Take Charge! Live Education Programs - Memory & Movement Charlotte

Tuesday, September 29 at 4:30pm

In person at Memory & Movement Charlotte, 411 Billingsley Road suite 103
or online over Zoom

Join us for a conversation with a Medicare counselor about the importance of reassessing your Medicare drug plan each year. If your plan changes - which they often do from year to year - or your medications have changed, you might be able to save money with a different plan next year. The speaker will also explain how to get help with your drug assessment during the Open Enrollment Period.

To participate via Zoom, you will need to complete a short zoom registration form as well.

Take Charge! Live is possible with generous support from:

MMC maintains full clinical independence and does not endorse specific products or companies. Learn more about our sponsorship policy.

Get a Zoom Link

Take Charge! Live is a public component of Take Charge! our comprehensive education and support program for MMC patients and caregivers.

Workshops are topical, relevant and interactive, and feature guest speakers and practitioners in candid conversation about real-world challenges.

Do you have an idea for a Take Charge! Live session? Complete the form below:

Past Topics

Hear Better, Live Better

Presented August 24, 2026 in person at MMC and over Zoom

Presented live at Memory & Movement Charlotte and over Zoom on August 25, 2026 Healthy hearing plays a vital role in our cognitive health, social connections, and even physical balance. A conversation about hearing and overall wellness, and how to identify and address any concerns.

Featuring:

Julie Palazzolo, M.A., CCC-A, Senior Clinical Audiologist, Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center
Kirsten Gantt, Marketing and Communications, Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center

Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Presented July 27, 2026 in person at MMC and over Zoom

Parkinson’s disease is often recognized for movement symptoms like tremor or stiffness, but 50% of people living with Parkinson’s also experience non-motor symptoms. These are often underrecognized and underreported, which can delay important conversations with care partners, friends and healthcare providers. By understanding these symptoms, we can support earlier diagnosis, better communication, and better care.

Featuring:

Tom Christy, PA-C, Memory & Movement Charlotte
Nicole Odrezin, Patient Educator, Acadia Pharmaceuticals
Sanjay Iyer, MD, Memory & Movement Charlotte

Outsmart the Scammers! Protecting Yourself from Fraud and Financial Exploitation

Presented June 16, 2026 in person at MMC and over Zoom

A conversation about how to identify suspicious activity, avoid common fraud tactics, and safeguard personal and financial information for yourself and those you care for.

Featuring:

Bill Hammelmann, CCP Technologies

Resources mentioned:

You Are Not Alone: The Value of Support Groups

Presented May 12, 2026 in person at MMC and over Zoom

Caring for a loved one can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. This conversation explores how support groups provide connection, practical guidance, and emotional encouragement to help navigate your caregiving journey.

Featuring:

Margaret Ward, MMC Family Care Navigator
Larry Watts, Support Group Leader
Joan Wright, MSW, MCC, Support Group Leader

Learn more about MMC support groups at https://www.mmclt.org/support-groups/

MMC's support Groups are sponsored by BlueDot Cares, Inc. MMC maintains full clinical independence and does not endorse specific products or companies. Learn more about our sponsorship policy.

The Real Housewives of Parkinson's Disease

Presented April 28, 2026 over Zoom

Behind every person living with Parkinson’s disease is often a care-partner navigating the journey alongside them. “The Real Housewives of Parkinson's Disease" is a candid and empowering conversation with incredible women who have helped transform their husbands’ quality of life. Through real stories, practical insights, and honest reflection, this session will highlight the strength, strategy, and resilience it takes to thrive as a care-partner. This conversation is moderated by Sanjay Iyer, MD

The Questions Nobody Wants to Ask (But Everybody Wants to Know!)

Presented March 24, 2026 in person and over Zoom

Some of the most important caregiving questions are also the hardest to ask out loud. This discussion includes practical guidance around challenges like toileting, hygiene, incontinence, intimacy, behavior changes, safety concerns, communication struggles, caregiver burnout, and navigating difficult family dynamics. The goal is to normalize these experiences, reduce caregiver stress, and offer real strategies families can apply immediately.

