2018 Gathering of Advocacy Network
In Sydney, the annual Parkinson's Support Group Conference brought together over 90 representatives from Parkinson's NSW Support Groups to discuss the latest research and treatments for the disease. The event, which took place in 2018, awarded research grants for studies aimed at improving the quality of life for people living with Parkinson's.
One of the keynote speakers at the conference was Associate Professor Rachel Rossiter from Charles Sturt University, who presented an update on her team's research into the value of Parkinson's nurses based in regional communities. Rossiter's team's work is a significant step towards ensuring that people living with Parkinson's in rural areas have access to the same level of care as those in urban areas.
Unfortunately, no new updates on the latest research and treatments for Parkinson's were presented at the conference. However, recent Australian events like the 18th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Neuromodulation Society of Australia and New Zealand (NSANZ, August 2025, Sydney) emphasize advances in neuromodulation therapies such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and spinal cord stimulation, which are important in managing Parkinson’s symptoms.
Professor Simon Lewis from the Brain & Mind Centre of the University of Sydney was also a presenter at the conference. Lewis spoke at a sold-out public seminar titled "Is CURE a four-letter word for Parkinson's?". The seminar went beyond discussing common issues like falls, constipation, and erectile dysfunction, offering a more comprehensive view of the disease. John Watkins AM, former Deputy Premier of NSW who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's, was another presenter at the conference.
The event also included inspirational speakers, demonstrations of music, dance, art, exercise, non-contact boxing, and meditation for people living with Parkinson's. Participants had many opportunities to share ideas with other people living with Parkinson's and received updates on the latest research and treatments for the disease.
For more information about Associate Professor Rachel Rossiter's research, you can watch a video of her presentation (with subtitles) here. Unfortunately, no link to the video of Professor Simon Lewis's presentation was provided in the article.
While no direct search results specifically detail the latest research and progress in Parkinson's disease presented at the 2018 Support Group Conference in Sydney, the conference remains a valuable source of information and support for those affected by the disease. For detailed historical conference proceedings, contacting the organizing bodies or Parkinson’s support organizations in Sydney could provide direct archival information.
- Despite the 2018 Parkinson's Support Group Conference not presenting new research updates, recent Australian events like the 18th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Neuromodulation Society of Australia and New Zealand (NSANZ, August 2025, Sydney) highlight advances in neuromodulation therapies for managing Parkinson’s symptoms.
- At the conference, Associate Professor Rachel Rossiter from Charles Sturt University presented an update on her team's research into the value of Parkinson's nurses based in regional communities, a significant step towards providing the same level of care to people in rural areas as those in urban areas.
- In addition to scientific discussions, the event featured inspirational speakers, demonstrations of music, dance, art, exercise, non-contact boxing, and meditation for people living with Parkinson's, offering a holistic approach to health-and-wellness that encompasses mental-health and fitness-and-exercise.
- The conference also provided participants with opportunities to share ideas, learn from other people living with Parkinson's, and receive updates on the latest research and treatments for the disease, emphasizing the importance of support groups in managing neurological-disorders like Parkinson's.
- While the article does not provide a link to the video of Professor Simon Lewis's presentation, the conference serves as a valuable source of information and support for those affected by Parkinson's, warranting further exploration through contacting the organizing bodies or Parkinson’s support organizations for more detailed historical conference proceedings.
