Educational Series from ISU Extension and Outreach Helps Iowans Navigate Parkinson’s Disease

March 23, 2026, 9:05 am | Kimberly Cavalier, Cathy Drost

AMES, Iowa – Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease brings challenges not only to individuals but also to their families and caregivers. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers “A Journey through Parkinson’s Disease” to help Iowans navigate the complexities of a diagnosis with confidence and research-based support.

Grandmother and granddaughter laughing and embracing at home by Rido – stock.adobe.com.The three-part educational series is designed for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s, their caregivers and partners, and healthcare professionals looking for community-based resources. The next round of in-person workshops begins in April; however, workshops are offered in-person and virtually throughout the year.
“April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month and calls attention to this second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. Nearly 90,000 Americans are diagnosed each year,” said Kimberly Cavalier, co-lead for the extension state team working on the educational series. “We want Iowans to know that while the Parkinson’s journey is challenging, they don’t have to walk it alone.”
“The workshops can help people impacted by Parkinson’s to gain a better understanding of their symptoms and the treatments available to delay progression of the disease. Being part of a class with others offers support to both the person with Parkinson’s and their caregiver,” said Cathy Drost, who co-leads the program with Cavalier.

Elizabeth Stegemoller is a professor in kinesiology at Iowa State University researching how music therapy, specifically singing, improves motor skills, swallowing and breathing for people with Parkinson’s. She partners with ISU Extension and Outreach to provide community-based music, movement and educational programs and serves as the state specialist for the educational series.
“A Journey through Parkinsons’s Disease” was initially launched in 2018, and thanks to a grant from the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Stegemoller and the team will be able to update the program to include a Spanish language translation and new videos.
“Given there is no cure for Parkinson’s, it is increasingly important to continue with research and education to ensure people with the disease live a full and happy life,” Stegemoller stated.

Throughout the year, those interested in learning more about Parkinson’s will be able to join one of the virtual sessions at no cost thanks to a Herb Howell grant through Excellence in Extension. Since 1989, Excellence in Extension has been funded solely by contributions from ISU Extension and Outreach professionals. The Excellence in Extension Fund is designed to improve and enrich the quality of educational programs offered by ISU Extension and Outreach. The next virtual series will be held online starting Tuesday, June 16, at 6 p.m.

To learn more about the educational series or to register for an upcoming virtual or in-person workshop, visit “A Journey through Parkinson’s Disease” on the Health and Human Sciences Extension and Outreach website.