Parkinson's and Movement Disorders

Patient Resources

We’re dedicated to helping patients improve all aspects of their health and wellbeing as they live through the stages of movement disorders. We strive to offer connections with the services, information and resources patients and their families need — from patient and caregiver support groups to exercise, dance, yoga and tai chi groups!

The Nerve Center

Read the blog, "The Nerve Center," authored by Vicki Conte, community outreach coordinator for the Movement Disorders Program. The blog offers enlightening information and stories from program practitioners and patients.

Here is a list of some of things patients have found helpful. Please do not hesitate to talk to our community outreach coordinator or other staff member if there are other needs we can help you meet.

New Patient Orientation

New patients with Parkinson’s disease and their family members are encouraged to come to one of our new patient orientation sessions to learn what to expect during their course of care. During this informal session, topics include:

How movement disorders symptoms are unique for every patient and how they typically progress
The different between Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor
Signs and symptoms
Treatment options — medications and beyond
How to have an effective clinic appointment
How to “live well” with Parkinson’s or other movement disorder
Deep brain stimulation surgery and how it works
The benefits of physical, occupational and speech therapy
Resources, such as support groups, exercise groups, community education, symposium, websites, and our blog

Community Education

Physicians and other program team members present community education programs on Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders as well as deep brain stimulation (for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, tremors and dystonia). Programs are offered in Milwaukee and surrounding communities.

Two other very helpful educational offerings include:

Living Well with Chronic Conditions. This six-week, community-based workshop is for individuals with chronic diseases. The course covers problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain, and isolation; appropriate exercise; appropriate use of medications; effective communication with family, friends, and health professionals; nutrition; and how to evaluate new treatments. Learn more about Living Well with Chronic Conditions.

Stepping On. A seven-week, community-based workshop that empowers participants to carry out health behaviors that reduce the risks of falls, improve self-management, and increase quality of life. Learn more about Stepping On.

Annual Symposium

Each year the Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Program sponsors a symposium for people with Parkinson’s Disease and their families. The event, typically held at a local hotel or conference center, features expert physicians and staff from Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, along with nationally recognized speakers and a host of exhibits. For more information, call 800-272-3666.

Support Groups

Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin offer many support groups for people who have movement disorders and their families. Groups meet at different days, times and locations. Visit our calendar of events for more information.

Parkinson’s Disease Support Groups

Young Onset Parkinson's Disease Support Group. This support group is for people with Parkinson’s disease in their 30s, 40s and 50s and their families, designed to meet the unique needs of a younger person with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson's Disease Caregiver Support Group. This support group is solely for spouses of people with Parkinson’s disease and/or caregiving children, friends and others.

Parkinson's Disease Support Groups. Held in several locations, including Brookfield, the North Shore and the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, this support group is for people with Parkinson’s disease and their families.

Essential Tremor Support Group

This group is for people who have essential tremor, also known as familial tremor, and their families. The agenda is designed to assist people in understanding the disease and finding ways to treat it and “live well” with it. Meetings feature a guest speaker followed by discussion.