Welcome to the Utah Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association

"To ease the burden, to find the cure"

The Utah Chapter of the APDA and the UHC Parkinson's Disease Information and Referral Center work very closely together.  Our common goals are:

•  to support research to find a cure for Parkinson's disease

•  to ease the burden of living with Parkinson's disease, and

•  to provide those with Parkinson's disease the tools to maximize their quality of life.
  

Living well with Parkinson's disease requires more than the right prescription medication or surgery. Our primary purpose is to empower those with Parkinson's with the information and resources they need to take advantage of available health care options.

• Newly diagnosed?
  Or new to the area?  You don't have to face this alone.  The Information and Referral Center is there to help you.  Get the support you need by attending our support group meetings across the state.  There are monthly meetings from Logan to St. George.

• Pedal Away Parkinson's
  On July 24 we are having our annual bike ride fundraiser.  To prepare for this important event, we need volunteers and sponsors.  See the registration page for more information.

• Looking for activities near you?
  Look on our events page, or check our new activities on-line calendar.

• Prescription assistance programs
  The APDA Utah Chapter board has compiled a list of programs available to help with the financial cost of prescriptions

• What are the research docs up to?
  Review the medical abstracts of current research, courtesy of Doctor's Guide.  Or read the Parkinson's Research News in Science Daily.  Look up details about on-going clinical trials.

• Get help through exercise and participate in a study at the U. 
  Look at our page on exercise and the benefits for patients with Parkinson's Disease.  Also, watch the video "The Importance of Exercise in Parkinson's Disease" presented by the University of Florida Movement Disorders Center.  The University of Utah is looking for volunteers to participate in exercise research.  For more information read this pdf flyer or call Sheldon Smith at 801-581-6696.

• Too young?
  Parkinson's Disease can affect young people, too.  Visit the APDA Young Onset Center on the web and come to the Young Onset support group in Salt Lake City.

• H.R. 1362
  There is a bill before congress to create a national registry of patients with Parkinson's disease (and other neurological disorders).  It is currently in the committee stage.  For more information click here.

• Want to help the APDA Utah Chapter?
  Congress has extended the IRA charitable rollover as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.  For financial donations click on the giving link.  If you have any questions email or call the Chapter President at 801-487-6642.