Education Programs

We believe that education is an important part of living life with PD and we have an education committee that is dedicated to bringing the best possible information to our community so that you can understand and live well with PD. Join us for one of our monthly PD Talks offered online and don't miss our Living Well with PD Educational Symposium in April. Scroll down for our upcoming talks ▽

2025 EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM

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Join us for our Annual Living Well with PD Education Symposium on April 24, 2025, at the Hilton Naples.
Learn from leading medical experts in Parkinson’s research and care, and learn about the latest advancements in treatment, therapies, and strategies for living well with PD. More information: CLICK HERE
REGISTRATION CLOSES APRIL 1, 2025

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MARCH PD TALKS

Balance Matters: Empowering Parkinson’s Patients for Everyday Stability

TOPIC: Balance Matters: Empowering Parkinson’s Patients for Everyday Stability
DATE: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
TIME: 3:00 pm
PLACE: Zoom
PRESENTED BY: Chris R. Williams B.S., CPT, CES, SFS, YES
RSVP by 3:00 pm on Monday, March 24, 2025
Click to Register
Join Chris R. Williams B.S., CPT, CES, SFS, YES for this informative talk to learn how to enhance balance to help you live well with PD.

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Chris Williams, Founder & President of Emeritus Health and author of Balance University, has over 22 years of experience as a fitness and wellness professional. Based in Naples, FL, Emeritus Health specializes in improving balance and movement for adults and is a Florida Blue Cross/Blue Shield-approved provider. Balance University is a 10-week program to enhance balance, posture, and flexibility. He also serves as the Owner & Lead Conditioning Coach for the Azzurri Storm Soccer Program. His passion for health and fitness began as a high school athlete, leading him to earn a degree in Nutrition & Dietetics and multiple certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He is a recognized educator who frequently contributes to wellness initiatives in Collier County businesses and academic institutions.

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From Brain to Bladder: How Neurological Conditions Affect Urological Health

TOPIC: From Brain to Bladder: How Neurological Conditions Affect Urological Health
DATE: Thursday, March 27, 2025
TIME: 4:00 pm
PLACE: Zoom
PRESENTED BY: Rolando Rivera, MD, FACS
RSVP by 3:00 pm on Tuesday, March 25, 2025
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Join us for an insightful PD Talk as Dr. Rolando Rivera, a board-certified urologist and fellowship-trained specialist, explores the connection between neurological conditions—like Parkinson’s disease—and urological health.

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Rolando Rivera, MD, FACS is a dual board-certified Urologist in Naples, Florida who provides surgical and non-surgical solutions for both men and women. He is noted for his use of the very latest techniques and technology, including the use of neuromodulation therapy and DaVinci robotic surgery. This talk will explore the link between your urological health and Parkinson’s Disease.

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APRIL PD TALKS

Long-Term Care & Veterans Benefits: Key Estate Planning Strategies

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TOPIC: Long-Term Care & Veterans Benefits: Key Estate Planning Strategies
DATE: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
TIME: 3:00 pm
PLACE: Zoom
PRESENTED BY: Colleen Bratkovich, Partner of Zacharia Brown Attorneys
RSVP by 3:00 pm on Monday, April 7, 2025
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Join Colleen Bratkovich, Partner of Zacharia Brown Attorneys, as she explores essential strategies for securing long-term care and maximizing veterans' benefits. This presentation will cover critical legal and financial strategies to protect assets, ensure eligibility for key programs, and provide peace of mind for families navigating the complexities of aging and care planning.

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The Mediterranean Diet: Nourishing the Body and Mind

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TOPIC: The Mediterranean Diet: Nourishing the Body and Mind
DATE: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
TIME: 3:00 pm
PLACE: Zoom
PRESENTED BY: Carolyn Bivens, RDN
RSVP by 3:00 pm on Monday, April 28, 2025
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Join Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Carolyn Bivans for an informative session on the Mediterranean Diet, a brain-healthy lifestyle inspired by the traditional eating patterns of Greece, Italy, and Spain. This talk will explore the key components of this nutrient-rich diet and how it supports overall well-being, particularly for those living with Parkinson’s Disease. Learn how each meal can help nourish both the body and mind while providing essential health benefits. Gain practical tips on incorporating Mediterranean-style eating into daily life to promote better brain function, heart health, and overall vitality.
The link to register for this presentation:

MAY PD TALKS

Making Every Word Count: Communication Strategies for Parkinson’s Care Partners

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TOPIC: Making Every Word Count: Communication Strategies for Parkinson’s Care Partners
DATE: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
TIME: 3:00 pm
PLACE: Zoom
PRESENTED BY: Judy Jenner, MS, CCC, Speech-Language Pathologist
RSVP by 3:00 pm on Monday, May 5, 2025
Click to Register
Communication changes can be one of the most challenging aspects of Parkinson’s disease for both individuals with PD and their care partners. In this engaging session, Judy Jenner, MS, CCC-SLP, will provide practical strategies to improve communication, reduce frustration, and strengthen connections between care partners and their loved ones with PD.
This talk will cover:

How Parkinson’s affects speech and communication
Practical techniques to enhance daily conversations
Tips for reducing stress and improving understanding

Navigating Memory Changes in PD

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TOPIC: Navigating Memory Changes in PD
DATE: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
TIME: 10:00 am
PLACE: Zoom
PRESENTED BY: Judy Jenner, MS, CCC, Speech-Language Pathologist
RSVP by 3:00 pm on Monday, May 12, 2025
Click to Register
Learn about the cognitive challenges associated with Parkinson’s disease, common memory changes, strategies to manage them, and ways to support brain health. Whether you are living with PD, a caregiver, or simply want to learn more, this talk will provide valuable insights and practical tips.

Each month, we offer multiple educational presentations covering medical, health, and lifestyle topics to help you live well with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Our presenters are experts in their fields, including movement disorder specialists, neurologists, occupational and physical therapists, speech therapists, dietitians, home health professionals, financial planners, and more. Please note we are now offering both in-person and Zoom PD Talks.

PD TALK RECORDINGS

Did you know you can watch recordings of our past talks online?
We believe that education is an important part of living life with PD, that's why the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida offers a library of recordings of educational talks designed to help you live well with PD. Our videos range from information on PD 101, Mobility, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Care Partners, Planning, PD Related Issues, Medication, and Treatment, to Symptom Management, and more. We also keep you updated on the most recent studies and research on treatment and symptom management with peer-reviewed studies. Click the buttons below to learn more.

SEE AVAILABLE VIDEOS

SEE RECENT STUDIES

While there is no charge to participate there are significants costs to offer our programs and services.
Participants are required to complete a membership application and participation waiver before participating in online and in person programs. Click below to complete the required application online.

For your convenience the membership application is available to complete online, or if you would prefer printed forms, you can download them and return them to us by mail. Are you unsure if you completed a waiver or membership form? Call us at 239-417-3465 and we will be delighted to check for you. CLICK TO JOIN