Support groups

Living Well with Parkinson’s

This free 2-hour class helps participants better understand Parkinson's disease. It covers brain anatomy, symptoms of the disease and treatments - including medications and deep brain stimulation.

We also discuss techniques for daily living, including exercise, strengthening, new technologies and advances in treatment options.

Please call 651-232-2258 to register for one of our upcoming classes.

Parkinson’s Education & Support Group

This group is a great place to share questions, concerns or feelings. It is open to those with Parkinson's, their family members and others interested in the disease. The group provides an opportunity to gain knowledge about Parkinson's and become more aware of available resources.

Second Tuesday of each month - 10 am to noon
Held at Bethesda Hospital in the Frank J. Indihar, MD, Conference Center
See session dates, topics and speakers

Call 651-232-2258 for more information. Meetings are free.

Young Parkinson’s/Movement Disorder Education and Support Group

This support group, designed for people with Young Parkinson’s Disease/Movment Disorder, their families and others interested in Parkinson's Disease, provides an opportunity to broaden knowledge of the disease and become more aware of resources available to persons living with Parkinson's. This is a great place to share questions, concerns or feelings with other individuals living with this disease.

Fourth Wednesday of the month - 6 to 7:30 pm
Held at Bethesda Hospital, B-Level Conference Room
See upcoming dates

Call 651-232-2252 for more information. Meetings are free.

Movement & recreation classes

Super Body, Super Brain

Are you looking for a high intensity exercise class that will help improve your balance, coordination, and strength?

Super Body Super Brain is a circuit training exercise program composed of multi tasking movements that challenge and improve both your muscles and your brain, created by personal trainer Michael Gonzalez-Wallace. This high energy class aims to improve motor skills, hand eye coordination, posture, stamina and flexibility. This class is for participants who are physically active, able to multi-task and want a fun and challenging exercise routine.

Bethesda Hospital, PT gym, second floor. Class meets from 6 to 7 pm.
Cost: $25 per six-class session
Click here for more information and dates

Parkinson’s Disease/Movement Disorders Dance Class

The Capistrant Center in partnership with HealthEast Passport is pleased to offer a dance class modeled after the Dance for Parkinson's Disease program from the Mark Morris Dance Group in Brooklyn, New York. This class is open to persons with Parkinson's Disease or a movement disorder. Caregiver or care partners are welcome to join with no charge. View a video on PD Dance at Bethesda Hospital. 

Read the July 2012 issue of Minnesota Medicine which featured the Parkinson's dance class.

View class information: March and April or May and June.

For more information, call 651-232-2258.

Parkinson’s Disease/Movement Disorders Fitness Exercise Classes

This unique exercise program stresses components of strengthening, stretching and aerobics. Fitness I, II and III are designed to provide fitness opportunities for participants across the continuum of their disease. The therapists supervising the program emphasize:

• The benefits of exercise
• Taking advantage of your current abilities
• Ways to bring your fitness to a higher level

Prior to starting an excercise program, every participant will meet with a physical therapist for a fitness assessment. Fitness assessments are free. To make an appointment for a fitness assessment for Wednesday afternoons, please call 651-326-2178. For more information please call 651-232-2258 

Fitness I
This program is designed for participants that can self-direct their exercise program, walk independently with/out assistive device, and need hands-on assistance less than 50% of the time.
When: Monday through Friday from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm
Location: Capistrant Center at Bethesda Hospital ("B" level)
Cost: $5 per session

Fitness II
This program is designed for participants that need minimal hands-on assistance with walking and transferring and moderate direction for exercise participation.
When: Monday through Friday from 12:15 to 1 pm
Location: Capistrant Center at Bethesda Hospital ("B" level)
Cost: $7.50 per session

Fitness III
This seated program is designed for participants who may need more significant help with activities of daily living. This class will provide appropriate exercise and group activities to counteract the long term emotional impact of PD.
When: Tuesday and Thursday from 11 am to 12 pm
Location: Therapeutic Recreation at Bethesda Hospital (2nd floor)
Cost: $5 per session

Tai Chi for Parkinson’s and Wellness

Tai Chi is a Chinese exercise that is often called a moving meditation. Its slow circular movements help promote energy flow and a sense of well-being.

This unique Tai Chi class is for people with Parkinson's disease. It is designed to help improve balance, coordination, concentration, physical strength and mental well-being. The class can be done standing or sitting in a chair. See a flier about the class.

When:

• On-going classes are Mondays, 10 to 11 am
• Beginner classes are Mondays, 11:15 to 12:15

Location: Bethesda Hospital, 7th Floor Conference Room
Cost: $5 per session; first session is free for beginners.
Register: Please call Erin to register at 651-232-2166.

Nordic Walking

Nordic walking makes walking a new fitness experience. Using poles while walking has all of the benefits of walking plus it engages the muscles of the upper back, shoulders, arms and torso. The swinging arm motion of walking with poles is important for the balance and coordination of people with Parkinson's. 

Cost: $5 participation fee. Caregiver/carepartner walk for free.
Location: Bethesda Hospital - meet in gazebo of therapeutic garden
See upcoming dates.

Parkinson’s Disease/Movement Disorders Clay Class

When: Wednesday, April 3, Monday, April 8 and Wednesday, April 17, 1:30 to 4 pm.
Location: Bethesda Hospital, Therapeutic Recreation second floor
Cost: Free
Register: Please call Erin to register at 651-232-2166.

Additional resources

More classes and groups

• See a list of more classes and support groups at Bethesda
• Search classes and support groups throughout HealthEast
• Parkinson's disease support groups across Minnesota

Resource Center

The Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Resource Center at Bethesda offers education, support and resources to patients, families and caregivers.

Visitors can:

• Browse a library of books and videos pertaining to movement disorders, care giving and health
• Pick up free educational materials