Inova Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Center

Open enrollment begins October 15!

Here are some free Medicare resources to help you navigate the process.

Family Caregiver Webinar Series offered by Fairfax Area Agency on Aging.

MEDICARE 101 & MEDICARE 102
Wednesday, October 21 | 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 PM
Wednesday, October 28 | 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 PM
Both are virtual programs.

The Medicare 101training is for individuals who will be eligible for Medicare and want to learn about their options. The session will provide an overview of the many components of Medicare: Part A (inpatient hospitalization/skilled nursing), Part B (outpatient hospital/doctors/labs/radiology), Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans), and Part D (prescription drugs), as well as how to cover the gaps in Medicare benefits through Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap).

The Medicare 102 training is for individuals who are interested in learning more in-depth details regarding Medicare coverage. The session will provide an overview of advanced Medicare details, such as the Medicare.gov website, the latest regulatory changes, and key legislative proposals, as well as provide individuals with an opportunity to ask more complex questions.

REGISTER HERE

Medicare 101 workshops 2026 Download

If you live in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, or Falls Church, the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP):

Gives free, fair advice about Medicare
Explains Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and prescription drug plans
Helps with insurance claims, bills, and appeals
Offers Medicare 101 classes for the public

Learn more at: fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/virginia-insurance-counseling-and-assistance-program-vicap

If you live outside of Fairfax County, Virginia, please check out the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) website at shiphelp.org and locate your local agency.

They can provide you with in depth, one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance with Medicare.

You’ll find more information on the Positive Aging Community website:

Recording: What Seniors Are Really Asking About Medicare: Takeaways from a Live Q&A Session,

Article: Medicare Open Enrollment 2027: What’s New, What’s Changing, and How to Make the Most of It.

Check out IPMDC’s page on medications at ipmdc.org/medications for a list of patient support programs and additional resources.

WPC 2026 Opening Ceremony

WPC Choir performs “You are Not Alone”

A special highlight of the Opening Ceremony of the 7th World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix, Arizona in May was the uplifting performance of “You Are Not Alone”.

This song was the winner of the WPC 2026 Song Competition, submitted by Colleen Bridges and Bridges for Parkinson’s (Rich Gootee/Greg Anderson, arranged by Shayla Blake).

It was performed by the WPC Global Choir, led by Judi Spencer, and featured guest contributions from Peter Frampton and other Grammy Award-winning artists. The choir is open to all congress attendees and no experience is required. They rehearsed for several months on Zoom, then in-person when they gathered in Phoenix prior to their performance at the opening ceremony.

For other videos from this year’s World Parkinson Congress, please visit youtube.com/@worldpdcongress.

The next congress will be in 2029 in Quebec City, Canada. Will we see you there?
worldpdcoalition.org

AIM’s Hiking Program Continues to Grow

Thank you, Michelle Viggiano with AIM Human Performance, for sharing your article on your new Parkinson-Friendly hiking program!

When AIM Human Performance launched our hiking program in November 2025, our goal was simple: create opportunities for people to experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of spending time outdoors. Just a few months later, we’re thrilled to see the impact this program is already making.

AIM is proud to provide Parkinson’s-friendly group hikes that are free and open to the community thanks to the generous support of Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center.

Since the program began, we have completed nine hikes across five Northern Virginia counties, bringing together more than 50 participants. Along the way, we’ve explored some of the region’s most beautiful parks and trails, including Huntley Meadows Park, Riverbend Park, Sweet Run State Park, Sky Meadows State Park, Manassas National Battlefield Park, Buzzard Hill, and Shenandoah National Park’s Stony Man Trail.

Each hike offers something unique. Participants have spotted great horned owls, bald eagle nests, turtles, frogs, snakes, and countless spring wildflowers. We’ve enjoyed sweeping mountain overlooks, peaceful forests, open meadows, and the banks of the Potomac River.

During our hike at Manassas National Battlefield Park, one of our volunteer support hikers shared fascinating stories about the historic battles that took place along the trail, reminding us that every outing is an opportunity to learn something new.

