Therapy approaches for Parkinson’s disease are often overly simplified to one or two global approaches. This course offers the ability to identify and treat the different subtypes of Parkinson’s disease for enhanced outcomes. A classification paradigm will be presented along with explanations of primary tremor, rigidity, primary dyskinesia, freezing gait, postural considerations, festination and why defining your patients' presenting characteristics structures the plan of care. Additionally, become informed regarding the most common Parkinsonisms and the subtypes under the Parkinson’s umbrella. Current evidence is presented regarding the how, what, where, when, and why of treatment for this challenging and rewarding population.   

• Discover the neurophysiology of Parkinson’s Disease and Parskinsonisms, how they differ, and the subtypes of each 
• Cutting edge evidence-based treatment strategies tailored to the specific needs of your patients, not their diagnostic nomenclature  

If you are ready for clinical applications that will immediately assist with differential diagnosis and management of these conditions – this is your course! 

Falls are NOT inevitable, even in individuals with neurologic diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis - rehab professionals may have a direct impact on this reality. Early intervention is key to improved outcomes. We will investigate new models and the neurobiology of pathological fatigue as it relates to Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Furthermore, the science behind neuroplasticity, proprioception, muscle tone, and balance will be analyzed to reduce fall risk in this population.  

• Discover somatosensory components of movement and the impact on fall risk 
• Understand neurological disease and its progression regarding balance, fatigue, and proprioception 
• Integrate neuroplasticity principles in screening, assessment, and interventions 

Leave this course with comprehensive screening and assessment tools, greater knowledge of effective interventions, and awareness of how to utilize neuroplasticity principles with neurological diagnoses.   

Esther Ellis, MS, RDN, LDN, is a writer and registered dietitian nutritionist. She will review the role of nutrition in improving quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s Disease. Attendees will gain a better understanding of nutrition strategies for symptom management and how proper nutrition, especially preventing or treating malnutrition, can lead to better patient outcomes. Learn what and how commonly prescribed medications can impact nutrition status and nutrition strategies for increasing efficacy.

Most people want to remain in their own homes as they age.  Therapists have unique skills that allow them to identify the interaction between the client’s skills, values/goals, and the impact of the environment on their ability to perform valued or necessary activities. This session provides an introductory overview of why therapy professionals should be completing home accessibility and safety assessments and the initial steps in order to start a business completing home modifications the right way.

Motor symptoms in Parkinson’s, such as slowness of movement, rigidity, and tremor have long been the focus of identification, assessment, and treatment with rehab as well as with medications and surgery.

However, the problem is some of the earliest symptoms to appear—the non-motor issues—impact speech, language, and cognition and are often overlooked until these symptoms become more pronounced and visible. Also, of concern, many of these issues are not responsive to pharmacological or surgical intervention. This is where treatment with speech-language pathologists comes into play.

Join international Parkinson’s expert, John Dean, MA, CCC-SLP, as he helps you find the clinical answers you’ve been seeking for clients with symptoms that are not responsive to pharmacological or surgical intervention.

This workshop will be a fast-moving intensive look at a range of common communication and cognitive issues associated with Parkinson’s as they intersect with the speech-language pathology scope of practice, including voice and speech as well as language and cognition. You will learn how to skillfully implement a range of treatment approaches to meet your clients’ needs and goals!