Part of the Parkinson's Foundation Expert Briefings Web Seminar Series 

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Includes Complimentary CEs

Young onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) often emerges unexpectedly, as busy careers and parenting already keep the days full. Suddenly, plans and goals for the future may seem uncertain. Taking a proactive approach to care for YOPD can mitigate stress which may exacerbate both motor and non-motor PD symptoms. In this Expert Briefing, we will discuss strategies for coping with the diagnosis of YOPD as well as practical steps to organizing your care team and plan, with the goal of empowering the PwP and their family.

Participants in this web seminar will be able to:

1) Identify three proactive strategies for living well with Parkinson’s at a young age. 
2) Describe benefits of interdisciplinary care early in diagnosis of YOPD 
3) Identify at least two steps for planning ahead for your family

Presenter

Allison Allen, MSW, LCSW joined the Duke Movement Disorders team as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Center of Excellence Coordinator in February, 2016 following six years as a clinical social worker in the Duke Emergency Department. As a member of the interdisciplinary Movement Disorders team, she has particular interest in mental health and non-motor symptoms, crisis support and family centered care. She enjoys direct practice and developing lasting relationships with patients and families across the care continuum, as well as patient outreach and education. At the World Parkinson’s Congress 2019 in Kyoto, Japan, Allison facilitated programs including "The Emotional Roller Coaster of PD" and presented a poster "Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction in Parkinson's Disease" highlighting her ongoing work with MBSR for people with Parkinson's disease and care partners. Also in 2019, she began serving as a member of the Parkinson's Outcomes Project's Mental Health Work Group.