PARKINSON ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
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    • Brian Grant Foundation May 2022 Classes
    • Davis Phinney Foundation 5/17 Medical Myths, 5/19 YOPD Council, 5/25 Trans/non-Binanry PwP, 6/24 Motor Symptoms
    • Family Caregiver Alliance Webinairs - May 2022
    • Michael J Fox Foundation 5/19/22 Understanding PD Genetics, Podcast Sex, Sleep Intimacy, PD IQ & You (on demand)
    • Parkinson 's Foundation Webinars, zoom mtgs
    • Parkinson Voice Project - Speech exercises Daily 8 AM Info session 2nd Tu
    • Shining Care-Redding CA Lunch and Learn events
    • PD Active 5/14 Annual Info Fair and Spring Gathering, 6/11 Speaker Forum, Brain Training class Zoom Calendar of exercise, dance, singing & speech classes
    • PMD Alliance May & Jun Classes
    • World Parkinson Coalition 2022 Research spotlight 5/25, 7/12, 9/13, 11/15/22 Sing-A-Long 6/8/22
  • PANC Events
    • Save the Date 8/19 & 20/2022 SG Facilitator Workshop
    • Save the Date 10/22/22 PANC Annual Education Conference
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The Parkinson’s Thief
by Dr. Beverly Chang, Geriatric Psychiatry Direct
At times it seems that Parkinson’s is like a thief, robbing individuals of their identities.    I have cared for triathletes, car enthusiasts, physicians, lawyers, and culinary experts, who have all grieved the loss of certain defining aspects of themselves.  Some patients admit that they expend energy trying to cover their tremor due to perceived stigma.  Some feel guilt and shame in having to receive more assistance from others. A few are wary of support groups due to the worry about seeing how Parkinson’s may progress.  And ALL despise how their lives have been built around a medication schedule.

Parkinson’s additionally affects families and spouses who find themselves also feeling robbed – of intimacy, of the sharing of household duties, of the future they anticipated.   Sometimes these thoughts are fleeting, but in cases they begin to occupy much
of the day.  

Depression and anxiety, if left unaddressed, lead to worsened health outcomes. Sometimes a medication will help, since Parkinson’s
​can deplete the brain of chemicals that make us happy.  Many times, a supportive ear is just as effective.  Emotions cannot be denied, and rather than “stuffing them,” perhaps we can learn to acknowledge and validate. By allowing ourselves to seek support, we may learn healthy ways of letting the unhelpful thoughts go.  
​
Now more so than ever in the current COVID19 pandemic, I try to remind patients that we are all making lifestyle adjustments and we are all in it together. 


             Parkinson’s changes how we live our life, but it does not rob us of a future. 

COVID-19: There is still limited information about the effects of COVID-19 specifically regarding Parkinson’s disease, having said that, given the frailty associated with Parkinson’s disease, it would be prudent to be cautious, prepared and follow the precautions recommended by public health departments/ CDC.   During these challenging times, it cannot be emphasized enough the need for all, PD community specifically and the
​community at large, to reach out to each other, offer support and assistance to those most vulnerable and share our resources.

​Our Mission

​​The Parkinson Association of Northern California is an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with Parkinson's, their families, and care partners throughout our region. 

La Asociación de Parkinson del Norte de California se dedica a mejorar la vida de las personas con Parkinson, sus familias y los compañeros de cuidado. 

​Contacts

Email: panc@panctoday.org
Mailing Address:
Parkinson Association of Northern California
1024 Iron Point Road, #1046
​Folsom, CA 95630


Phone: (916) 357-6641
If you'd like more information please call the office 
(hours vary, so leave a message and we'll get back to you)
Para realizar una llamada a través de California Relay,
​sólo tiene que llamar al número de teléfono siguiente sin cargo: 

Español: 1-800-855-3000 
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Copyright © 2020 Parkinson Association of Northern California. All rights reserved.
​PANC is a 501(c)(3)   Tax ID #68-0372037
  • PANC Home
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Medical Advisory Panel
    • Privacy Policy
    • Annual Report & 990's
  • Contact Us
  • About Parkinson's
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Recently Diagnosed
    • PD Carepartners
    • Clinical Trials
    • Exercise!
    • Helpful Resources
    • PD Webinars & Classes
    • Guide to Specialist
    • Summer Heat and PD
    • Local Transportation Information
    • Reflections from the Parkinson's Community
    • Articles
  • Español
    • Sobre PANC
    • Clases y recursos
  • Ways to Support
    • Donate Online
    • Donate by Mail or Phone
    • Sponsorships
    • CAREPARTNER RESPITE SUPPORT
    • Be A Sustaining Donor
    • Planned Giving
    • AmazonSmile
    • Become a Support Group Facilitator
    • Other Ways to Give
  • Programs/Support Groups
    • Support Groups
    • Respite Care
    • Parkinsonwise
    • Parkinsonwise Trained Professionals
    • Rebuilding Together
    • Other PD Support Groups in CA
    • Shelter in Place Info series
    • Past Conference videos/info >
      • CA PD Registry 9/20 Conference Video
      • 2019 Videos
      • 2017 Conference Video
      • 2021 Conference
  • Newsletter
  • Other PD classes/events
    • Brian Grant Foundation May 2022 Classes
    • Davis Phinney Foundation 5/17 Medical Myths, 5/19 YOPD Council, 5/25 Trans/non-Binanry PwP, 6/24 Motor Symptoms
    • Family Caregiver Alliance Webinairs - May 2022
    • Michael J Fox Foundation 5/19/22 Understanding PD Genetics, Podcast Sex, Sleep Intimacy, PD IQ & You (on demand)
    • Parkinson 's Foundation Webinars, zoom mtgs
    • Parkinson Voice Project - Speech exercises Daily 8 AM Info session 2nd Tu
    • Shining Care-Redding CA Lunch and Learn events
    • PD Active 5/14 Annual Info Fair and Spring Gathering, 6/11 Speaker Forum, Brain Training class Zoom Calendar of exercise, dance, singing & speech classes
    • PMD Alliance May & Jun Classes
    • World Parkinson Coalition 2022 Research spotlight 5/25, 7/12, 9/13, 11/15/22 Sing-A-Long 6/8/22
  • PANC Events
    • Save the Date 8/19 & 20/2022 SG Facilitator Workshop
    • Save the Date 10/22/22 PANC Annual Education Conference
  • DONATE