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Navigating Life with Parkinson’s Disease
                                          An APDA Educational Program                                              Understanding Symptoms and Thriving Everyday
Saturday, April 18, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Lunch will be served.

Agenda 

 9:30 a.m. - Doors Open - Check in and vendors

10:00 AM  - Welcome and Program Overview – Barbara Mooney, APDA Georgia    

10:10 AM - 10:45 AM  - Keri Barrientos, M.S., CCC-SLP

• Group vocal warm-ups
• Speaking with intent
• Swallowing safety tips using everyday foods

10:45 AM – 10:55 AM – Q&A

11:00 AM - 11:35 AM   - Janet Medlin, Physical Therapist

• How physical therapy helps people with Parkinson’s maintain mobility
• Ways to improve balance and reduce falls
• Safe exercises to support strength and mobility
• Freezing of gait hacks using visual cues

11:35 AM  - 11:45 AM Q&A

11:45 AM – 12:05 PM  Lunch Break

12:10 PM – 12:55 PM - Dr. Julie Kurek, Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease 

• Demystifying medications- what they do and why timing matters
• What symptoms are "not just aging” mood, cognition, hallucinations, and impulse control
• When to ask about advanced therapies such as DBS, etc.
• What to do when symptoms worsen between visits
  

12:55 PM – 1:15 PM Audience Q&A – All Speakers

1:15 PM  -  Closing remarks - APDA