Of course, the hikes are about much more than the scenery. Whether we’re climbing to an overlook, navigating wooded trails after a rainy week, or sharing coffee together after a hike, each outing builds confidence, encourages movement, and creates meaningful connections.
Participants challenge themselves physically while enjoying the encouragement and camaraderie of a welcoming group.

The impact of the program is perhaps best described by the participants themselves:

“I appreciate your hike at Manassas Battlefield. Having an expert re-enactor on hand was a real bonus, and the weather couldn’t have been better. It was heartening to see two hikers who said they were struggling, but they kept going and finished the hike. I think they trusted you to keep them safe. It’s just so great to be outside with a group, to accomplish the hike, and I feel privileged to be part of Pass to Pass. Thank you for your efforts and for making it easy to join in. I look forward to the next hikes.”

“The hikes feel like a place of acceptance for those who are more challenged by the simple art of walking. It doesn’t go unnoticed that one of the leaders always stays behind with the slower hikers without any judgment. You might not realize how much that means.”

One of the things we’re most proud of is that every hike is Parkinson’s-friendly. Volunteer support hikers accompany the group to provide assistance as needed, allowing individuals living with Parkinson’s—and anyone looking for a supportive hiking community—to enjoy the outdoors safely and confidently.

None of this would be possible without our incredible partners. We are grateful to Pass to Pass for helping us bring this program to Virginia and to Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center for making these hikes free and accessible to everyone.

As we continue to expand the program, we’re excited to explore even more trails, welcome new hikers, and strengthen the community that has already begun to grow around these shared adventures. Whether you’re looking for a great workout, a chance to connect with others, or simply an excuse to spend a morning in nature, we’d love to have you join us on a future hike.

About Our Partner

Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center
We are grateful for IPMDC’s support in helping make these Parkinson’s-friendly hikes free and accessible to the community.
See also: ipmdc.org/hiking and ipmdc.org/boxing

About AIM Human Performance

AIM Human Performance was created by husband and wife team Chris and Michelle Viggiano with the goal of raising the standard of personal training in the fitness industry. They strive daily to be professional, educated, and completely focused on you and your well being.

World Parkinson’s Congress 2026

7th World Parkinson Congress, May 24 – 27, in Phoenix, AZ

Towards the end of May, a group of IPMDC friends and program partners attended the 7th World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix, Arizona.

This unique conference brings together people with Parkinson’s and their families, as well as clinical researchers working towards a cure, neuroscientists, clinicians, rehabilitation specialists, nutritionists, and many more.

Below are photos featuring our IPMDC friends.

Some of the highlights . . .

Lucy and Steve with Dance for PD in the Mid-Atlantic rode in on their tandem bike from Santa Fe, New Mexico.
UpENDing Parkinson’s climbers gathered with climbers from around the world to climb in nearby Gilbert, AZ., and Molly was there to cheer them on.
Sonia, Josefa, and John attended the WPC Leadership Forum where we discussed forming a Global PD Ready Coalition. IPMDC (represented by Sonia) is a WPC Organizational Partner, as is Parkinson’s Europe (represented by Josefa).
Rock Faced It All, a documentary about Teresa Bennett and directed by her daughter Clare, was presented at the congress just a few days after it was featured at the 2026 Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride, CO. Here’s a link to the trailer vimeo.com/1102311868.
Josefa, John, and Sonia presented their poster on Adapting exercise routines after a health setback in Parkinsons.
Theresa H. (drumming) and Lucy (dancing) were spotted on the stage during the closing ceremony.

This is a wonderful article by Parkinson’s Europe Director General, Hélène Nicora, describing her experience as a first-time attendee. parkinsonseurope.org/parkinsonslife/world-parkinson-congress-2026-my-journey/

The video below beautifully captures the spirit of the WPC 2026.
The cover photo features northern Virginia WPC Ambassador, Margie Zimmerman, presenting a special recognition to WPC Executive Director Elizabeth “Eli” Pollard with a special tribute—a star named in her honor.