Support Groups and Events

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 Allison Allen, LCSW, or Anne Kosem, LCSW.

Ongoing Support Groups

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.

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. This virtual group will be held monthly on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 7-8:30 p.m. 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.

Download a flyer for the Loud and Proud meetings here.

Huntington's Disease Support Group

The Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA) and Duke Health hold bimonthly support groups for anyone whose life is impacted by Huntington's Disease and their carepartners. You do not have to be a Duke patient to attend. Please join us from your living room for this virtual group. For more information, email Amy Rupert, LCSWA, at amy.rupert@duke.edu.

The group will meet from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every other month.

Download a flyer for the Support Group here.

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 Robyn Wilson at Robyn.Wilson@duke.edu for more information.

Download a flyer for the Support Group here.

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.

Upcoming Events

Parkinson's Disease Art Gallery

Friday April 5th, Starting at 6 p.m.
Cecy's Gallery
417 & 419 Foster Street

Durham, 27701

Join us for a night of celebration and connection plus amazing works of art created by people living with PD. The event is open to ALL and free to attend.

Parkinson's Foundation Educational Event: Managing Changing Systems

Saturday May 18, 10am-1:30pm
Five Points Center for Active Adults, 2000 Noble Rd., Raleigh, NC 27608

After many years of good symptom management, Parkinson's disease may become more challenging. Learn how Parkinson's symptoms may change over time and new strategies available for managing them. Together we will hear from Parkinson's experts as they discuss the latest technological advances in Parkinson's-related devices and how technology can help us manage and monitor Parkinson's disease symptoms.
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required since lunch will be served. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends and the community.
Featured Duke speakers include Kyle Mitchell, MD, Melissa Werz, OTD, OTR/L, CDRS, and Sarah Stidham, CCC-SLP, MS.

Register