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 of each month.

2025 Dates and topics

May 1

Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia Care Partners: Unique Challenges and Novel Approaches to Support with Dr. Jori Fleisher, MUSC

June 5

Acute Rehab for the Parkinson's Patient with Dr. Eric Westerbeck, Encompass Rehab

July 3

Trident Area Agency on Aging, Julie Courtright CIRS A/D, Assessment Coordinator

August 7

Oral Health and Parkinson’s Disease with Dr. Joni Nelson, MUSC

September 4

Optimizing Sleep for Brain Health and Daytime Function with Dr. Andrea Rinn, MUSC

October 2

Deep Brain Stimulation and Focused Ultrasound with Dr. Nathan DeTurk, MUSC

November 6

Caregiver with Dr. Lilia Lovera, MUSC

December 4

Working Out Through the Holidays with Physical and Occupational Therapy, MUSC

Registration

Virtual registration: Click on each date to register.

In-person registration:

Email Nicole Cool at cool@musc.edu to register.
Please include each attendee and sandwich choices with registration: Hollings Cafe Menu
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!

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

2025 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'sFoundation 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:

May 16

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.