In this episode, host Ken Vinacco talks with guests Andrew Rosen and Ashley Durando to discuss the National Ataxia Foundation mission and resources.
The Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of
Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuroPT.org
For questions about this podcast, please contact [email protected].
Guest Information
Andrew Rosen, CEO of the National Ataxia Foundation
Ashley Dorundo, PT, DPT, DD SIG Liaison to the National Ataxia Foundation
Resources from the NAF
https://www.ataxia.org/
763-553-0020
[email protected]
Centers of Excellence: https://www.ataxia.org/ace/
No-cost genetic testing program: https://www.ataxia.org/genetics/
Support Groups: https://www.ataxia.org/support-groups/
NAF Events: https://www.ataxia.org/events/
Health Care Provider Resources: https://www.ataxia.org/provider-resources/
Fact sheets: https://www.ataxia.org/fact-sheets/
Exercise videos: https://www.ataxia.org/exercise/
General references: https://www.ataxia.org/general-references/
Citation: Rosen A, Dorundo A, Vinacco K. DD SIG Navigating the Path Episode 5: The National Ataxia Foundation. 4D: Deep Dive Into Degenerative Diseases, a podcast of the ANPT
Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group. Published 07/31/2025.
https://podcasts.neuropt.org/?p=1985
This is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute forclinical decision making. The Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy and its collaborators disclaim any liability to any party for any loss or damage by errors or omissions in this publication. The views or opinions expressed are those of the individual creators and do not necessarily represent the position of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy.

In this episode, host Ken Vinacco talks with guest Gia Mannone to discuss the resources that the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA www.hdsa.org ) offers for people with HD. Gia discusses events, ways to find specialized medical care, and education for people with HD in all stages of the disease. If you treat people with HD, you’ll likely find something new to share after a listen!  

The Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuroPT.org 

For questions about this podcast, please contact [email protected].

Show notes available: https://app.box.com/s/87w9nzdiaqqyo937ibcgc392hifagq8m

This episode of 4D highlights results and implications from an article in the July 2025 Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy special issue on walking in people with neurological health conditions. Host Parm Padgett interviews two authors, Michael (Mike) VanNostrand and Patrick (Paddy) Monaghan, about their recent study examining the role of proprioception in backward walking in people with multiple sclerosis, as well as previous work related to backward walking. If you’re curious about how to interpret backwards walking and incorporate it into your clinical practice, this episode is for you!   

Show notes available: https://app.box.com/s/0om94igfagb23nzm8v7ck18gx3mkj5l7  

The Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of  Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuroPT.org 

For questions about this podcast, please contact [email protected]. 
 

In this episode, host Ken Vinacco interviews Franchino Porciuncula, the winner of the DDSIG platform award at CSM 2025 in Houston, TX. They discuss his research related to utilizing closed-loop, music-based rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) with people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). They review the impact on real-world walking and gait quality, as well as participant feedback. He discusses ways to integrate use of RAS in clinic, highlighting both the complex nature of PD and challenges and limitations observed in this randomized clinical trial.  

The Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of 
Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuroPT.org

Show notes: https://app.box.com/s/yqos32rt9wf5ofdshnsiwedxh8ftny7i

In this episode, host Ken Vinacco sits down with guests Lauren LaMar and Kyle Vasher to discuss the range of resources that the ALS Association offers for people with ALS. Lauren shares her role in the multidisciplinary clinic as well as the range of online, local and one-on-one support services offered for patients and caregivers. Kyle adds his input as a DD SIG liaison and treating therapist. Filled with great advice, perspective and practical resources to share with patients, this is a helpful listen for PTs treating patients with ALS.  

The Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of 
Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuroPT.org 

For questions about this podcast, please contact [email protected]. 
 

