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 bring the best possible information to our community so that you can understand and live well with PD.  Join us for one of our PD Talks online and don't miss our Living Well with PD Educational Symposium in April. Scroll down for our upcoming talks ▽

2025 EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM

Scroll down for our upcoming talks ▽
 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 

Upcoming PD Talks

Please note we are now offering both in-person and Zoom 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. Scroll down for our upcoming talks ▽

FEBRUARY 2025 PD TALKS

You are Not Alone: Building Connections Through Support Groups

TOPIC: You Are Not Alone: Building Connections through Support Groups
DATE: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
TIME: 3:00 pm
PLACE: Zoom​
PRESENTED BY: Ann Fisher, LCSW
​RSVP by 3:00 pm on Tuesday, February 25, 2025
​Discover how support groups can transform the journey of living with Parkinson’s Disease by fostering meaningful connections and offering guidance, understanding, and companionship. In this talk, we’ll explore the unique benefits of participating in support groups, including:
  • Emotional support during the ups and downs of life with PD
  • Shared experiences that create understanding and solidarity
  • Practical advice from those who truly understand the challenges
  • A comforting sense of belonging and community
Whether you’re looking for support or eager to support others, this talk will inspire you to embrace the strength and hope that comes from connecting with others who share your path. Together, we’ll uncover how the power of community can bring comfort and empowerment to life with Parkinson’s.
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PD Talk: Navigating Hospital Care Challenges with PD

TOPIC: Patient Voices, Clinician Tools; Elevating Parkinson’s Hospital Care with Modern Solutions.  
DATE: Thursday, February 27, 2025
TIME: 3:00 pm
PLACE: Zoom​
PRESENTED BY: Dr. Catalina Acosta and Dr. David Linz
​RSVP by 3:00 pm on Wednesday, February 26, 2025
​Join us for an insightful Zoom presentation. talk offers practical guidance for people with Parkinson's Disease to navigate common challenges during hospital stays. Topics include improving communication with healthcare providers, ensuring accurate medication timing, and working effectively with the care team.
You’ll learn about tools and strategies to advocate for your needs, enhance your hospital experience, and help your care team provide personalized and effective treatment. Discover how these approaches can improve outcomes, increase your satisfaction, and make hospital stays smoother and more manageable.
Dr. David R. Linz practices Internal Medicine at Moorings Park Center for Healthy Living in Naples, Florida.  He serves as Chief Medical Informatics Officer for NCH Healthcare System and is a faculty member of NCH Healthcare System’s Internal Medicine Residency program. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science and Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Central Florida
​Dr. Catalina Acosta is a double board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist serving as the clinical pharmacy manager and director of the pharmacy residency program at NCH in Naples, FL. Her areas of practice include medication safety, internal medicine, and critical care. She is an adjunct faculty at Nova Southeastern University, College of Pharmacy.
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MARCH PD TALKS

PD TALK: Healing Movement: The Power of Tai Chi for Parkisnon's

TOPIC: Healing Movement: The Power of Tai Chi for Parkinson's
DATE: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
TIME: 3:00 pm
PLACE: Zoom​
PRESENTED BY: Karen McNeil
​RSVP by 3:00 pm on Tuesday, March 4, 2025
.Join Tai Chi Instructor Karen McNeil on Wednesday, March 5th, at 3:00 PM for an insightful discussion on the benefits of Tai Chi for Parkinson’s patients. Learn how this gentle, flowing movement practice can improve balance, flexibility, strength, and overall well-being. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how Tai Chi can support healing and enhance quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s.
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IN-PERSON PD TALK
TOPIC: Parkinson's Disease Research:  Where have we been and where are we going?  
DATE: Saturday, March 8, 2025
TIME: 10:00 am
PLACE: In-Person Parkinson's Association of Southwest Florida, 2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Suite#301, Naples, FL 34119
PRESENTED BY: Dr. Matthew Baker
​RSVP by 3:00 pm on Thursday, March 6, 2025
​to Swatts@ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org
​Join us for an insightful in-person presentation by Dr Matthew Baker at the Parkinson's Association of SWFL offices. The presentation will address frequently asked questions: What is clinical research?  How has clinical research impacted current therapies for Parkinson's?  How important is it to be involved in research?  What research is on the horizon?
Dr. Baker is a board-certified neurologist practicing for over twenty years.  He currently practices at Collier Neurologic Specialists and is a primary investigator at Aqualane Clinical Research in Naples, FL. He received his medical degree at the University of South Florida where he also completed his neurology training. He has been a principal investigator in numerous clinical trials, many of which have resulted in international regulatory approval of novel therapeutics across the spectrum of neurologic disease, here and abroad.   His primary areas of interest include Neuroimmunology, migraine, and the Neurobehavioral manifestations of disease.  Dr. Baker is a nationally recognized educator and lecturer.  He enjoys teaching colleagues, medical residents, and patients on various topics in neurology.  In his spare time he loves riding roller coasters with his family and playing with his three dogs Caia Poppy, Maxine Penny, and Mildred Linus.
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APRIL PD TALKS

TOPIC:  Long-Term Care & Veterans Benefits: Key Estate Planning Strategies
DATE: Thursday, April 9, 2025
TIME: 10:00 am
PLACE: Zoom
PRESENTED BY: Colleen Bratkovich, Partner of Zacharia Brown Attorneys
​RSVP by 3:00 pm on Tuesday, March 4, 2025
​Click to Register
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.  ​

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.
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

Parkinson's Association of Southwest Florida 
2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive
Suite#301, Naples, FL 34119
239-417-3465
Office@ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org
​
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday 9 am - 5 pm
Friday 9 am - 3 pm
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