Free Parkinson’s Educational Opportunities Available Through UW-Led Program

According to the Parkinson Association of the Rockies, there are an estimated 18,500 individuals in Colorado and Wyoming living with Parkinson’s, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nervous system. It’s the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States, after Alzheimer’s disease.

The University of Wyoming Center on Aging is alerting the public that registrations are now being accepted for the WyCOA’s free educational opportunities for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, care partners, families and health care professionals.

The events are offered this spring through partnerships with UW’s Division of Communication Disorders, WyCOA and the Parkinson’s Foundation.

According to WyCOA, a free webinar targeting health care professionals is scheduled from noon-1 p.m. Friday, April 18. Topics to be discussed are understanding symptom progression and how the symptoms justify expansion of the care team; and learning about the impacts and benefits of palliative care.

A webinar program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners is scheduled from noon-1 p.m. Saturday, April 19. The session includes learning when it is appropriate to expand the Parkinson’s care team; and understanding the importance of building a support system for emotional wellness and long-term independence, with an emphasis on palliative care.

Dr. Guillaume Lamotte — who has a broad background in medicine and neurology, with specialty training and expertise in movement disorders and autonomic disorders — is the speaker for both webinars. Lamote is pursuing an academic career focused on clinical research in the fields of autonomic and movement disorders and is currently an assistant professor in neurology at the University of Utah, where he sees patients with movement disorders and autonomic disorders.

Visit the WyCOA website here for more information and details on how to register for the webinars.

For more information about WyCOA and other learning opportunities, visit the website at www.uwyo.edu/wycoa, call (307) 766-2829 or email wycoa@uwyo.edu.