About This Event
Join us for the 2026 Midwest Parkinson’s Conference, a half-day event full of valuable information and resources about Parkinson disease. You’ll hear from Dr. Scott Norris and other respected professionals who will cover important topics such as depression, anxiety, balance, and planning for the future. Along with the educational presentations, you’ll have the opportunity to explore over 20 vendors and discover even more resources available to you.
Event Details
📅 Monday, April 27, 2026
🕦 Doors Open & Resource Fair: 11:30 AM
🗣️ Speaker Sessions: 12:30 - 4:00 PM
We invite you to be part of this meaningful and inspiring day. Come learn, connect, and discover resources that support living your best life with Parkinson’s.
Session Details
Session One: Depression and Anxiety in Parkinson Disease: What the Brain Is Telling Us
Parkinson disease affects more than movement, as mood and emotions can be deeply impacted. This talk explains how changes in the brain contribute to depression and anxiety and what it means for people living with the disease.
Scott Norris, MD
Chief of Movement Disorders at WashU Medicine
Speaker Bio: Dr. Scott Norris is Professor of Neurology and Radiology at Washington University in St. Louis and Section Chief of Movement Disorders. He leads a clinical practice and research program focused on Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders, using advanced imaging to study disease mechanisms and treatment strategies. Dr. Norris is an active member of the American Academy of Neurology, the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, and is committed to patient-centered care and advancing research that improves lives.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Session Two: Advanced Planning for Peace of Mind: Important Legal Documents
Planning is important for all persons, but particularly those living with a chronic condition. This program will review the legal documents needed to navigate these uncertain times.
Brigid Fernandez, JD, CELA
Certified Elder Law Attorney
Speaker Bio: Ms. Brigid Fernandez is a Certified Elder Law Attorney, certified by the National Elder Law Foundation, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She advocates for older adults and people with disabilities, serving as a Certified Civil Mediator and VA-accredited attorney. Brigid is a member of the Missouri Bar, the Estate, Trust & Elder Law committee, National Association of Social Workers, the National Elder Law Foundation, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
*Neither the Missouri Supreme Court nor The Missouri Bar reviews or approves certification organizations or specialist designations.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Session Three: Balance Between Perception and Reality: What It Means for Falls and Mobility in Parkinson’s Disease
This talk will explore how the way we feel about our balance sometimes doesn’t match how we actually balance, and how this mismatch is linked to fall risk in people with Parkinson’s. You’ll learn practical insights from real research to help you stay confident, active, and safe in daily life.
Jason Longhurst, Ph.D., PT, DPT, NCS
Physical Therapist & Assistant Professor at Saint Louis University
Speaker Bio: Dr. Jason Longhurst is an Assistant Professor at Saint Louis University, where he directs the Neuroimaging and Behavior Lab. His research explores how cognitive and psychological factors influence motor behavior in people with Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Longhurst combines clinical experience in neurodegenerative care with research published in leading journals and presented at national and international conferences.
About This Event
Join us for the 2026 Midwest Parkinson’s Conference, a half-day event full of valuable information and resources about Parkinson disease. You’ll hear from Dr. Scott Norris and other respected professionals who will cover important topics such as depression, anxiety, balance, and planning for the future. Along with the educational presentations, you’ll have the opportunity to explore over 20 vendors and discover even more resources available to you.
Event Details
📅 Monday, April 27, 2026
🕦 Doors Open & Resource Fair: 11:30 AM
🗣️ Speaker Sessions: 12:30 - 4:00 PM
We invite you to be part of this meaningful and inspiring day. Come learn, connect, and discover resources that support living your best life with Parkinson’s.
Session Details
Session One: Depression and Anxiety in Parkinson Disease: What the Brain Is Telling Us
Parkinson disease affects more than movement, as mood and emotions can be deeply impacted. This talk explains how changes in the brain contribute to depression and anxiety and what it means for people living with the disease.
Scott Norris, MD
Chief of Movement Disorders at WashU Medicine
Speaker Bio: Dr. Scott Norris is Professor of Neurology and Radiology at Washington University in St. Louis and Section Chief of Movement Disorders. He leads a clinical practice and research program focused on Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders, using advanced imaging to study disease mechanisms and treatment strategies. Dr. Norris is an active member of the American Academy of Neurology, the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, and is committed to patient-centered care and advancing research that improves lives.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Session Two: Advanced Planning for Peace of Mind: Important Legal Documents
Planning is important for all persons, but particularly those living with a chronic condition. This program will review the legal documents needed to navigate these uncertain times.
Brigid Fernandez, JD, CELA
Certified Elder Law Attorney
Speaker Bio: Ms. Brigid Fernandez is a Certified Elder Law Attorney, certified by the National Elder Law Foundation, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She advocates for older adults and people with disabilities, serving as a Certified Civil Mediator and VA-accredited attorney. Brigid is a member of the Missouri Bar, the Estate, Trust & Elder Law committee, National Association of Social Workers, the National Elder Law Foundation, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
*Neither the Missouri Supreme Court nor The Missouri Bar reviews or approves certification organizations or specialist designations.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Session Three: Balance Between Perception and Reality: What It Means for Falls and Mobility in Parkinson’s Disease
This talk will explore how the way we feel about our balance sometimes doesn’t match how we actually balance, and how this mismatch is linked to fall risk in people with Parkinson’s. You’ll learn practical insights from real research to help you stay confident, active, and safe in daily life.
Jason Longhurst, Ph.D., PT, DPT, NCS
Physical Therapist & Assistant Professor at Saint Louis University
Speaker Bio: Dr. Jason Longhurst is an Assistant Professor at Saint Louis University, where he directs the Neuroimaging and Behavior Lab. His research explores how cognitive and psychological factors influence motor behavior in people with Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Longhurst combines clinical experience in neurodegenerative care with research published in leading journals and presented at national and international conferences.