Local Experts Highlight Parkinson’s Research, Caregiving, and Planning at Marshfield Conference

By Angie Houghton - The Producers Channel

MARSHFIELD – Community members gathered this week for the annual Parkinson’s Disease Conference in Marshfield, an event designed to inform patients, families, and caregivers about the latest understanding of the disease and strategies for care.

The program was hosted by the Marshfield Area Respite Care Center, led by Director Marilyn, who noted that the event has become a long-standing tradition for central Wisconsin families facing Parkinson’s. “We are so pleased to still be able to bring people together despite the many changes in our society and healthcare funding,” she said.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
The keynote presentation came from Dr. Jaime Boero, a neurologist with Marshfield Clinic who specializes in both neurology and sleep medicine. Dr. Boero outlined how Parkinson’s disease not only affects movement but also touches nearly every aspect of daily life.

“Parkinson’s is a condition that captures your entire attention,” Boero explained. “From mobility to sleep, from mental health to fatigue, it colors a person’s whole existence.”

Boero traced the history of the disease back to its first description in 1817 by Dr. James Parkinson, and highlighted how genetics, aging, and environmental factors all contribute to its onset. He also emphasized the hidden toll of fatigue, calling it one of the most disabling symptoms.

“Just crossing a room can feel like running a marathon,” he said, urging caregivers to recognize the immense energy patients expend on simple movements.

Boero also pointed to the critical role of exercise—especially stationary biking—in helping patients maintain mobility, citing research that shows measurable improvements in gait and balance after regular activity. He stressed that while Parkinson’s currently has no cure, family and community support remain the greatest factor in extending quality of life.

The Role of Caregivers
In addition to the medical overview, speakers highlighted the importance of family members in care. “Parkinson’s is not just the disease of one person,” Boero said. “In many ways, the whole family lives with it. Caregivers are essential—they are the reason people live longer with this condition.”

He encouraged families to maintain structure—regular meals, daily routines, and social activity—to support patients’ mental and physical health.

Planning Ahead: Power of Attorney and Advance Directives
The conference also included a session on legal and planning tools, led by Patty Heller, medical social worker at Marshfield Clinic. Heller explained the importance of establishing a power of attorney for healthcare—a legal document that ensures a trusted person can make medical decisions if an individual becomes unable to do so.

“Wisconsin is not a next-of-kin state,” Heller said. “That means your spouse or children cannot automatically make healthcare choices for you. Without a power of attorney, decisions could end up in court.”

Heller urged all adults, regardless of age, to complete the document and discuss their wishes with their chosen healthcare agent. She also walked participants through related directives covering long-term care, resuscitation wishes, and end-of-life comfort preferences.

Looking Ahead
The Marshfield Parkinson’s Disease Conference underscored both the challenges and hope surrounding the condition. With advances in research, community education, and strong caregiver support, speakers emphasized that patients can maintain dignity, independence, and connection.
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“My dream is that someday, when a young person is found to have a high risk of Parkinson’s, we’ll be able to start early treatment that delays its onset for decades,” Boero said. “That day will come—maybe not for us, but for our grandchildren.”

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