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The Parkinson's Disease Association of San Diego Exists to
Improve the Quality of Life for Those Affected by Parkinson's

Family & Caregiver Services

Patient Programs

Educational Opportunities

With more than 60,000 family members and patients affected by Parkinson's, we work hard to raise funds to help these families maintain their quality of life. We have a notable history of funding promising medical research through local institutions such as the The Salk, Burnham and Scripps Research Institutes, and the University of California, San Diego. To date we have donated over 1 million dollars for research projects seeking more effective treatments and a cure for Parkinson's.

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Nuestros Programas y Servicios

Recursos en Español

Llame Gratis al 1 (877) 737-7576 y
Pregunte por Flora Nájera

Parkinson's Video Series

Until now many individuals and families challenged with PD have been unable to benefit from our educational symposia and other video learning experiences. PDASD is grateful to Wai Sing "Cindy" Chan who has generously contributed funding to provide access to these events through the creation of the Parkinson's Video Series.

Financial & Legal Workshop
Friday September 23, 2010

With the goal of helping to maintain a family's quality of life and protect their financial assets, the Financial & Legal Wellbeing Workshop Series provide planning tools and strategies to deal with lifestyle issues, maximizing saving and investment, limiting financial risks and making important legal decisions.

Information & Referral Center

Understanding what services are available and where they can be obtained is important in maintaining the best possible quality of life. To help ensure this, PDASD hosts the APDA Information and Referral Center which provides links to these resources, a free lending library, and help with personal questions.

Educational Symposia
Saturday November 13, 2010

Every year at the Marion Brodie Symposia Series, leading Parkinson's clinicians and researchers share the latest on coping with Parkinson's, medications and their management, and care giving techniques. Also offered is a bi-annual Symposium for Primary Care Physicians & Pharmacists to help them keep abreast of the latest changes, and covers topics such as differential diagnosis, new treatment approaches, and updates on promising research.

GoodStart Workshop
Friday July 30, 2009

Being diagnosed with a chronic progressive illness can be overwhelming. As a result, PDASD has developed the GoodStart Workshop specifically for the newly diagnosed, which provides a forum for learning the basics about Parkinson's, community resources, as well as an opportunity to share personal concerns in a small group setting.

Parkinson's Support Groups

Person's with Parkinson's, their care partners and family members are provided an opportunity to talk with others about community resources and exchange information regarding useful coping strategies through our county-wide network of leader facilitate Support Groups.

Resources for Caregivers

Local community agencies throughout San Diego County offer a wide variety of Caregiver Training Workshops for family caregivers as well as medical professionals needing continuing education credits.

In-Home Respite Care

Parkinson's patients are provided up to 8 hours of assistance per week with personal hygiene, medication reminders and companionship, while their care partners are afforded a break from the mental and physical stress of care-giving. The In-Home Respite Care Program is a cost-sharing program based on family income.

Free Parkinson's Newsletters

The Parkinson Post, Mind-Body Wellness News and PD Alerts are free publications delivering cutting-edge information and resources about Parkinson's to keep you informed of the latest research and treatment options, well-being insights, helps for caregivers, educational events, and breaking news of interest to the Parkinson's Community.

Research & Treatment Articles

PDASD has a long history of funding medical research projects at several research institutes in San Diego, CA. More than $1,000,000 has already been given to date. Click on Research & Treatment Articles.

Equipment Exchange

In a progressive illness, different types of equipment may be needed from time to time. To help families save money, PDASD's Equipment Exchange Program assists families exchange donated and gently used medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and bathroom aids.

Tremble Clefs Therapeutic Singing

A voice-therapy singing class offered for persons with Parkinson's and their care givers, this weekly class works to strengthen breathing, correct posture, practices vocal exercises and improve voice volume and expressing. The Tremble Clefs also performs at senior centers, churches and holiday events, and is free of charge.

Lending Library

Borrow Books & Videos at no cost on a wide variety of topics such as treatment and research, care giving and much more.

Planned Giving & Endowments

PDASD is entering a new era of service with a clear mission to improve quality of life for those affected by Parkinson's. Our Heritage Society was created to provide future stability in the constantly evolving world of Parkinsonism. Click on Planned Giving to see how you can create your legacy and assure a brighter future for those affected by Parkinson's now and well into the future.

Parkinson Action Network

The Parkinson's Action Network serves as the voice of the national Parkinson's Community to lawmakers in Washington D.C. to raise awareness on issues such as funding research for Parkinson's programs at the Departments of Defense and Veteran's Affairs, FDA, Medicare, Social Security, and for Stem Cell Research.