Resources from the ALS Association 

Medicare information: https://www.als.org/navigating-als/financial-information/medicare-information 

Caregiver education and support groups: https://www.als.org/navigating-als/support-for-caregivers  

Care Matters newsletter: https://www.als.org/care-matters-sign-up  

Multidisciplinary clinic locator: https://www.als.org/support/certified-centers-clinics 

Education for healthcare professionals: https://www.als.org/navigating-als/education-healthcare-professionals 

     – Rehabilitative Care for ALS: Guidance for PTs and OTs: https://app.schoox.com/login.php?courseId=8207995  

Printed materials: https://www.als.org/order-portal  

Transfer technique videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6QI9CQO63I&list=PL2RF9Bwbv6Com3nZM-jFh_EGl3Gmn6S43 

Virtual home modification and safety assessment program: https://www.als.org/support/programs/virtual-home-modification-and-safety-assessment-program  

ALS Insurance Navigator https://www.als.org/support/als-insurance-navigator 

ALS Advocacy Team https://www.als.org/advocacy/action-center  

Show notes: https://app.box.com/s/q45h3p0fsgiuzluwxtzajnupp5hyofr2

In this insightful episode, host Parm Padgett sits down with Dr. Alice Nieuwboer, a leading expert in Parkinson’s rehabilitation, to unpack the complex and frustrating phenomenon of freezing of gait (FOG). From the role of dopamine loss and neural “overload” to the influence of stress, motor challenges, and cognitive demands, Dr. Nieuwboer explains what we know about the factors influencing FOG. She also shares the latest research on freezing subtypes, how medication impacts symptoms, and why defining FOG remains a moving target. Full of clinical pearls and research updates, this conversation offers fresh hope and practical strategies for therapists and clinicians navigating the challenges treating people with FOG.  

Show notes available: https://app.box.com/s/gcyeiq1xk326ltqxj6zgemlfqtkgoooa  

The Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of  Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuroPT.org 

For questions about this podcast, please contact [email protected].

In this episode, host Ken Vinacco sits down with special guest Donna Sperlakis to explore the wide range of resources and support services offered by the Parkinson’s Foundation. Together, they dive into the educational tools, community programs, and research initiatives designed to empower individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their families. Donna shares personal insights and expert advice on how to access these resources and make the most of the resources offered. This conversation provides valuable information and encouragement for everyone touched by Parkinson’s. 

The Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuroPT.org
For questions about this podcast, please contact [email protected].

Show notes available here: https://app.box.com/s/a97fdclbbznlsqti6uhvh01ctwlnykly

Tune in to the first episode of our new series, Navigating the Path: Resources for Patients with Neurodegenerative Diseases, which highlights organizations that provide resources and information to people with neurodegenerative diseases. In this episode, Lauren Corley, a National MS Society representative, joins our host Christina Burke to explore the many resources and programs offered by the society. From financial assistance for assistive devices to continuing education opportunities for clinicians, learn how the National MS Society is making a meaningful impact in the MS community. They are both joined by Gregory Brusola, a board member of the DD SIG and coordinator of the DD SIG liaison program, who discusses the role of DD SIG liaisons and connections for PTs with the National MS Society. 

The Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of  Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuroPT.org 

For questions about this podcast, please contact [email protected]. 

Show notes available

Visit the National MS Society website for more information on their programs
 

In this episode, Parm interviews Lisa Inglis, the winner of the DDSIG poster award at CSM 2025 in Houston. Lisa, a PT and professor at Daemen college, explains her research related to measuring backward walking and comparing backward walking characteristics of people with and without Parkinson’s Disease (PD). She goes on to discuss potential uses of backward gait assessment in PT practice.  

The Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of  Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuroPT.org

Show notes available here

Join our podcast team members, Sara Zoeller and Parm Padgett, as they discuss the in-person and on-demand degenerative diseases programming (and some DD-adjacent talks) at this year’s CSM in Houston, TX. This podcast highlights talks and authors to help you plan your best CSM experience, complete with fun haikus and a CSM song at the very end of the bloopers – listen for that! The DD SIG committee and members of the 4D podcast team will be visible at the poster session on Friday from 1-3 pm and at the Myelin Melter on Friday evening. Please come find us and introduce yourself, we’d love to hear your ideas for our podcast (comments, future topics, etc). Happy CSM! 

The Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group is part of the Academy of 
Neurologic Physical Therapy – www.neuroPT.org 

For questions about this podcast, please contact [email protected].

Show notes available at: https://app.box.com/s/9zeyy65ft2pdksilfh28orw5dworu6vu