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Living Well with PD
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Join Margot Escott, LCSW to learn how improvisational theatre games and techniques improve focus, communication and well-being in those with PD and their care partners.
It was not long ago that the mind-body connection was considered voodoo in the medical world. Today leading hospitals and medical practitioners incorporate it as a vital component of their protocol for treating patients. Currently, the benefits of Improvisational Theatre games and techniques are being recognized in medical studies, journals and as featured workshops in mental health conferences for their original purpose, which was to improve mental and physical well-being. Improvisational theatre games are particularly well suited to help alleviate and address many of the symptoms of PD that include facial rigidity (or masking), gait impairment characterized by a stuttering gait as well as anxiety and depression. The neurology Department of Northwestern University (NU) began researching the benefits of teaching “improv” to people with PD and their caregivers in 2015. The results were impressive. NU found that improvisational theatre games help people with PD to cultivate focus, improve communication, and promote well-being. ABOUT MARGOT ESCOTT, LCSW Margot Escott LCSW is considered a leader in the development and use of applied improvisational theatre techniques to benefit those with Parkinson's Disease and other neurological issues. She presents her improv for PD teaching techniques in national mental health conferences throughout the country and teaches improvisational theatre classes locally for people with anxiety, PD, Care Partners, and children with autism. Margot hosts a popular podcast highlighting people who are using and researching improvisational theatre as a therapeutic tool — including Ed Asner — to benefit adults and children with anxiety, mental health issues, autism, PD, and more. Margot has been a social worker in Naples, Florida for over 35 years and has presented workshops on humor, laughter, and play for over 25 years. Since being introduced to improvisational theater, Margot has been performing and teaching improv to diverse groups such as people with neurocognitive issues like Parkinson’s disease, anxiety disorders, care partners, children on the autism spectrum, and therapists. You can learn more about her at Improv4Wellness.com. |
Here is what people are saying about Margot Escott’s Improv for PD classes:
“Initially, improv was out of my comfort zone, but I am learning that there are no mistakes and I am feeling more at ease as I get to know the members. It has been helpful to attend improv during the pandemic as it helps with social isolation and gives us the opportunity to laugh, play, dance, act, move and encourage each other,” says Cindy. “Improv is a tool that helps me cope with PD by focusing on the blessings that come from being with others and trying new experiences I never would have considered before.” Cindy (Improv for PD student who was diagnosed with PD this year.) “As for the COVID lockdown period, the classes are a symbol of hope and enjoyment. They give us something to look forward to every week and are a break in the monotonous daily routine of staying home,” says Julie. “We treasure our fellow participants' patience and Margot's consideration for my husband's disability.” Julie (Care partner for her husband Keith who is in his 10th year with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.) 
Students at an Improv for PD class with Margot Escott, LCSW.
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Parkinson’s Disease
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The Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida is hosting an informational talk about Parkinson’s disease and APOKYN with Dr. Laxman Bahroo, Associate Professor and Director of the Residency Program in the Department of Neurology at Georgetown University, on August 19, 2020 at 3:30 pm. The talk is free, but registration is required. Conveniently register online by clicking the green button, or call our office at 239-239-417-3465.
About Laxman Bahroo D.O, FAAN Dr. Laxman Bahroo is currently an Associate Professor and Director of the Residency Program in the Department of Neurology at Georgetown University. He is Movement Disorders specialist and manages an active clinic with interests in medical and surgical treatment. He also specializes in the therapeutic role of botulinum toxin injections for dystonia, spasticity and sialorrhea. Dr. Bahroo has lectured at regional, national and international conferences. He has presented at grand rounds at hospitals about pertinent topics in Movement Disorders and Neurology. Dr Bahroo actively participates in research trials focusing and has published papers on various journals. Dr. Bahroo attended Rutgers University for undergraduate studies and University of Medicine and Dentistry for his M.S and medical education. He completed his intern-ship at Saint Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem, PA and his Neurology Residency at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington D.C. Subsequently, he completed a two year fellowship in Movement Disorders at Georgetown University Hospital. |
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
About APOKYN
APOKYN is used by injection, as needed, to treat loss of control of body movements in people with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD). This condition is also called hypomobility or off episodes. An off episode may include symptoms such as muscle stiffness, slow movements, and difficulty starting movements. APOKYN may improve your ability to con-trol your movements when it is used. |
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