Meeting Notes

Michael J. Fox Foundation monthly webinars are helpful

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Red laser light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is being studied for its potential to improve motor and cognitive functions in Parkinson's disease patients. Early research suggests it may help reduce symptoms by targeting brain tissues and enhancing mitochondrial function, but more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

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Davis Phinney Foundation & Michael J. Fox Foundation are great sources of information

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Stanford Movement Disorders Center Clinical Trials

PERSEVERE study - PERSEVERE is a nationwide NIH-funded study testing an educational program for family caregivers of people with Parkinson’s or Lewy Body Dementia. For more information, to watch a video about the study logistics and enrollment criteria, and to complete the screening survey, please visit https://redcap.link/PERSEVERE1

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Dyana will be offering a Parkinson’s-specific TaiChi course to supplement her existing Wednesday course. Information coming soon!

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Parkinson’s can cause changes to sleep. Be on the lookout for REM sleep disorder and vivid dreams. Review your prescriptions with your physician. Common sleep changes in Parkinson’s handout.

PANC Conference is on October 18 in Roseville.

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“Rebuilding Life After the Hospital” - a free, virtual educational event is on October 16. Offered by Age in Place Sacramento

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California Brain Health Center - At the California Brain Health Center, they help identify what is causing brain changes, and work with you and your providers to develop a plan to optimize your functioning.

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"Medical Cannabis and Parkinson’s: What You Need to Know” by PD Buddy and Curaleaf UK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tMtQX2ZArE&t=180s

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POLST forms

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Lake & Mendocino County Resource Guide for Older Adults

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Constant Therapy app - source for adult, at-home speech therapy

A general care giver group is meeting at The Well in Mendocino every other Thursday 3-5pm.

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Jordon Studio in Fort Bragg offers boxing training. Boxing-based exercise can help people with Parkinson’s improve balance, strength, coordination, and confidence while supporting overall brain health.

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A local Care Giver support group meets in Mendocino at The Well bi-monthly on Tuesdays, 3-5pm.

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For those who rely on electricity for medical needs, PG&E offers a Portable Battery Program to help power medical equipment during outages.

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January 15 at 4pm the American Parkinson Disease Association will host a free webinar on Stem Cells & PD

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The Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s offers helpful podcasts and their Every Victory Counts manuals for people with PD and Care Partners

Jordon Studios and Bob N. are exploring the option for a group boxing class. Reach out to Bob if you’re interested.

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The Ukiah PD support group is having a session on alternatives to DBS on March 19. Contact Mary at hatfieldmj@pacific.net for more information.

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Transportation resources have been added to our website

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Jan Whitney from the Parkinson’s Association of Northern California gave a presentation and review of the resources they offer. https://www.panctoday.org

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Some devices shared by group members today:

BeechBand  beechband.com

Vilimed Ball vilimed.com

Restural Glove restural.com

New group boxing class on Tuesdays at 12:30pm at Jordon Studios in Fort Bragg. $15 per session. Maximum of 8 people. Ask Bob N. for more info.

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Dr. Beeney, neuropsychologist is our April speaker

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senior yoga classes: Helen on zoom Fridays at 10:30a, Sally Swan in Mendo Thursday at 9:30a; Senior Center Tuesdays at 10:30a

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Jill Rexrode of Senior Center spoke:

-Mendo Coast clinic offers dental care @ reduced rate and has a 340B prescription drug program

-Services offered by the RC Senior Center include: Friendly visitor program; senior peer counseling; transportation in town; lunch daily; Grab n Go Food Tu/Th; Meals on Wheels deliveries MWF; Senior Outreach Support; several exercise classes