Assistive Technology

Parkinson's Assistive Technology

Click here to access local assistive technology resources and read reviews of innovative software applications to make using your computer easier. PDASD offers free computer assistance and training including help with accessing information on the Internet as well as how to optimize your computer with assistive technology.

Parkinson's Exercise Classes

PDASD has partnered with several Community Organizations throughout San Diego County to offer you a wide variety of exercise options to help you maintain optimal health. For your safety, please check with your primary care physician and/or neurologist to be sure that these classes are right for you before participating.

In-Service Training

PDASD developed the In-Service Training Program to help assisted living and nursing home staff members better understand the special care needs of their Parkinson's residents. A Parkinson's educator provides in-service training on these care issues and management techniques. Please call 858-273-6763 for more information.

Parkinson's Medication Watch

Parkinson's Disease Medication Watch

Following a regular medication schedule helps to manage Parkinson's symptoms. PDASD provides free help in programming this unique watch that alerts you when your next does of medication is needed. Call (858) 273-6763 for more information.

One Touch 911 Dialer

One Touch 911 Dialer

The One Touch 911 Dialer is a pendant that comes with a lanyard and belt clip that immediately dials a 911 operator with one press of a button, helping users sustain independence and mobility. The device has a working range of 600' allowing free movement within your home. A unique test function verbally informs you whether the system is within working range. Smaller than most cell phones, water resistant, and weighing only 6 oz., the pendant is powered for one year by one AAA battery. Click on One Touch 911 Dialer for more information.

Personal Assistance Voice Dialer

Personal Assistance Voice Dialer

The Personal Assistance Voice Dialer is the easiest way for you or a family member to maintain independence. When a person in distress triggers the system by pressing the heart pendant, a built-in alarm sounds and the system immediately calls four phone numbers of your choosing to deliver a message. Click on Voice Dialer for more information.

The Wellness Wizard

Wellness Wizard Electronic Caregiver Assistant

The Wellness Wizard is an electronic "Caregiver's Assistant" that helps caregivers enhance the health, safety and wellbeing of patients who spend time alone. Includes reminders to take medications, locking doors before bedtime, upcoming appointments, even checks on the user's wellbeing while they're alone and alerts caregivers if needed.

San Diego County Volunteer Driver Coalition

Do you need a ride to a medical appointment but don't drive? The San Diego Volunteer Driver Coalition is a county-wide network of free and low-cost transportation services available to seniors. Programs offer safe, reliable transportation provided by trained volunteers. Click here to find the program that serves your area and contact them for more information.

Rides4Neighbors Program

Affordable wheelchair accessible medical transportation is now available for eligible residents of East San Diego County. To be eligible, riders must be residents of La Mesa, Lemon Grove, El Cajon, Spring Valley, Santee, or Lakeside. If you need specialized, wheelchair accessible transportation service to medical appointments, click here for more information or call 619-464-0109.

Vehicle Donation Program
Cars-Truck-RV or Other Vehicles

Parkinson's Disease Association of San Diego Vehicle Donation

Donating a vehicle to PDASD is an excellent way to get rid of old unwanted vehicles, earn a tax credit, and help ease the burden of those affected by Parkinson's. Charitable Auto Resources makes your vehicle donation convenient, hassle-free and will even pick up your vehicle at no charge.

www.PDASD.org Site Search

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Cooking With The Tremble
Clefs Cookbook

Cooking with the Tremble Clefs Cookbook

Click for Details and To Order

Great Fundraiser for Your
Parkinson's Support Group

PDASD Launches Online Store
See Our Unique Line
of Jewelry Creations

Tealrose Necklace by Somewhere in Time

Summer Sale - Save 15% Now

Tai Chi for Parkinson's Video

 Tai Chi for Parkinson's

Based on the results of research studies and medical trails, Tai Chi is considered an ideal moving meditation for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. Master Henry Cheng has created a unique program specifically designed to improve balance and motor coordination, while increasing mental focus and reducing stress for people with Parkinson's. Click here for more information and to order.

Recently Been Diagnosed?

I've Been Diagnosed with Parkinson's - What's Next?

Find everything you need to know to maintain your quality of life by clicking on I've Been Diagnosed with Parkinson's: What's Next? You Are Not Alone is a 25-minute video with testimonials on how to cope and live with Parkinson's.

Ask the PD Specialist

If you need assistance locating a Parkinson's neurologist, local Support Group or information on any aspect of managing Parkinson's, click on Ask the PD Specialist.

