2026 APDA Iowa Parkinson's Disease Conference

2026 Annual APDA Iowa
Parkinson's Conference
Connected Community. Strengthened by Support.

Friday, June 5th
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Doors open at 8:00 am for registration and resource fair

The 2026 APDA Iowa Parkinson’s Conference brings together individuals impacted by Parkinson’s disease, care partners, family members, and healthcare professionals for a full day of education, inspiration, and connection. Learn from nationally recognized speakers, explore breakout sessions, and gain practical tools and strategies for living well with Parkinson’s.

This year’s conference theme—Connected in Community. Strengthened by Support.—emphasizes the power of shared knowledge, community engagement, and support networks in improving quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s.

Featured Speakers

Keynote Speakers

• Kathleen Matthews, PhD – The Unseen Battle: Supporting Mental Health & Wellbeing in Parkinson’s Disease

• Peggy & Jeff Johnson, PhD – Hearing I (We) Have Parkinson's

• Lee Neilson, MD – Cognitive Dysfunction and Resilience in Parkinson's Disease

• Lynn Struck, MD – Adaptive DBS

Breakout Session Speakers 

• Care Partner Panel: Bob Miller, Lori Samson, and others

• Caitlyn Ferin, RD, LD: Cooking for Confidence: Simple Recipes for Parkinson's Nutrition

• Jeremy Greenlee, MD: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

• Cynthia Letsch, JD: Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me? Yes, You Can Qualify for Medicaid without Spending all of your Money First. 

• Emily Anker, SLP & Hillary Harting, SLP: Preserving Communication, Identity, and Connection Through AAC

• Elizabeth Stegemoller, PhD & Ryan Smith, MM, MT-BC: Music, Movement, and Mind: Understanding Music Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease

• Dale Andringa, MD & Mary Vermeer: Finding Your Purpose in Third Phase - AT CAPACITY

• Sophia Slocum, OTR/L & Jamie Rognes, OTD: Double the Challenge, Double the Impact: Dual Tasking with Parkinson’s Disease

• Sarah Martin, MPT & Cadence Simmons, MS, CCC-SLP: LSVT Big & Loud

• Courtney Sand, MS: Having But Not Having: Ambiguous Loss and Parkinson's

Why Attend 

“As a care partner, I know how overwhelming Parkinson’s can feel, but attending this program reminded me that we are not alone. The knowledge, support, and connections you gain here can truly change how you navigate this journey. If you love someone with Parkinson’s, this is something you cannot afford to miss.” 
— Nancy, PD Advocate & Care Partner

• Gain practical tools and strategies to manage Parkinson’s disease

• Connect with leading experts in PD care, research, and therapy

• Learn about mental health, cognition, nutrition, and innovative treatments

• Network with other people living with Parkinson’s, care partners, and healthcare professionals

If you need assistance with registration, call 515.207.9332.