View this message on the web.
University of Minnesota mark
University of Minnesota mark

Medical School 

Parkinson's Pulse Banner with University of Minnesota colors and Block M

September 2026


Save the date, it’s our 3rd annual Autumn Symposium!!

The University of Minnesota Department of Neurology invites you to join us at the 2026 Parkinson’s Patient Autumn Symposium.

📅 Wednesday, October 28, 2026  
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM  
📍 Eagan Community Center

Come on down! We put these events on for YOU. If you've never been to one, we highly encourage you to check it out!  

You’ll leave with practical insights to use in your daily life and some cutting-edge research knowledge, and you'll get a chance to connect with those around you who are sailing in the same boat. Patients, caregivers, family and friends are all welcome at this free event. We’re continuing our rotation around the metro area; this year we'll meet you in the South metro.

Program Highlights
  • How to Put the Brakes on PD
  • When It’s Not PD: Atypical Parkinsonisms
  • Updates on Current Research
  • Intimacy and PD
  • Exercise session: Tai Chi, gentle movement for balance and calm
  • Exercise session: Rock Steady Boxing, energizing exercise tailored for Parkinson’s

Complimentary coffee, snacks, and lunch will be provided. 

Featured Speakers
Sommer Amundsen‑Huffmaster, PhD
Parkinson’s research and emerging science
Paul Tuite, MD
Clinical care and diagnostic insights
Kailey Gienger, RN, CNRN
Nursing perspectives and patient support
Becky Southwick, MSN, RN
Care strategies and symptom management

Register here!      z.umn.edu/register 

 


You’re so vain, you probably think this diagnosis is about you

(Might be old news to you, but we didn’t see this one before our last issue came out.) Did you hear that Carly Simon has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease? The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-er has said she struggles with fatigue and apathy, and is leaning into her music to cope. If you enjoy music on any level, check out this APDA page about the benefits of music for PD.

This video has nothing to do with PD, but click this link if you feel like watching Carly singing her biggest hit on a windy pier on Martha’s Vineyard. 

 

We're cuckoo for Kopacz

We're really into exercise, and we're really into research, so you can understand why we're really into Team Kopacz -- they fundraise every year to help fund exercise research for Parkinson's at UMN!!  

Exercise slows the progression of Parkinson's disease. So what better way to fundraise than to get people moving? Bring your pets, bring your grandkids, run or walk, or just sponsor someone else. We also love that this fundraiser has such an affordable ask: $18 for the 1 mile stroll, $55 for the 5K, and $18 for kids. Info and registration here.

Sunday, September 20th, 2026 at 8:30am
Sucker Lake, 4500 Rice St Vandais Heights, MN

Free Parkinson's Events in September

Woof, this may be the most events we've ever published in one issue! Get that back-to-school feeling with everything going on in September.

1. Coon Rapids PD Support Group
Our own Dr. Erin Holker will speak at the Coon Rapids PD support group this month!

🕒 Thursday, September 17 from 1:00 - 2:30 pm 
📌  Coon Rapids Community Center - 11155 Robinson Drive NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
To learn more please contact Milo Hartmann at 612-599-0756 or milo.hartmann@hotmail.com

2. Virtual Lecture - Disease Modification & Stem Cells: Where Are We Now?
Parkinson's Foundation invites you to earn more about disease-modifying therapies, including breakthroughs in cell replacement therapies and ethics.
🕒 Wednesday, September 9 at 1:00 pm CT
📌  Virtual
Register for this event here.

3. APDA Optimism Walk
The annual APDA Optimism Walk for Parkinson's disease will be held at the Roseville Central Park Jaycees Shelter. We'll have a table there, come say hi! 
🕒 Saturday, September 19
10:00 am - Check-in Opens
11:00 am - Opening Ceremony & Walk Starts
📌 2540 Lexington Avenue North | Roseville, MN 55113
For more information, visit APDA’s website here or email apdamn@apdaparkinson.org with questions.

4. APDA Annual Virtual Conference
The APDA  is hosting its 4th annual 2-day virtual Parkinson’s conference, offering expert-led education, updates in research, and practical tools for people living with PD and their care partners.
🕒 September 16 - 17 From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm CT 
📌 Virtual
Register here and learn more about the event here.
 

You know we usually only publish free events, but we couldn't resist sharing these ticketed events with you!

1. Knock out miles for PD
Join Team Kopaz in a 5K Run/Walk supporting Parkinson's research at UMN!! 
🕒 Sunday, September 20
Check-in starts at 7:30 am
Warm-up starts at 830 am
Run starts at 9:00 am
📌 Sucker Lake - 4500 Rice Street, Vadnais Heights, MN
Learn more and register here. 

2. Flamin' Oh's + Annie and the Bang Bang Fundraiser with Parkinson's Foundation 
The Flamin' Oh's are headlining this live-music fundraiser for Parkinson's Foundation Minnesota. Annie and the Bang Bang are also performing.
🕒 Friday, September 25
Doors open at 7:00 pm and show starts at 8:00 pm.
📌 The Hook and Ladder - 3010 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406 
Read more about the event and get tickets here.

Correction 😖
In our August 1 issue, we printed the wrong address for one of the Duluth support groups. Both groups meet at the YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center, 4289 Ugstad Road in Hermantown.

Get Connected! 
Check out the new mnparkinsons.org -- one event website to rule them all.

Here are the APDA lists we link every month:
MN Support Groups
MN in-Person Exercise Programs
WI Support Groups
WI Exercise Programs

Have a resource or upcoming event you would like to share in this newsletter? udall@umn.edu

Want to participate in research? Join our registry here to hear about opportunities that fit you!
For further resources check out our website!

Artwork by Jeanie Pebbles and Kelly Ryberg. Carly Simon images by Elektra Records and Alan Light, via Wikimedia Commons. Team Kopacz photo used with permission from Kristi Kopacz. 

This newsletter is a service of the MnDRIVE Neuromodulation Core at the University of Minnesota. If you would like to support Parkinson's research at the University of Minnesota, you can donate here!

FacebookFacebook
XX
InstagramInstagram

<

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to the Parkinson's Pulse newsletter. This email was sent to RECIPIENTS by UofM Medical School, 420 Delaware Street SE, MMC 293, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Report Digital Accessibility Issue

unsubscribe from this list | mass email privacy statement