Articles of the Month

A Clinical Trials Expert Asks: Is Neuroprotection Our Only Goal in the Fight Against Parkinson's? Disease?

Reduction of Dopamine Agonists May Lead to Withdrawal Symptoms

Caring for the
Parkinson's Care Partner

Mid-Stage Parkinson's: Taking Charge

Panel OKs Money for
Stem Cell Clinical Trial

Help for Parkinson's Patients

Early Signs of Parkinson's

Cycling for Freezing of Gait

Coping Strategies for
People with Parkinson's

Sleep: A Common Problem
for People With Parkinson's

Vaccine Breakthrough Shows
Hope for Parkinson's People

BioTime Gains Following with
Regenerative Medicine Research

Cells in Amniotic
Fluid Become Stem Cells

Bowen Therapy: A Gentle
System of Muscle Therapy
That Stimulates the Body's
Natural Healing Response

Health Professionals Guide
to Management of Parkinson's

Ten Tips for Caregivers

Your Brain on Gambling

Parkinson's: A Naturopathic
Approach Book at Amazon

The Healing Power of Music

Proposition 71 News Watch

Scientists Turn Mouse Skin
Cells into Functional Neurons

FDA Review of Stalevo
and Possible Develop-
ment of Prostate Cancer

California Parkinson's
Disase Registry

Parkinson's Disease
Linked to Pesticides

GDNF Treatment in
Parkinson's: Time for
Controlled Clinical Trials?

Small Molecules Protect
Cells in Parkinson's Disease

Whole Body Vibration
Therapy: A Revolutionary
Technique Treats Parkinson's

Cleaning Agent Tied
to Parkinson's in Study

Ibuprofen May Fight
Parkinson's Disease

Treadmill Training Improves
Gait in Parkinson's Patients

Prevention and Relief
for Parkinson's Patients

Exercise Bike Reduces
Parkinson's Symptoms

If a Fall Happens

What Can I Do to Improve My
Handwriting? It's Getting Smaller

Forced Exercise Improves
Motor Function in
Parkinson's Disease Patients

See PD Treatment &
Research Archives

As you scroll through the list, right-click your mouse on article titles you want to read and then select "Open in a new tab". Once you have reached the bottom of the list you can then click on any of the saved tabs to read your selections. Click here to see our Parkinson's Research and Treatment Article Archives.

10 Ways to Maintain Your Brain

When we think about staying fit, we generally think from the neck down. But brain health plays a critical role in almost everything we do: thinking, feeling, remembering, working, playing, even sleeping. The Good news is there are simple things you can do now that will keep your brain healthier as you mature. Click here to find out how.

2010 PAN Forum Webcast

Parkinson's Action Network

The 2010 PAN Forum was a great success. More than 1500 PAN Advocates participated in this live broadcast from Washington, DC.

California Parkinson's
Disease Registry

California Parkinson's Disease Registry

The California Parkinson's Disease Registry (CPDR) is a promising new initiative undertaken by the California Department of Public Health The goal of the project is to develop a confidential database on the characteristics of Parkinson's in California. Click CPDR.org or California Parkinson's Disease Registry Fact Sheet for more information.

Health Reform: A Look at Medicare Therapy Caps

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law health care reform legislation. One provision of the legislation is a one-year extension on exceptions for Medicare outpatient therapy services. Click here to learn more.

Parkinson's Nutrition Webinar

If you were unable to attend this PDF webinar in February, you can still view it at Parkinson's and Nutrition.

World Parkinson's Congress

World Parkinson Congress

WPC 2010 provides an international forum on the latest discoveries, medical practices and caregiver initiatives related to Parkinson's.

Young Onset Parkinson's

Visit PDASD's Young Onset
Parkinson Resource Center

NPF YOPA Webcasts

The National Parkinson Foundation and the American Parkinson Disease Association co-sponsored this event on March 12-13. Click Young Onset Parkinson Conference 2010 to watch the video.

Why Consider Donating

Your Generous Contribution
Improves Quality of Life

Many Faces of Parkinson's shows you how your gift helps maximize self-sufficiency for Parkinson's patients while providing support for their families.

Free Parkinson's Newsletters

Free Parkinson's Newsletters

PDASD newsletters brings you the latest in Parkinson's research, treatment options, and quality of life insights. Read The Spring 2010 Edition of the Parkinson Post or Read the Spring 2010 Edition of the Mind-Body Connection Newsletter.

