MAPS will present our annual symposium, featuring keynote speaker, Dr. Joseph Savitt. Dr. Savitt is a neurologist at the University of Maryland School of Medicine specializing in Parkinson's disease and Movement Disorders. He will present a brief overview of the on-going studies aimed at addressing the diagnosis, treatment and cure of Parkinson’s disease. Enjoy a delicious kosher lunch by Milk & Honey and the convenience of valet parking while networking with like-minded individuals who understand the challenges and triumphs of living with Parkinson's. Attend multiple breakout sessions – over nine sessions to choose from - all led by experts in their fields. And don’t forget about our silent auction, featuring premium travel, dining, and spa experiences. This will be both a fun and informative day!

Registration Open: August 31- October 10

Save 10% when you register before September 12th

Sign up today for this educational and fun event!

Schedule of Events
12:00-12:30: Silent Auction Opens

12:30-1:00: Intro, Keynote Speaker, and Lunch

Dr. Joseph Savitt - The Latest in PD Diagnosis, Therapy and CureDescription
‍Dr. Savitt will present a brief overview of the on-going studies aimed at addressing the diagnosis, treatment and cure of Parkinson Disease.

1:00-1:15: Break and Silent Auction

1:15-1:45: Session 1 Options

Dr. Howard Weiss - Commonly Misunderstood Behavioral Issues in Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson disease is popularly referred to as a "movement disorder" because the disorder is diagnosed based on changes in the way people move.  However, Parkinson disease can sometimes also affect the way people think and behave. Some of these issues will be reviewed in this talk.

Dr. Justin Martello - The Future of Dopamine Agonists
The Future of Dopamine Agonists - Learn what is coming down the pipeline for the new generation of dopamine agonists and how they may be a much-needed improvement to the current versions”. (Refresher - “an agonist mimics the actions of a neurotransmitter or hormone to produce a response when it binds to a specific receptor in the brain”.) More about Dr. Martello: Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Director, ChristianaCare Neurology Specialists, Associate Clinical Professor of Neurology, Sydney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University

Judith Sachs - Close Contact for Couples® with PD: Giving Partners Support
Couples living with Parkinson's disease are often frustrated and disheartened as motor and non-motor symptoms progress over the years. This condition has often been called an "intruder" in the partnered relationship and can rob both individuals of their identity. The objective of this program is to assist couples, working together, by teaching partnered movement techniques and types of support, touch and communication strategies that may alleviate dissension between partners, improve mood, and prevent falls. Learn how to rebuild connections with your partner.
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1:45-2:00: Break and Silent Auction

2:00-2:30: Session 2 Options

Dr. Stephen Grill - Gait in PD: How Not to Fall for It!
People with Parkinson’s can be more likely to experience issues with their gait and balance. Along with tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement and poor balance are common Parkinson’s motor symptoms. Sometimes Parkinson’s can cause a loss of reflexes needed to maintain an upright posture, causing some people with PD to be unstable while standing upright. Listen to Dr Stephen Grill, a neurologist with the Parkinson’s & Movement Disorders Center of Maryland and a member of Johns Hopkins Regional Physicians talk about the latest research findings related to normal gait, gait in PD and falls and how to prevent them.

Patricia Wessels, PT and Ken Jones - PWR! Moves: New Research Supporting Exercise for Brain Change
This interactive session will introduce you to the Parkinsons Wellness Recovery program PWR! Moves® and present some of the latest scientific research about neuroplasticity and exercise for people with PD.
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Megan Stancill, PT - Parkinson's and Pelvic Health
Urinary incontinence is a common problem that affects people with and without Parkinson's disease. However, for the patient with Parkinson's there are unique challenges. Freezing while trying to get to the bathroom in time and difficulty coordinating pelvic floor musculature can make continence difficult. In this interactive session learn how to perform a Kegel (pelvic floor muscle contraction) as well as tips and tricks to get to the bathroom in plenty of time.

2:30-2:45: Break and Silent Auction

2:45-3:15: Session 3 Options

Dr. Paul Fishman, U of Maryland Medical System - Focused Ultrasound for Parkinson’s Disease
‍Dr. Fishman will discuss the therapeutic use of focused ultrasound in the brain for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. This technology is a less invasive alternative to DBS.

Jason Baker - Drumming Music as Therapy
Baker works with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine - Music as Medicine team to design a music therapy drumming protocol and be the lead clinician for "The Impact of Group Drum-Based Music Therapy Intervention on Quality of Life and Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease and Huntington's Disease."

Mary Chaput - We Are Not Meant to Walk this Journey Alone
Caregiver stress is real. Caregiver burnout is real. But we are not alone on this journey. Inviting and allowing others to walk with us can enhance the lives of our loved ones, as well as our own. Learn how to separate yourself from the disease and the role that has evolved from it and to identify and reach out to your support system. (FOR CAREPARTNERS ONLY)

3:15-3:30: Closing Remarks and Auction Closes