The 5th Annual Symposium for People with Parkinson’s and Their Families held Sept. 15 in Waukesha was a success with 350 attendees, 20 exhibitors, marvelous food and conversation!
People heard from Andrew Feigin, MD, on current research in the field of Parkinson's, and while some folks thought it was a bit “over their heads,” they were grateful to learn about the advances in the field and all of the treatment options in the pipeline.
Christa Lassen-Vogel gave a practical and encouraging talk on taking control of Parkinson's as an individual through the committed incorporation of exercise, understanding the nuances of the disease and good communication with your provider. Patrick Dean gave a moving presentation on care-giving and grief, focusing on keeping joy in our lives despite the losses.
| Our own Karen Blindauer, MD, director of the Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Program at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, really stole the show with her detailed, comprehensive talk on just what is causing the variety of symptoms that can manifest as part of Parkinson’s. The fact that many of these symptoms develop years before a diagnosis of Parkinson’s is made makes finding a cure so very challenging. |
|
From left, Christopher Sheridan, RN, program coordinator of the Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Program, and Drs. Karen Blindauer and Katie Spangler. |
You may have noticed the graphic at the top of this blog for the Moving Forward ride and walk. To enable us to provide community education events like the symposium to you at an affordable price we hold a fund raiser once a year. Please register to participate, donate or volunteer at the
active.com website.
Our young onset Parkinson’s patient, Maureen Gile, and I were on the
Morning Blend last week talking about this event.