June 2025 Newsletter

New to Our Movement Disorders Center? Join Us to "Learn the Ropes!"

We are excited to announce the return of "Learn the Ropes," a free, virtual meeting series to provide new and existing patients with an overview of the many clinical, educational and wellness programs offered by the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence. Join our next meeting, facilitated by Lissa Kapust, LICSW, for a warm welcome to our center and to better understand how we can assist you in your Parkinson's journey.

This is also a chance to meet our new Movement Disorders Nurse Practitioner, Quynh Nguyen, NP!

Meeting Date: June 11th at 2PM

Location: Online, Zoom Meeting

Note: You do not have to receive your Parkinson's care at BIDMC to attend "Learn the Ropes."

Young People with Parkinson's Networking Group

Are you 50 years or younger and diagnosed with Parkinson’s or a related disorder? These free meetings, jointly hosted by the BIDMC & MGH Parkinson’s Foundation Centers of Excellence, provide an opportunity to connect with others and discuss challenges. Next meeting: Wednesday, June 4th at 4:30PM. Register here.

Saturday Safety Series with Tami DeAngelis, DPT

A 3-part, online Parkinson's exercise program taught by Tami DeAngelis, DPT. Each class will consist of a short presentation followed by an exercise session focused on strength and falls prevention. The total fee for all 3 classes is $30. Class dates: June 14th, July 12th and August 9th at 10AM. Register here.

Managing the Middle Years Meeting

Join us for a free, virtual networking group surrounding the challenges of the Parkinson's “middle years," when medications may no longer be as effective and new symptoms may arise. Meetings are facilitated by two people with PD in their middle years. Next meeting: August 5th at 2PM. Register here.

WellnessWorks Summer Session (May 12 - August 10)

WellnessWorks offers specialized, online exercise classes to people with Parkinson's and related disorders. With a BIDMC WellnessWorks membership, participants gain access to a variety of live exercise classes taught by instructors trained in the needs of movement disorders. For questions or to inquire about a free trial class, email us at wellnessworks@bidmc.harvard.edu.

JCC Greater Boston Wellness Programs

In collaboration with BIDMC, the JCC Greater Boston hosts a variety of Parkinson's Wellness Programs. Options include cycling, table tennis, Tai Chi and more! View the JCC Summer 2025 flyer for more information and contact wellness@jccbgb.org or 617-558-6459 to register.

The following programs are ongoing and are open to anyone with PD or a related disorder. To learn more or to join, call 617-667-5215 or email wellnessworks@bidmc.harvard.edu.

Rock On! Rock-Climbing

Rock-climbing for people with PD or a related disorder at Central Rock Gym in Watertown, MA ($75 fee). Upcoming Dates: Tuesdays, June 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th at 1PM.

Museum of Fine Arts Tours

Free, virtual tours of select art pieces for people with PD or a related disorder in collaboration with the MFA Boston Community Access Program. Next meeting: Monday, June 23rd at 10:30AM.

Calling All Artists

Free, virtual networking group for artists (painters, musicians, photographers, etc.) with PD or a related disorder. Next meeting: Thursday, June 26th at 1:30PM.

Clinical Outcomes & Research Trial Excellence (CORTEX) Team at BIDMC

The BIDMC Program to Advance Innovative Neurodegenerative Therapies (PAINT) has re-branded as Clinical Outcomes & Research Trial Excellence (CORTEX)!

CORTEX is a collaborative group of principal investigators, research coordinators and research nurses dedicated to advancing clinical trial research within the BIDMC Neurology Department. With a shared expertise in industry sponsored research, the team strives to conduct impactful, patient-centered research that makes a meaningful difference in peoples' lives.

To inquire about Parkinson's trials at BIDMC, contact pdresearch@bidmc.harvard.edu. To view the full list of actively recruiting trials within our Clinical Outcomes & Research Trial Excellence Program, click here.

Abstract Accepted to 2025 MDS Meeting

Congratulations to Hannah Babcock for her abstract, "A Personalized Gait Signature Assay in Parkinson's Disease," being accepted to the 2025 International Congress of Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Society meeting taking place in Hawaii this October! This research, conducted with Dr. Veronique VanderHorst, focuses on longitudinal monitoring of progression in gait impairment.