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 The Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Disease Research Center of Excellence at the Johns Hopkins University is a National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence. These programs support The Johns Hopkins University Parkinson's Disease Commuity Outreach & Education Center, developed to address the specific needs of individuals with Parkinson's disease and related disorders as well as their families. While medical interventions have greatly improved the lives of those living with Parkinson's disease and related disorders, these interventions do not remedy the daily challenges of living with these diagnoses. Our educational programs and supportive services are aimed at helping individuals and their families to live with the diagnosis.  More
than a decade ago, registered nurse Rebecca Dunlop became interested in
helping people with Parkinson's navigate the difficult path of living
with a chronic illness. What came clear to her right away was how access
to information not only gave patients power over their care, but also
improved the course of the disease. Since then, Dunlop's mission has been
education. She coordinates the Johns Hopkins University Parkinson's Disease
Community Outreach and Education Center. At Hopkins, Dunlop has organized a course called Parkinson's 101 that covers "all the nuts and bolts of the disease," from the wide range of symptoms to the complexities of treatment. The course also delves into emotional issues: the psychiatric complications of Parkinson's and the more subtle aspects of coping with a long-term illness. In addition, a new educational course entitled PD 201 will be starting this spring for patients who have been diagnosed longer than five years, and their families. This course will include specific information on the non-motor aspects of Parkinson's Disease. For more information about "Parkinson's 101" or "Parkinson's 201" and how to sign up for these courses, please contact Becky Dunlop at 410-955-8795 or rdunlop@jhmi.edu. What follows is a comprehensive list of educational and support services availalbe through our Community Outreach & Education Center: Two educational classes for patients and caregivers that are moderated by Parkinson's Disease specialists. Classes are for newly diagnosed and advanced patients. An all day conference for persons with Parkinson's disease and their families offered every year in coordination with the Parkinson's Foundation of the National Capital area. Next offered: October 30, 2005. Details will be posted here soon. A quarterly newsletter about Parkinson's Disease and other movement disorders. (see attached list of groups within the region) For a listing of Parkinson's disease support groups, please visit our webpage of links to these various organizations. |
