Welcome to the St. Louis Chapter of APDA

The St. Louis American Parkinson Disease Association Information and Referral Center is located in the Department of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine. It is one of the largest among the American Parkinson Disease Association Centers in the United States.

American Parkinson Disease Association has contributed more than $30 million to PD research and another $30 million to patient and caregiver support and education. Be an American Parkinson Disease Association partner in its mission. Each donation helps us to Ease the Burden – Find the Cure.

That’s A Winner!

We are proud to announce the establishment of the Jack Buck Memorial Parkinson Golf Classic. The first annual Classic will take place May 20, 2013, at a new venue, Algonquin Golf Club. Mark your calendars accordingly, and please join us in honoring a man whose own dauntless brand of charity has made him a civic institution.

Joe Buck, who also has been recognized for his charity work in the St. Louis community, embraces the idea of putting his father’s name towards Parkinson fundraising. Joe is “happy and honored” and sees the golf tournament as more than a chance to honor “a great man who had an inextinguishable joy for life.”

St. Louis Cardinals GM John “Mo” Mozeliak will serve as Honorary Chairperson for the fourth consecutive year. Mo’s Parkinson connection, as he explained it on-air last year to broadcaster Dan McLaughlin, is “twofold. My grandmother and my father-in-law were both diagnosed with this horrible disease. My grandmother was diagnosed late in life, but it was still a struggle in her final years. My father-in-law was vibrant, brilliant, and loved life. As the disease took over his body, his mind stayed strong, but he no longer could handle simple tasks that we all take for granted. … As hard as it is to watch someone you love suffer, it is just as hard to see the toll it takes on the spouse and family.”

You, your neighbors, your children and/or other family or friends may wish to:

• receive an invitation to play in this tournament
• become a corporate or individual sponsor
• donate a gift to the auction

and we would welcome your involvement.

Please contact the APDA Center at 314-362-3299 or send an email to brooksmi@neuro.wustl.edu or to guyerd@neuro.wustl.edu.

Help us honor Jack with a winner! The funds you generate will assist those living with Parkinson disease in our local community as well as the researchers at the Advanced Center for Parkinson Research.

Who Are You and What Have You Done to My Spouse/Caregiver?

Dr. Kevin Black will address the roles depression, apathy, anxiety, delusions, and impulse-control disorders can play in Parkinson disease (before, during, and after the patient has been medicated). Families may feel robbed of a formerly vital and vibrant, entertaining loved one. Come and learn how and why this happens and how you can cope with this “new” person in your life.

When: Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 10:30 am to Noon

Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Conference Center, 16625 Swingley Ridge Road in Chesterfield (63017)

No reservations are required.

Parkinson Community Resource Center Now Open!

Drop by and visit this new and unique destination for those impacted by this disease. Group participation programs including a new Monday exercise class, Tai Chi, Wellness Course starting in September, PD101, For Caregivers Only, LOUD CROWD, and others will take place at this Center. Our resource library is bursting at the seams with new materials for your perusal on a wide variety of topics, including recent publications, DVDs, CDs, books, and community resources. Small adaptive equipment is available on site.

Bill Geist: Parkinson’s Revelation “Very Difficult”

“CBS Sunday Morning” correspondent Bill Geist said going public with his recent Parkinson’s disease diagnosis was a difficult decision to make.

Geist revealed his diagnosis in July 2012 on “Sunday Morning.”

Tuesday on “CBS This Morning, Geist said on a day-to-day level “denial has always worked for me.” He added, “But with a disease, it’s kind of hard sometimes, you know, because it reminds you that it’s there, and I guess ultimately I’m not going to beat it, but I’d like to go 15 rounds.”

JUST RELEASED – The Parkinson Journey

Introduction with Joe Buck
Chapter 1 – What is Parkinson’s Disease
Chapter 2 – What Causes Parkinson’s Disease
Chapter 3 – Changes in Mood and Thinking
Chapter 4 – Treatment Options
Chapter 5 – Managing Symptoms
Chapter 6 – Living with Parkinson’s Disease-Personal Journeys
Chapter 7 – Finding Out More (resources)
Bonus Feature 1 – Parkinsonisms – “Look Alikes” (Dr. Joel Perlmutter)
Bonus Feature 2 – Helping with Falls (Dr. Beth Crowner)
Bonus Feature 3 – LSVT Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (Dr. Cynthia Fox)
Bonus Feature 4 – Caring for a Nursing Home Resident with Parkinson’s Disease

Now just $10 plus shipping/handling!

CME Downloads For Physicians – Cover Letter / Course Evaluation / Quiz / Registration

If you are enjoying this recently released DVD, The Parkinson Journey, playing on the screen, you may obtain your own personal copy, just for the asking, and one for your physician as well. For MO residents, one can be sent to you at no charge, compliments of the St. Louis American Parkinson Disease Association and the Fraternal Order of Eagles of MO through a generous grant. If you reside outside of Missouri, there will be a small fee. Contact the APDA Center, 314-362-3299, to obtain further information about Parkinson Disease and other programs and services available to our Parkinson community.

What is Parkinson Disease?

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic neurological disorder due to the lack of the chemical dopamine in the brain. Dopamine controls movement, posture, and walking. Common symptoms of the disease are tremors, rigidity and bradykinesia (slow movement). Other manifestations of PD may include stooped posture, speech and swallowing problems, a mask-like facial expression, shuffling gait, arms kept fixed to the side of the body when walking, difficulty with fine hand movements and micrographia (small handwriting). PD symptoms may appear on one or both sides of the body. Signs of the disease have a slow, gradual onset. The cause of PD is still unknown.

What does American Parkinson Disease Association do?

The primary function of our Center is to serve as a central location where people with PD, caregivers, medical professionals, students and other interested individuals can call or write to receive the latest information…