Parkinson’s in plain english

A SEMINAR designed to help better understand Parkinson’s disease will take place at the Torquay Senior Citizens Club on April 26.

The seminar will provide advice and insight into Parkinson’s (a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement, often including tremors) using “plain English” so guests leave understanding the disease, its treatments/ therapies and latest research.

The keynote speaker for the event, Parkinson’s Victoria clinical nurse consultant Victor McConvey, has been a nurse for 25 years and worked in neurology for the past 18 years.

In his role at Parkinson’s Victoria, Mr McConvey leads the Health Team, providing direction to the development and roll out of information and peer support education programs.

Parkinson’s Victoria raises awareness and funds for services and research to improve the quality of life for 27,000 people living with Parkinson’s in Victoria.

Every day through their multi-disciplinary health team they provide information, education, advice and peer support services to improve the quality of life of the Parkinson’s community.

There are several support groups geared specifically at providing guidance to those with Parkinson’s and their families across the region including the Geelong Peer Support Group, Bellarine ‘Parkinsong’ Peer Support Group and Young @ Park Barwon Region.

The Young @ Park have been running for over a decade and with the average age of diagnosis getting younger the group that meets monthly is dedicated to meeting the social and learning needs of young people with Parkinson’s, for more information visit yap.org.au

On a larger scale World’s Parkinson’s Day takes place April 11 and encourages those affected or touched by the disease to #UniteForParkinsons.

It kicks off the InSearch Parkinson’s Research Series which will return to Melbourne for the fourth year with regional lectures in Mildura and Bairnsdale scheduled for April 19 and 24.

With more than 80,000 Australians live with this debilitating neurological condition Parkinson’s provide a free confidential information line on 1800 644 189.

Lastly throughout April, Victorians are invited to host your own Party for Parkinson’s where you can wine, dine or morning tea-it-up to raise funds for Parkinson’s Victoria Research program, contact Craig at Parkinson’s Victoria on (03) 8809 0400 to find out more.