Iowa Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association

Iowa Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association The Iowa Chapter of the APDA serves the state of Iowa through their office in Urbandale- 515-207-6296

We had a blast in Waterloo last week! From gut health and Parkinsonism to group drumming and ambiguous loss, we covered ...
04/16/2026

We had a blast in Waterloo last week! From gut health and Parkinsonism to group drumming and ambiguous loss, we covered some great topics and walked away with more knowledge on how to Live Well with Parkinson's! April 9th, 2026 | Allen College - Waterloo, IA

✨2026 Annual APDA Iowa Parkinson's Conference Speaker Highlight! ✨👉In this talk, Dr. Neilson will describe the full spec...
04/16/2026

✨2026 Annual APDA Iowa Parkinson's Conference Speaker Highlight! ✨

👉In this talk, Dr. Neilson will describe the full spectrum of cognitive dysfunction seen in Parkinson's disease, review the definitions and types of tests you might encounter in a clinic visit, and review important interventions that may help preserve cognitive function.

💚Register today for an incredible opportunity to learn from Dr. Neilson and the other 2026 conference speakers! 🔗 https://bit.ly/ia2026conference

▶Dr. Neilson is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Iowa and a staff neurologist at the Iowa City VA who specializes in all aspects of movement disorders including Parkinson’s disease, deep brain stimulation, and botulinumtoxin injections. A graduate of Case Western Reserve University school of medicine and the Portland VA Medical Center advanced fellowship in movement disorders, he started his faculty career at Oregon Health & Science University where he served as the co-director of the movement disorders fellowship. He recently joined the University of Iowa to continue his research focused on risk factor identification, biomarker development, and metabolism in Parkinson’s disease and prodromal disorders.

Join us on Friday, June 5th! We can't wait to see you there!

Despite tremors and slowed movements, Joanne plays Bid Whist – a fast-paced card game she learned in high school – every...
04/13/2026

Despite tremors and slowed movements, Joanne plays Bid Whist – a fast-paced card game she learned in high school – every week with a close group of friends.

Parkinson’s can take so much, but it can’t steal what you love. Keep doing what you love, even if you have to do it differently. APDA is here to help with community, support, and education. Visit apdaparkinson.org/Iowa for resources and programs near you.

Watch the PSA and learn more about Joanne and the rest of our inspiring PSA cast members at www.apdaparkinson.org/psa.

04/10/2026

Thank you, Fareway & shoppers, for an amazing week and helping us expand our programs and resources across the state of Iowa!

2026 Annual APDA Iowa Parkinson's Conference Speaker Highlight!✨Dr. Kathleen Matthews is a licensed geropsychologist pas...
04/08/2026

2026 Annual APDA Iowa Parkinson's Conference Speaker Highlight!

✨Dr. Kathleen Matthews is a licensed geropsychologist passionate about supporting older adults and their care partners. For 15 years, she served at the Department of Veterans Affairs, earning national recognition for her expertise in dementia behavioral care, care partner support, and program innovation.

Today, through her private practice, Perennial Pathways, Dr. Matthews offers cognitive evaluations, psychotherapy, dementia behavioral consultation, and care partner support—helping clients find clarity, dignity, and hope at every step of the dementia journey.

Outside of work, she’s a certified yoga instructor who enjoys cooking, reading, hiking, and spending time with family, friends, and her two golden retriever puppies.

Get ready for an incredible day of learning and connection at this year’s conference! Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from Kathleen and other amazing speakers. 👉 Register today to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/ia2026conference

Though many days are marked by fatigue, stiffness, and physical limitations, Carlos remains a committed beekeeper who co...
04/06/2026

Though many days are marked by fatigue, stiffness, and physical limitations, Carlos remains a committed beekeeper who continues to show up to tend his hives.

Parkinson’s can take so much, but it can’t steal what you love. Keep doing what you love, even if you have to do it differently. APDA is here to help with community, support, and education. Visit apdaparkinson.org/Iowa for resources and programs near you.

Watch the PSA and learn more about Carlos and the rest of our inspiring PSA cast members at www.apdaparkinson.org/psa.

We’re kicking off Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month in a BIG way! Today, we’re proud to debut a brand-new public servi...
04/01/2026

We’re kicking off Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month in a BIG way! Today, we’re proud to debut a brand-new public service announcement (PSA) that celebrates the resilience, strength, and optimism of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and encourages them to keep doing the things they love, even if they have to do them differently. Our new PSA features eight inspiring people with PD who are determined to live life to the fullest. It is not easy, and their challenges are real, but that doesn’t stop them – they pivot, adapt, and find ways to enjoy life.

Watch now at https://apdaparkinson.org/psa.

