The Duke Movement Disorders Center is proud to participate in a variety of events to support and educate individuals with Parkinson's and their care partners, including regular support groups, introductory programs to provide basic information on Parkinson's, workshops for couples, and monthly singing and communications workshops. Click on the choices below to learn more about each of our upcoming programs.
For more information on any of our groups or programs, or to RSVP for a zoom link, please contact Lacy Rardin Sledge, LCSW, (lacy.rardin@duke.edu) or Anne Kosem, LCSW (anne.kosem@duke.edu).
Parkinson's Support Groups
Patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, as well as their care partners, are welcome to attend the Durham Parkinson's Disease Support Group, held from 10:30 a.m. to noon on the fourth Tuesday of every month. This free support group, sponsored by the Parkinson Foundation, is open to all (you do not have to be a Duke patient to attend).
Download a flyer for the PD Support Group here.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, all support groups are now being held online. We hope that you can join us from your living room or other safe location. For more information, or to join, contact Allison Allen, LCSW, at 919-681-2656, or allison.m.allen@duke.edu.
Our Parkinson's Disease Support Groups are now being held virtually (please email Allison Allen to RSVP and for the Zoom link).
Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD): Triangle YOPD Connections
People with YOPD and their carepartners are invited to participate in conversations and support focusing on parenting, careers, relationships and other topics unique to this community. The group will be held monthly on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 7-8:30 p.m. It will be virtual for now, with the hope to return to in person soon! For more information or to find out if this group is a good fit for you, please contact Allison Allen, LCSW (allison.m.allen@duke.edu) or Anne Kosem, LCSW (anne.kosem@duke.edu) or (919) 681-2656. Download a flyer for this program here.
The Loud Crowd (Speech and Communication Group for People with Parkinson's Disease)
A new speech and communication group for people with Parkinson’s disease hosted by Kaylea Nicholson, SLT and based out of the Duke Holly Springs Campus. Come enjoy camaraderie and support as we perform SPEAK OUT! exercises and practice speaking with intent. This group meets virtually on the 3rd Friday of each month. Contact Kaylea Nicholson for more information at kaylea.nicholson@duke.edu.
Download a flyer for the event here.
Loud and Proud
Loud and Proud is a speech and communication group specifically for those with Parkinson’s Disease. You will learn effective speech exercises, practice communication skills and SING!
These meetings are now being held virtually on the 2nd Monday of the month from 2-3 p.m. Please join us from your living room or other safe location. For more information or instructions on how to join, contact Meredith Nye at Meredith.Nye@duke.edu.
Huntington's Disease Support Group
The Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA) and Duke Health hold bimonthly support groups for individuals diagnosed with or at-risk for Huntington's Disease and their carepartners. You do not have to be a Duke patient to attend. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, these meetings are being held online for the foreseeable future. Please join us from your living room or other safe location. For more information, email Lacy Rardin, LCSW, at Lacy.Rardin@duke.edu.
The group will meet from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every other month (March 8, May 10, July 12, September 13, and November 8 in 2023).
For more information, contact Allison Allen, LCSW, at Allison.M.Allen@duke.edu or Anne Kosem at anne.kosem@duke.edu.
PushBack at Huntington's Disease
PushBack at HD is a live, virtual, instructor-led exercise program which targets the neurologic movement problems associated with Huntington’s disease. Classes are performed at home and focus on posture and alignment, flexibility, strength, balance and cognitive challenge. This program was developed by physical therapists and will give participants the chance to meet and exercise with people from across the country. Join us over zoom at 10:45 a.m. every Tuesday and Friday. Email Parm Padgett at Parminder.Padgett@uvmhealth.org or Robyn Wilson at Robyn.Wilson@duke.edu for more information.
The North Carolina Dystonia Support Group will meet virtually from 1-2:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month. Join to learn more about dystonia and meet others in the community. Individuals with all forms of dystonia, as well as their family and friends, are welcome to attend. Attend via Zoom here. For more information or to RSVP, email Crystal Edmonds at Cedystonia1920@gmail.com. or Enrique Perez at Eap7719@gmail.com. You can also visit the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.
The NC Dystonia Support Group has a Facebook page, which you can visit here.