily by private contributions, memorials, and grants.
Guided by a volunteer Board of Directors and Professional Advisory Board, MPF staff and volunteers, along with partner organizations provide services and resources to enhance the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s and their families throughout the state.
More than 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease. You are not alone in your journey. We invite you to connect with us.
What is Parkinson’s disease ?
It is a type of movement disorder. It happens when the brain does not produce enough of a brain chemical called dopamine. It is sometimes genetic, but in most cases it does not run in families.
How to Get Help
Call our number at to get help today. See icons at top of the page for educational resources and exercise courses.
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What Is A Usability Study
Usability testing or a usability study is when a medical product or service is tested with representative users. Typically, this will involve participants completing related tasks while observers watch, listen and takes notes.
The goal is to identify any problems in using the product or service , collect information and feedback, and determine the participants satisfaction with the product or service.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders. It is a neurodegenerative disease which is the most common cause of parkinsonism, or the akinetic-rigid syndrome.
There are many causes of parkinsonism, and although there is a specific pathology under the microscope associated with Parkinson’s disease, its cause appears to involve multiple factors and there may in fact be more than one cause or etiology.
Parkinson’s disease is recognized by the presence of at least three of four cardinal signs:
- resting tremor,
- bradykinesia/akinesia, and
- postural reflex impairment.
Parkinson’s disease affects at approximately 1.5 million people in the United States. Although Parkinson’s disease most commonly affects people over age 60, it can occur as early as age 20.
The other causes of parkinsonism, or the akinetic-rigid syndrome, include other neurodegenerative diseases besides typical Parkinson’s disease, such as the Parkinson’s Plus diseases, familial forms of Parkinson’s disease, Wilson’s disease and Huntington’s disease in children , poisons including carbon monoxide, manganese and MPTP , injuries to the basal ganglia including strokes , acute or chronic head trauma, post-encephalitic and drug-induced parkinsonism.
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Exercise Classes Now Underway
Meeting ID: 813 7303 6837Password: 529630
Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 USMeeting ID: 813 7303 6837
Michigan Parkinson Foundation wants to make sure you keep moving, and is now offering Parkinson Exercise Classes FIVE DAYS A WEEK . . . Monday thru Friday!Monday at 10:00 am
PWR Moves ExerciseInstructor: Jamie Haines, PT, DScPT, NCS, Central Michigan UniversityTuesday at 10:00 am
PWR Moves ExerciseInstructor: Angee Ludwa, PT, Ascension GenesysWednesday at 10:00 am
Adapted Yoga for ParkinsonsInstructor: Mindy Eisenberg, MHSA, Director of Yoga Moves MSThursday at 10:00 am
PWR Moves ExerciseInstructor: Presented by Amy Yorke, PT, PhD Board Certified in Neurologic Physical Therapy Associate Professor, Physical Therapy Department, University of Michigan-FlintFriday at 10:00 am
Adapted Yoga for ParkinsonsInstructor: Mindy Eisenberg, MHSA Director of Yoga Moves MS
These Exercise Classes are made possible by generous donations to the Michigan Parkinson Foundation. We need YOUR help so we can continue to provide our Programs and Services to those living with Parkinsons disease, their caregivers and family members.
Michigan Parkinson Foundation is available to help those affected by Parkinsons disease. As we always say . . .
800-852-9781
Who We Are
To educate and provide direct patient support to people affected by Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders, their loved ones and care partners as well as the physicians and other allied health professionals who diagnose and treat those individuals with the disease. The Michigan Parkinson Foundation offers patient education programs for the newly diagnosed, sponsors more than 76 support groups throughout ALL OF MICHIGAN, provides financial assistance for Parkinson medications and respite care .
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