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 ▽

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PD TALKS

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. ​ 

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OCTOBER PD TALKS

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FREE PD TALK:
Fall Prevention and Safety Strategies for PD
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 @ 3:00 p.m.
Via Zoom
Presented by Dr. Cole Ryan, DPT
Register by October 26 @ 3:00pm
Falls are a common concern for people living with Parkinson’s disease, but there are practical strategies that can help reduce fall risk and improve confidence. In this free PD Talk, physical therapist Dr. Cole Ryan will discuss why falls happen, how to identify and address fall risks, and what to do if a fall occurs. You’ll learn practical strategies for improving strength, balance and mobility, as well as how to fall more safely and reduce the risk of injury.
Whether you’ve experienced a fall, worry about falling, or simply want to stay as independent and active as possible, this presentation will provide useful information you can put into practice. Reserve Your Free Spot:
Register for the PD Talk via Zoom

About the Presenter
Dr. Cole Ryan is the owner and lead physical therapist at Freedom Functional Wellness in Naples, Florida, which he founded with his wife in 2023. A graduate of the University of Findlay, Dr. Ryan specializes in helping people improve movement, strength, confidence and quality of life through personalized care.

NOVEMBER PD TALKS

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FREE PD TALK:
Focused Ultrasound for Tremor Relief
November 4, 2026 @ 3:00 pm 
Via Zoom
Presented by: Justin Sporrer, M.D. via Zoom
Register by 3:00 pm 11/2/26
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Join neurosurgeon Justin Sporrer, M.D., Director of Functional Neurosurgery at Baptist Health, for an informative talk on High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) — a next-generation, incisionless outpatient treatment for essential tremor and Parkinson's-related tremor. Dr. Sporrer will explain how this innovative procedure uses real-time imaging and thermal feedback to precisely target tremor-causing areas of the brain, without incisions, implants, or general anesthesia. Learn about the immediate tremor improvement, minimal recovery time, and long-term quality-of-life benefits patients are experiencing with this safe, personalized approach​.

PD TALK RECORDINGS

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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

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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