Resources mentioned from the Take Charge Resource Library can be found at: https://www.mmclt.org/take-charge-resource-library-list-view/

Featuring:

Aris Chaconas, MD
Tom Christy, PA-C
Chris Ryskiewich, RN

Safer at Home, Stronger in Mind: Occupational Therapy Strategies for Fall Prevention

Speech Therapy for Better Brain Health

Move to Improve! Exercise and Parkinson's

Boost or Bust? The Scoop on Supplements

From Diagnosis to Documents: Legal Planning for Caregivers

Presented Tuesday August 26, 2025 in person at Memory & Movement Charlotte and online over Zoom

A conversation for caregivers on legal and estate planning, highlighting five essential documents: Healthcare POA, Financial POA, Living Will, DNR, and MOST/POST. This session offers practical guidance to help families plan ahead with clarity and confidence.

Featuring:

Cody Williams, Memory & Movement Charlotte
Ryan Monk, Esq., Monk Legal

A Caregiver's Journey with Lewy Body Dementia

Presented Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025 in person at Memory & Movement Charlotte and online over Zoom

An exploration of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) through the lens of lived experience. This session features a caregiver's personal story of supporting a loved one through the complex and often unpredictable progression of LBD. Discussion includes how the disease presents, changes over time, and impacts for both the person diagnosed and those who care for them.

Featuring:

Sanjay Iyer, MD, Memory & Movement Charlotte
Byron Perry, Caregiver

Breathe, Stretch, Restore: Chair Yoga & Mindfulness for Patients and Care Partners

Presented Tuesday, June 17, 2025 in person and over Zoom

A calming and restorative session especially for individuals living with cognitive and movement challenges and their care partners. This guided experience introduces simple chair yoga movements paired with mindfulness techniques to help reduce stress, improve flexibility, and support emotional well-being. Whether you're a care partner in need of a moment of peace or a patient looking for gentle ways to stay active, this session offers tools you can use daily to recharge your body and mind.

No experience necessary—just pull up a chair and have an open heart.

Featuring:

Aminta St. Onge, MS, C-IAYT, 500 E-RYT, Yoga Therapist & Teacher
Chris Ryskiewich, RN, Memory & Movement Charlotte

The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss: Hearing and Cognitive Function

Presented Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in person and over Zoom

A presentation and conversation about the ways hearing loss can impact memory, communication, and overall brain health. Panelists also address hearing aid myths and detail what to expect in a formal hearing evaluation. Practical tips, insight into the latest research, and guidance on when to seek help.

Featuring:

Kendall Carroll, AuD, CCC-A, CH-TM, Clinical Audiologist at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Shelly Sedory, MEd, RN, Memory & Movement Charlotte

New and Emerging Parkinson's Therapies

Presented Tuesday, April 15 2025 in person and over Zoom

Exciting advancements in Parkinson’s care are changing the way we approach treatment and symptom management. Learn how these emerging options can support movement, cognition, and overall well-being, and explore practical ways to integrate them into daily life.

Featuring:

Sanjay Iyer, MD
Laura Wells, Patient
Deena and Scott McNair, Spouse and Patient

Music (And Art!) for the Mind

Helping Others Helps You

Presented February 18, 2025 In person and over Zoom

A conversation about the benefits of volunteering, at every stage of life. Includes things to consider when helping a loved one living with dementia find opportunities to engage as a volunteer.

The volunteer worksheet mentioned in this video can be found here: https://www.mmclt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/volunteer-opportunities.pdf

Featuring:

Robyn Wolkofsky, PA-C, Physician Assistant
Colleen Nolan, M.S., CCC-SLP; CDP, Family Care Navigator

Caring for Caregivers

Presented December 17, 2024 In person and over Zoom

Caregivers need care too!

A conversation about the importance of making time for yourself, support resources and strategies for self-care.

Featuring:

Courtney Peterson, MMC Family Care Navigator and moderator
Bruce Caldwell, Caregiver
Chris Jones, Support Group Leader
Joan O. Wright, Support Group Leader, Executive/Team Coach, Pet Therapy Volunteer

Alzheimer's Testing and Treatment Update

Meet and Greet

I'm Fine!