Throughout the month, we’ll be highlighting more quotes and moments from these resilient individuals. We hope their voices bring you inspiration, strength, and a deeper connection to our amazing PD community.

Stay tuned — there’s so much more to share this April!

🧠💙 What a Great Turnout!We loved seeing so many of you at our virtual Lunch n Learn with Dr. Struck, with attendees join...
03/30/2026

🧠💙 What a Great Turnout!

We loved seeing so many of you at our virtual Lunch n Learn with Dr. Struck, with attendees joining us from across Iowa and beyond!

Moments like this remind us how powerful technology can be. Bringing people together, expanding access to education, and helping us reach and support so many in the Parkinson’s community.

Thank you to everyone who took time out of your day to connect, learn, and share. Your engagement made this session truly special!

Missed it or want to continue the conversation? Join us in person on May 20th for another opportunity to learn, ask questions, and connect with Dr. Struck. Register today at: https://bit.ly/apdadrstruck

Your Local Fareway. Your Change. A Big Impact for Parkinson’s.✨March 30 – April 4, visit your local Fareway and support ...
03/29/2026

Your Local Fareway. Your Change. A Big Impact for Parkinson’s.

✨March 30 – April 4, visit your local Fareway and support APDA Iowa at the register.

💳At checkout, simply round your grocery total up to the next dollar or choose to donate an additional amount to help fund Parkinson’s education, support groups, exercise programs, and vital resources across Iowa.

Every dollar raised through Fareway stays local and helps improve lives right here in our communities. 💚

Find a local Fareway Store near you - www.fareway.com/stores

¿Le encanta bailar y moverse al ritmo de la música? 💃🏻🕺🏽 Le invitamos cordialmente a participar en Dance for PD® en espa...
03/26/2026

¿Le encanta bailar y moverse al ritmo de la música? 💃🏻🕺🏽 Le invitamos cordialmente a participar en Dance for PD® en español, una clase semanal que se ofrece todos los miércoles, diseñada especialmente para personas con Parkinson y sus familias.

Este programa combina movimiento, música y comunidad para ayudarle a mejorar el equilibrio, la flexibilidad y la confianza, todo en un ambiente acogedor y lleno de energía positiva. Las clases están disponibles en vivo y también en formato digital, para que pueda unirse desde donde se sienta más cómodo.

No se requiere experiencia previa en danza — solo el deseo de disfrutar y compartir. 🪇 Regístrese aquí: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/upcoming-events/

03/23/2026

Thursday, April 9th from 12:00 - 4:00 pm

Get practical tools and inspiration to live well with Parkinson’s through expert-led sessions on health, exercise, symptom management, and mental well-being, plus opportunities to connect with the PD community.

Registration is required, register online at https://bit.ly/iapepwaterloo
For assistance, register by phone at 515-207-6396

PRESS - Parkinson's Roadmap to Education and Support Services in Iowa City, IA.Were you diagnosed with Parkinson’s in th...
03/23/2026

PRESS - Parkinson's Roadmap to Education and Support Services in Iowa City, IA.

Were you diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the last 5 years? Do you have questions about Medication Management, Dealing with Physical Symptoms of PD, caring for family with PD, or Building your Healthcare Team?

▶This 8-week program starts April 7th through May 26th. You and your loved ones will gain PD support, education and resources to help you along your PD journey. Conducted in small groups, the format allows for in-depth and personalized discussions. Sessions are from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Spots are limited, registration required. Learn more about this program and register online at: https://bit.ly/2026iowacitypress

✨Session Topics Include:

Session 1: What’s Next After Diagnosis
Session 2: Medication Management of Parkinson’s
Session 3: Importance of Exercise in PD
Session 4: Dealing with Physical Symptoms of PD
Session 5: Impact of Parkinson’s on Daily Coping and Relationships
Session 6: Tips for Daily Living
Session 7: Caring for Others, Caring for Yourself
Session 8: Building your Healthcare Team

If you need assistance with registration, please call 515-207-6296

Address

Urbandale, IA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15157823833

Website

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You don’t have to do it alone. We are here for you...

We are celebrating being a resource for you for the last 16 years in Iowa. We are your information and Referral Center and Iowa Chapter for the American Parkinson Disease Association. We host 3 Educational Conferences across the state, have 48 support groups and over 40+ exercise classes.

We are here to be your support, your resource for all things Parkinson’s Disease. We provide support, education, resources, and exercise programs all designed with those with PD and their care partners in mind.

Join us for our Annual Parkinson’s Disease Conference in West Des Moines at Lutheran Church of Hope on June 12th.

Please reach out with any questions- we are here to help you!