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American Parkinson Disease Association Information and Referral Center of Minnesota

American Parkinson Disease Association

To contact us,
call 651-241-8297 or
1-888-302-7762.

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The American Parkinson Disease Association Information and Referral Center of Minnesota seeks to:

Who we serve

The Information and Referral Center provides information to individuals who have Parkinson's disease, their families, caregivers, allied health professionals, and anyone interested in learning more about how to live well with Parkinson's disease.

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Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the brain that leads to shaking (tremors) and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination.

Learn more about Parkinson's disease in our health encyclopedia.


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Events

Update on Parkinson's Disease

Presentations at various times and locations.

Spring Into Action: Parkinson's at the University

May 1, The Commons Hotel, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Southern Minnesota Walk for Parkinson's Disease

May 18, Northbridge Mall, Albert Lea, Minnesota

APDA Spring Parkinson's Disease Conference

May 22, Grandstay Hotel and Conference Center, Apple Valley, Minnesota

This event with music and speakers begins at 3 p.m.

Davis Phinney Victory Celebration

September 21, Grace Church, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

3rd World Parkinson Congress, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

For more information go to www.worldpdcongress.org.

Ongoing classes

Parkinson's disease/movement disorders fitness exercise classes

This unique exercise program stresses components of strengthening, stretching and aerobics. Fitness I, II and III are designed to provide fitness opportunities for participants across the continuum of their disease.

The therapists supervising the program emphasize:

  • the benefits of exercise
  • taking advantage of your current abilities
  • ways to bring your fitness to a higher level.

Prior to starting an exercise program, every participant will meet with a physical therapist for a fitness assessment. Fitness assessments are free and available Wednesday afternoons. Call 651-326-2178.

LSVT Community Exercise and Speech Program

This series of classes is for people who have completed any LSVT Big and/or Loud therapy program and want to maintain their skills and have fun.

Clay Class

This class takes place at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul.

Dancing with Parkinson's

Exercise class for people with Parkinson's disease.

Nordic Walking

Nordic walking makes walking a new fitness experience. Using poles while walking has all of the benefits of walking plus it engages the muscles of the upper back, shoulders, arms and torso. The swinging arm motion of walking with poles is important for the balance and coordination of people with Parkinson's. $5 participation fee. Caregiver/care partner walks for free. Call Erin for dates and more information at 651-232-2166

Beginner Tai Chi

This 6-week class takes place at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul.

Tai Chi for Parkinson's and Wellness

This series of classes takes place at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul.

Parkinson's disease support groups

For questions or for help starting a group, call Joan Brandl, RN, at
651-241-8297
or 1-888-302-7762.

The American Parkinson Disease Association Information and Referral Center of Minnesota supports a number of support groups throughout the state.

arrow points to link to classes and events finder More Parkinson's disease support groups

Coordinator

Joan Brandl, RN, CCM, American Parkinson Disease Association information and referral coordinator for the state of Minnesota, is a registered nurse with extensive experience in the health care industry. Prior to her current role with the American Parkinson Disease Association Information and Referral Center of Minnesota, she served as the outpatient manager for the Neuroscience Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. In addition, she provided clinical care in the Movement Disorder Clinic at Abbott Northwestern Hospital along with two movement disorder specialists.

You can contact Joan by calling 651-241-8297 or 1-888-302-7762. Her email address is joan.brandl@allina.com.

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Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical technique that can suppress symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including tremor, rigidity, stiffness and mobility problems.

Learn more about DBS from United Hospital's Neurorestoration Center.

Minnesota Messenger is published every spring and fall for anyone interested in Parkinson's disease and the efforts of the American Parkinson Disease Association Information and Referral Center of Minnesota.

Please call 1-888-302-7762 (toll free) or 651-241-8297 (Twin Cities area), if you would like to:

  • be added to our mailing list
  • have an address change
  • want your name taken off our mailing list
  • have any questions, comments or ideas for the newsletter.