Presented August 27, 2024 In person and over Zoom

A conversation about Anosognosia. Strategies for caring for and communicating with someone who is unaware of their own condition.

Featuring:

Robyn Wolkofsky, PA-C
Chris Ryskiewich, RN

Resources mentioned in this video:

I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help!

Take Charge Library: Communication Do's and Don'ts

Henry Amador Center on Anosognosia

Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care

Good Night!

All in the Family

Why Exercise?

Presented May 14, 2024 In person and over Zoom

"Exercise is the single most important thing a person with Parkinson's disease can do. It's the only thing we know helps slow progression of the disease. It's not just a recommendation...it's a powerful part of treatment."

-Dr. Sanjay Iyer

A conversation about the power of exercise for Parkinson's patients - everything from the science of why and the latest research to the basics of how to get started.

Featuring:

Sanjay Iyer, MD, MMC Medical Director
Jessica Martin, MA, CCC-SLP, Powerback
Kathy Lawrence, PT, DPT, Powerback
Sarah Kingsley, PT, DPT, RYT, Powerback

Resources mentioned in this video:

Take a Walk for a Healthy Heart - How Many Steps

Harvard: Exercise can Boost your Memory and Thinking Skills

Neuroscience News - Fitness article

Parkinson's Footwear Recommendations

Parkinson's Association Fitness Video Kitty mentioned

Managing Acute Psych Issues

Communication Do's and Don'ts

Presented February 27, 2024 in person and over Zoom

A conversation about conversation! Strategies for listening, responding and connecting with a loved one who has dementia. When to correct, when to redirect, and when to simply listen. Featuring Heather Braucher, NP; Chris Ryskewich, RN; and two extraordinary caregivers. Take Charge Live is a monthly workshop around changing topics. It is a component of Take Charge, our caregiver education and support program.

The Story Behind the Story

Travel, Tremors and Tips for Trekking Through

Presented November 28, 2023 in person and over Zoom

A conversation about traveling with a memory or movement disorder, and the anxiety that may be along for the ride.

Dr. Sanjay Iyer, MMC Medical Director and Movement Neurologist, moderated a conversation featuring:

Cedric Williams, who made a personal challenge to visit all 50 states. Cedric's blog: Voyages with Parkinsons

Jennifer Reilly, who is fearless at home but anxious about travel

Liz Erhartic, Civil Rights Specialist Lead and ADA Coordinator for Charlotte Douglas Airport. Learn more about CLT Airport Accessibility

Dr. Charles Edwards, MMC Founding Physician

Advanced Care Planning

Presented September 19, 2023 in person and over Zoom

An important conversation about hospice, palliative care, advanced directives and more.

Featuring:

Heather Braucher, Nurse Practitioner, Memory & Movement Charlotte
Katie Cooper, Social Worker, Memory & Movement Charlotte
Tara Connolly, VIA Health Partners
Jessica Twaddle, VIA Health Partners
Kyle Via, VIA Health Partners

Checklist for partnering with Hospice

Hospice: Dispelling the Myths

Hospice Care and Palliative Medicine: What's the Difference?

Mental Health Moments

Living Well with Parkinson's Disease

Care Managers Roundtable

Presented March 28, 2023 in person and over Zoom MMC's Executive Director Janet LeClair hosts a roundtable conversation with two local care managers about what care management involves, how a care manager can be helpful, and the best way to find one to meet your family's specific personality and needs.

Featuring:

Jennifer T. Szakaly, MA, CMC, NMG
National Certified Care Manager & National Master Guardian
www.caregivingcorner.com

Cindy Hostetler, MSN, RN, BCPA
www.careweavers.com

(Therapeutic) Gym 101

New Developments in Alzheimer's Treatment

World Without Words

December 6, 2022 in person and over Zoom

Presented December 6, 2022 in person and over Zoom Dr. Chuck Edwards and Powerback's speech and language pathologist Jessica Martin lead a conversation about expressive and receptive aphasia - conditions that impair a person's ability to understand written or spoken language, or to share their own thoughts, ideas or and feelings verbally. They highlight strategies to strengthen non-verbal communication skills, and answer questions.