Resources for Movement Disorders Patients

To learn more about support groups and helpful state and national organizations, view the Parkinson's disease primer (PDF)

Lunch-and-Learns

New Parkinson's Disease-related topics are announced each month. Sessions are offered monthly on the first Thursday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Date: December 5, 2024-please register by 11/29/2024
Time: 12 to 1 p.m.
Topic: Caregiver
Speaker: Lilia Lovera, MD
Movement Disorders Neurologist
Medical University of South Carolina
Location: MUSC Wellness Library

In-person attendees will receive a boxed lunch at the end of the session. Up to 25 people will be able to register for an in-person* session held on MUSC main campus!

*For in-person: please remember to include each attendee, limit two.

Registration

In-person registration: Email Nicole Cool at cool@musc.edu to register.

Virtual registration: Register virtually on Zoom. 

You can view sandwich choices on the Hollings Cafe website.

PD Net: Caregiver Assistance Program

A caregiver class based on the premise of empowering community members close to the people with Parkinson's Disease (PD) to be trained as volunteer caregivers or an as-needed helper, depending on defined needs by the people with Parkinson's. Some of the services caregivers could provide include companionship, time, reading to patient, taking a walk, assistance with light housekeeping, shopping, transportation, or meal prep.

Class is offered 3 times per year during Lunch and Learns with focus on the following:

  • Motor and non-motor symptoms
  • Psychological stressors
  • Treatment
  • Safety and fall prevention
  • Swallowing precautions
  • Importance of medication compliance
  • Coping
  • Exercise
  • Relaxation

Those invited to participate:

  • PD patient and care partner
  • Potential new patient care partners:
  • Family members
  • Volunteers
  • Friends
  • Church members
  • Neighbors

2024 Class Dates

Registration

To register, please select a date above or email Nicole Cool at cool@musc.edu to come in person.

For More Information

For more information about the Caregiver Assistance Program, please email MUSC Health Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence Nurse Coordinator Nicole Cool, BSN, RN, at cool@musc.edu.

Parkinson's Disease Orientation for Newly Diagnosed Patients & Caregivers

"Newly diagnosed" as one year or less of a new PD diagnosis. Learn:

  • Introduction to Parkinson's Disease and current treatment options
  • Introduction to MUSC Health Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence Team
  • Community resources locally and globally
  • Tips and recommendations from Occupational Therapy on Parkinson's Disease and work life
  • Role of Physical Therapy in early Parkinson's Disease and overall importance of exercise
  • Role of Speech Therapy in early Parkinson's Disease for speech, voice, swallowing, and communication changes
  • Overview of research in Parkinson's Disease, how to stay informed and get involved

MUSC Health Movement Disorders Team

  • Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence Team
  • Movement Disorders Physician
  • Nurse Coordinator
  • Neuropsychologist
  • Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy
  • Speech Therapy

Location & Time

In-person sessions are on Fridays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

2025 Orientation Dates

  • January 17

Registration

To register for the orientation, please email Nicole Cool at cool@musc.edu or call 843-792-7859.

For More Information

For more information about the orientation, or if you are not able to attend in person, please email MUSC Health Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence Nurse Coordinator Nicole Cool, BSN, RN, at cool@musc.edu.