Name:

Email:

Parkinson
Post:

 (Research)         

Mind & Body
News:

 (Wellness)         

PD Alerts:

 (Breaking News)

Stem Cell and Genetic Research
& Parkinson's Advocacy

Find links to general information on stem cells and gene therapy and research studies, and how you can support local and national advocacy efforts seeking government funding for Parkinson's research. Click here for more information on stem cells, articles and resources.

Clinical Research Trials

With advances in stem cell and gene therapy research scientists continue to make great strides in the fight against PD. Click here for more information on clinical trials in your area.

Cognitive Skills Research
Study Seeking Participants

Qualified applicants will participate in tests to evaluate memory and attention. You will also be invited to participate in a 12-week cognitive rehabilitation course to learn strategies on improving attention, concentration, memory, organization, and planning skills. Contact the VA San Diego Healthcare System at (858) 552-8585 x5593 for more information.

Care & Support For Caregivers

"Finding Balance in Caregiving"

July 17, 2010
Foothills Methodist Church
4031 Avocado Blvd.
La Mesa, CA
8:30am – 2:00pm

July 17, 2010
United Methodist Church
341 Kalmia St.
Escondido, CA
8:30am – 2:30pm


October 5, 2010
United Methodist Church
2111 Camino Rio S.
San Diego, CA
8:30am – 2:00pm

Register at www.Sharp.com
or Call 800-827-4277

Caring For The
Parkinson's Care Partner

If you're working and providing care for your loved one how do you find time to get the help and support you need? See: Casual Friday Webcasts.

Lotsa Helping Hands assistd anyone in with meal deliveries, rides and other tasks during times of medical crisis, end-of-life caring, or family caregiver exhaustion.

Parkinson's people, families and health professionals can now get access to leaders in Parkinson's care and research from the comfort of your home. Click Expert Briefings for more information.

Parkinson's Across the Lifespan: A Roadmap for Nurses symposium and webcast was designed by Parkinson's nurse specialists to help other nurses better understand how to deliver comprehensive care to people and families living with Parkinson's.

These Caregiver Guides can help you reduce the emotional stess and frustration of caring for a loved one. Caring for the Caregiver Body, Mind and Spirit and Caregivers Guide to Parkinson's

UCSD Shiley-Marcos
Alzheimer's Research Center

The UCSD Shile-Marcos Alzheimer's Research Center offers a range of no-cost research and treatment trials, memory assessment and quality of life programs. Call (858) 622-5800 for more information.

Living With and Taking
Charge of Your Parkinson's

Parkinson's is life-altering, not life-threatening. Read Living With and Taking Charge of Your Parkinson's so you can remain active, independent and interested in life.

Parkinson's Complimentary
& Alternative Treatments

Parkinson's has been recognized in virtually all cultures. Many ancient treatments are becoming increasingly validated by western medicine.

Prescription Assistance

Prescription Savings Program, American Consultants Rx and Prescription Medication Assistance Program helps lower your cost of prescription medications.

Article Resources, Blogs & Tips

Viartis.net offers research articles, alternative treatments and medical reports. Google Alerts delivers updates directly to your in-box. Parkinsons Recovery posts daily news updates on natural remedies and treatments. Find help in dealing with Parkinson's Disease at the Parkinson's Disease Advisor.

PD Blog Network helps patients and caregivers through empowering thoughts about coping with and managing Parkinson's. Recovery Blog is where you can read updates on natural remedies, treatments, and share your PD journey. PDHope Blog is a collection of useful articles and resources for Parkinson's patients, families and caregivers.

Subscribe to the NWPF Newsfeed for the lastest Parkinson's news from around the world. The Parkinson's Tip Jar offers helpful insights on how to enjoy life with dignity and independance.

Combined Federal
Campaign Fund

Parkinson's Disease Association of San Diego Donate Now

American Parkinson
Disease Association

Please Consider Partnering With PDASD to Improve Quality of Life

Your investment helps support programs and services that improve the quality of life for families affected by Parkinson's, and provides funding for medical research seeking more effective treatments and a cure.

See how your gift gives hope and strength to families facing the daily challenges of Parkinson's. Click on the Many Faces of Parkinson's to see how our programs and services maximize self-sufficiency for Parkinson's patients and provide support for their families.

Please Read Our Website Content Disclaimer

Content on the Parkinson's Disease Association of San Diego website is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended to prescribe or recommend treatment, or to be a substitute for a health care provider's advice.  The content is based upon the opinions of respective contributors, and readers are strongly advised to make their own healthcare decisions based on independent research and consultation with their health care provider.  The security of your information is very important to us and we will never share your personal or confidential information with any third parties.  Please read our Security and Privacy Statement.