Virtual Support Groups
Our virtual support group for Africans impacted by Parkinson's disease, their carers, and their families allows people to connect with others who are going through similar things, share their stories and struggles, and offer each other encouragement and support. We invite all Africans living with Parkinson's disease to join us and be a part of this encouraging and empowering community. You can register to attend here.
Here is our 2024 monthly schedule.
| Date | Time | Theme/Topics | PwPs Expectations | Caregiver / Care partner Expectations | Presenters |
| 11/01/2024 | 11am WAT | Introduction of Parkinson's Disease and Diagnosis | Gain knowledge about PD, connect with other PwPs, use the virtual support group as a safe space to ask questions and explore different areas of PD, improve mental health, and manage PD better. Pathway to diagnosis and what to expect after diagnosis | Understand more about the condition and how to provide support to loved ones with PD. How to support PwPs post-diagnosis | Team Ghana |
| 08/02/2024 | 11am WAT | Medication management | Discuss the different medications used to treat Parkinson's and their potential side effects, and share tips for managing them. | Strategies for managing medication and treatment plans | Team Nigeria and Team Tanzania |
| 14/03/2024 | 11am WAT | Motor Symptoms of PD | Outlining motor symptoms of PD and share possible strategies for managing these motor symptoms. | Understanding the symptoms and progression of PD and coping with the emotional impact of caring for a loved one with PD, also Identifying challenges. | Team Kenya |
| 11/04/2024 | 11am WAT | Non-motor Symptoms of PD | Learn about non-motor symptoms and ways to treat or reduce the negative impact of non-motor symptoms. | Understanding about how non-motor symptoms impacts PwPs and how to support them | Team Kenya |
| 25/04/2024 | 11am WAT | Exercise and movement | Learn about the importance of exercise and movement for people with Parkinson's, and learn about specific exercises and activities that can help delay the progression of the symptoms | Role of caregivers/partners in encouraging PWP to join in the exercises i.e. exercise buddy | Team Egypt and Team Ghana |
| 09/05/2024 | 11am WAT | Emotional well-being | Share tips for coping with the emotional and psychological impact of Parkinson's and discuss ways to maintain a positive outlook. | Tips for maintaining the physical and mental well-being of the caregiver | Team Kenya and Team Nigeria |
| 13/06/2024 | 12:30pm WAT | Caregiver support | Share tips for supporting loved ones with Parkinson's and discuss the challenges of being a carer. | Managing the challenges of caring for a loved one with Parkinson's disease at home | Team Ghana and Team Ethiopia |
| 11/07/2024 | 12:30pm WAT | Communication and speech | Learn about the communication and speech challenges that people with Parkinson's may face and share tips for managing them. | Communication techniques for effectively communicating with a loved one with Parkinson's disease | Team South Africa |
| 08/08/2024 | 12:30pm WAT | Nutrition and diet | Learn about the importance of maintaining a healthy diet for people with Parkinson's and share tips for managing dietary restrictions. | Learn about the importance of maintaining a healthy diet for people with Parkinson's, and share tips for managing dietary restrictions | Team Ghana |
| 12/09/2024 | 12:30pm WAT | Free session/Recap | Ask questions about any of the topics freely | Ask questions about any of the topics freely | Parkinson's Africa/All |
| 24/10/2024 | 12:30pm WAT | Advocacy in Action | Team Ghana |