It’s known that art therapy can improve one’s mood by creating a sense of community and aid in communication and self-expression. Research has shown that art therapy can do more to benefit Parkinson’s disease by improving overall visual-cognitive skills, visual exploration strategies, and general motor functions.
About the Presenter
Marygrace Berberian, a licensed and registered Art Therapist and licensed clinical social worker, is the Director of the Graduate Art Therapy Program at New York University. She has been actively involved in the Graduate Art Therapy Program as a Faculty Member, Internship Coordinator and Program Coordinator for over 20 years. Marygrace has more recently focused on the rehabilitative benefits of community-based art therapy for adults struggling with degenerative diseases and was awarded the Rawley Silver Research Award by the American Art Therapy Association.
Drs. Neilson and Reavis were recently published in JAMA Neurology examining whether hearing loss could be a potential risk factor for people with Parkinson’s disease. Join these incredible presentersfor a discussion of their findings and information about hearing loss and Parkinson’s.
About the Presenters
Dr. Lee Neilson is a neurologist specializing in movement disorders (with an emphasis on Parkinson disease) at the Portland VA Parkinson Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Center and Oregon Health &Science University Parkinson Center of Excellence. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disease, develop biomarkers for disease activity and progression, and apply these in studies of disease-modifying therapeutics. As well as exploring the risk factors of PD, with a current focus on chronic pain, PTSD, TBI, and other military exposures.
Dr. Kelly Reavis has a faculty appointment in the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health in the Epidemiology programs. As a clinician scientist, she is passionate about incorporating public health principles and epidemiologic methods into the field of auditory health and other health sciences. Her research aims to fill gaps in our foundational understanding of the burden of hearing loss and epidemiologic associations between military exposures and hearing both during and after service, and mechanisms that can explain these effects.
Huge thanks to our sponsors, guests, and many other supporters, who helped us raise more than $600,000 during the 15th annual Shake It ‘Til We Make It gala! Our mission is to empower people impacted by Parkinson’s disease to lead more fulfilling lives. Our programs are made possible by contributions from individuals. If you’d like to contribute, there’s still time to donate!
From global advocacy to community building, BGF amplifies awareness and empowers people withParkinson’s this April
Portland, Ore. (March 24, 2025) – This April, Parkinson’s Awareness Month, the Brian Grant Foundation (BGF) is rallying communities worldwide to support and uplift those living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Through a powerful lineup of advocacy efforts, community engagement, fundraising initiatives, and global partnerships, BGF is driving awareness and action to improve the lives of people with PD.
The month-long campaign will culminate in BGF’s signature event, the 15th Anniversary “Shake It ’Til We Make It” Gala, on April 25, 2025—an inspiring evening dedicated to raising critical funds for wellness programs and advocacy efforts. The gala’s platinum sponsors include AbbVie, Dick’s Auto Group, Jamba Juice, Marquis Companies, Moda Health, and Pivot Group.
“Parkinson’s Awareness Month is a time to amplify the voices of those living with PD and to unite as a community,” said Katrina Kahl, Executive Director of the Brian Grant Foundation. “Through education, advocacy, and shared experiences, we’re not just raising awareness—we’re driving meaningful change. We invite everyone to join us in supporting people with Parkinson’s and ensuring they have access to the resources they need to live active and fulfilling lives.”
April Highlights: Awareness, Advocacy, and Community
A New Season of On Time: A Parkinson’s Podcast Every Tuesday in April, BGF’s special podcast series will feature intimate conversations with Brian Grant’s children, who candidly share their experiences of growing up with a parent living with Parkinson’s.
A Global Stand for Parkinson’s – Spark the Night In partnership with global advocacy group PD Avengers, BGF will participate in Spark the Night—a global movement illuminating landmarks in blue on April 11, 2025, for World Parkinson’s Day. In Portland, iconic bridges will shine blue in a powerful display of solidarity.
“Shake It ’Til We Make It” 15th Anniversary Gala The culminating event of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, this highly anticipated gala will take place on Thursday, April 25, 2025, at 6 PM PST. The evening will bring together advocates, supporters, and industry leaders to raise crucial funds for BGF’s wellness programs and advocacy initiatives.
Along with the event’s platinum sponsors, gold sponsors include Jordan Brand, ‘Ohana Ventures, NBA Cares, Pearl Catering, Portland Trail Blazers, and Sapphire Health Services. Tickets are available at briangrant.org/gala.
The Brian Grant Foundation empowers people impacted by Parkinson’s disease to lead active and fulfilling lives. BGF was founded by former Blazer, Brian Grant, who is living with Parkinson’s. Learn more at briangrant.org.
March 14, 2025
Today is World Sleep Day, and few things are as essential to living well with Parkinson’s than the rest and recovery attained through sleep. Join us as we celebrate this important day and highlight some of the strategies YOU can employ to improve your sleep and overall health.
Check out these resources for learning about the importance of sleep and PD
How to Get the Best Night’s with Sleep – Dr. Michelle Dagostine, Movement Disorders Specialist at Hartford HealthCare, discusses sleep science and sleep issues commonly associated with PD.
Managing Brain Fog and Insomnia – Research suggests that approximately two-thirds of people with PD experience daytime sleepiness brought on in part by poor sleep quality.
Meditation Resources – Daily meditation can have numerous benefits for our physical and mental health, including falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer.
How Mindfulness Helps Parkinson’s – Mindfulness meditation boosts feelings of control and resilience, reduces anxiety and depression, and improves sleep.
Join the conversation to share your sleep tips and experiences
By Theresa Harczo, RN, Providence Brain and Spine Center, Portland, OR
Living in Oregon means living through four distinct seasons every year. Seasonal changes in temperature, sunlight, and activity can affect people with Parkinson’s in unique ways. Read on for tips to manage these changes and make the most of the spring months.
NEW BEGINNINGS are brought to us in the Spring
Daylight savings time began on Sunday, March 9th which offers more light into our day 1
Sunlight increases serotonin production which helps regulate mood and stabilize emotions 2
Spring entices us to venture outdoors to observe nature as it wakens from dormancy into buds that later form flowers and new leaves unfold to take shape and grow into a canopy. 3
THE OLD FARMERS ALMANAC says this about Spring 2025 4
In the Northern Hemisphere, spring begins March 20th at 2:01am Pacific Standard Time
If you live in the northwest corner of the US, the Almanac calls for fairly mild temperatures, so don’t put away your warm clothing quite yet. We may be in for more chilly and damp days.
EXERCISE becomes more enticing 5
If the winter months have slowed you down and you want to get into physical activities have your provider refer you to a physical therapist who can give you specific exercises that are right for you.
If you are already familiar with what exercises work for you, start back at a lower intensity and slowly increase the distance, time, and weight vs jumping in where you left off.
If the idea of formal exercise is unappealing, consider a light hike with friends, work in your yard, take up yoga or tai chi, or play with children.
FOOD available in Spring months 6
Transitioning from hearty options during the winter, Spring brings fresh herbs, berries, and vegetables
Purchase locally grown seasonal foods that are more nutritious and full of flavor.
Look for sweet cherries for their antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Asparagus is rich in nutrients and fiber. Garden peas are a great source of plant-based protein. Strawberries bring sweetness to your plate and new research has found they can help improve cognition!
