Parkinson's and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases
A live and interactive CPD webinar exploring the latest research, functional changes, and the role of exercise in prevention and management.Â
Webinar Overview
Neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease can affect almost every part of a person’s movement and function. For podiatrists and other allied health professionals, the first signs we encounter may be quite practical: a change in gait, reduced stride length, difficulty turning, poorer balance or a change in the way a patient wears their shoes.
This live webinar brings together neuroscience, exercise physiology and podiatry to look at neurodegenerative disease from three different but connected perspectives.
You’ll hear from neuroscientist Dr Brandon Meyerink from the Van Andel Institute about what current research tells us about Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Max Martin, Accredited Exercise Physiologist, will then look at the functional changes associated with Parkinson’s disease and the role of exercise in maintaining movement, function and independence.
This presentation is generously sponsored by Tarkine Footwear, an Australian owned running shoe brand that supports the protection of wilderness. In addition to donating funds to the Van Andel Institute, Tarkine will be giving away a pair of shoes during the webinar.
You're Invited
Neurodegenerative Diseases Webinar
This webinar brings together neuroscience, exercise physiology and podiatry to look at neurodegenerative disease from three different but connected perspectives.
$20.00 AUD
Pay what you want.* Proceeds donated to the Van Andel Institute
Pay what you want, starting at $20. This is a fundraiser for the Van Andel Institute, which pursues breakthroughs in cancer, neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders and more through an intense focus on the foundations of health and the origins of disease.Â
This purchase allows you to attend the live online webinar, plus access to the recording for three months.
You will receive a certificate of attendance for your CPD records.
Presenters
Dr Brandon Meyerink - Neuroscientist, Van Andel Institute
Brandon is a neuroscientist with expertise in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. He received his PhD in 2025 from the University of South Dakota, where his doctoral research used gene editing to model neurodegenerative diseases and explore the role of autophagy in neurons.
In 2025, Brandon joined Van Andel Institute as a postdoctoral fellow. His broader research interests centre on how neurons maintain their function and what happens at a cellular level when that maintenance fails.
Max Martin, AEP - Director & Senior Exercise Physiologist, iNform Healthcare
Max is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and has spent more than 25 years helping people reclaim their capacity — physically, mentally, and professionally. He is committed to equipping and coaching his clients and community to develop sustainable exercise and health behaviours to ensure great quality of life and healthy ageing.
Max completed an Applied Science Degree (Exercise and Sports Science) in 1998, and an Honours Degree in Human Movement in 2000. He has multiple peer-reviewed publications in the areas of exercise physiology and musculoskeletal sport sciences, and is a regular guest university lecturer.
What We'll Cover
Understanding neurodegenerative disease
Dr Brandon Meyerink will take us inside current research into Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases. He’ll explain what happens to neurons as these conditions develop, including protein aggregation, changes in neural connections and some of the reasons these changes can be difficult to detect with standard imaging.
He’ll also discuss current thinking around risk factors, including genetics, environmental exposures and cellular stress, and look at how researchers are working towards earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
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Parkinson’s disease, movement and exercise
What happens to movement as Parkinson’s disease progresses, and where does exercise fit?
Max Martin will look at the functional changes associated with Parkinson’s disease and what these mean for day-to-day movement, mobility and independence. He’ll also discuss the evidence for exercise and how appropriately prescribed exercise can support people living with Parkinson’s.
For podiatrists, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and other allied health professionals, this session will help connect the underlying disease process with the changes you may see in gait and function.
Please Join Us
Neurodegenerative Diseases Webinar
This webinar brings together neuroscience, exercise physiology and podiatry to look at neurodegenerative disease from three different but connected perspectives.
$20.00 AUD
Pay what you want.* Proceeds donated to the Van Andel Institute
Pay what you want, starting at $20. This is a fundraiser for the Van Andel Institute, which pursues breakthroughs in cancer, neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders and more through an intense focus on the foundations of health and the origins of disease.Â
This purchase allows you to attend the live online webinar, plus access to the recording for three months.
You will receive a certificate of attendance for your CPD records.
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