Parkinsonism & Related Disorders Task Force

The Parkinsonism and Related Disorders Task Force (PRDTF) aims to develop and disseminate up-to-date and clinically relevant work related to the rehabilitation of people living with Parkinsonism or associated movement disorders. Building on the current body of evidence, the group works to produce meaningful literature for those living with Parkinsonism, their caregivers, and the healthcare team.

The primary goal of these efforts is to improve the quality of care and restore the quality of life of those affected by Parkinsonism and related disorders through production and dissemination of high quality and clinically-applicable rehabilitation research. Roles within the group will include co-authoring peer-reviewed journal articles and grant applications, developing targeted information and education pages for people living with PRD or their caregivers, and producing scholarship on the work being produced by the task force. In addition, members will have the opportunity to participate in monthly meetings to discuss the status of current work and to deliberate on future aims.

UPCOMING MEETING

Thank you for being a part of the NDNG Parkinsonism & Related Disorders Task Force! We love that the ACRM attracts the most passionate interdisciplinary mix of rehabilitation pros from around the world. What an honor to collaborate with such driven individuals. We hope to meet with you at our upcoming networking group meeting to discuss current projects and opportunities for contribution and collaboration.

NDNG Parkinsonism & Related Disorders Task Force Meeting 

Join us this month to discuss the 2024 ACRM Annual Conference, Task Force updates, and new projects. We welcome your participation.

DATE: The Third Wednesday of Every Other Month (Odd Months)
TIME: 3:00 PM Eastern

Meeting ID: 870 6275 6671
Passcode: 554030

We hope to see you there!

CHAIR

Goals for 2024-2025:

• PRDTF task force has been working on a manuscript, Cognitive Telerehabilitation for Parkinson’s Disease: Appropriate Use Recommendations. We plan to finalize and submit it to a journal.

2023-2024 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• IEP papers published (2023-24):
• A Patient’s Guide to Visual Perception Changes That Occur With Parkinson Disease (Sandra Kletzel et al., 2023)
• Falls Prevention, Home Safety, and Rehabilitation Services for People With Parkinson Disease: A Client and Caregiver Guide (Mark Hirsch et al., 2023)
• Practical Strategies for Managing Freezing of Gait at Home for People Living With Parkinson Disease (Hannes Devos et al., 2023)
• A Patient’s Guide to Memory Changes in Parkinson Disease (Sanghee Moon et al., 2024)

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Members will have the opportunity to participate in monthly meetings to discuss the status of current work and to deliberate on future aims. Outlined below are a number of anticipated projects to support the previously described goals:

• Grant application writing
• Literature describing the role of rehabilitation professionals/clinicians in the treatment of PRD populations
• Dissemination of the PRDTF through webinars, information/education pages, conference symposia, and workshops, describing topics such as role of rehabilitation in PRD, and community resources relevant to PRD populations
• Patient-centered investigation into biomarkers, outcome measures, participatory medicine, patient/provider/scientist collaboration, mHealth and use of mobile technology, and the interplay between gait, postural control and cognition and other features of PRD that has the potential to positively impact the quality of care, quality of life and well-being of individuals affected by PRD
• Survey members for additional project ideas during annual /monthly meetings

INFORMATION & EDUCATION PAGES (IEPs) IN PROGRESS

The following Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Information and Education Pages (IEPs) are currently being developed by the task force.

• Freezing in PD – Contact: Hannes Devos
• Strategies to overcome memory impairment in PD – Contact: Sandra Kletzel
• Parkinsonism and medication – Contact: Julie Faieta
• Neurotoxin exposure and PD – Contact: Sandra Kletzel
• Falls detection measures in the home of people with Parkinson disease – Contact: Mark Hirsch
• Apathy and low motivation in Parkinson’s – Contact: Iracema Leroi