Event: 2018 Support Group Conference
Sydney played host to the 2018 Parkinson's Disease Support Group Conference, an event that brought together researchers, healthcare professionals, and individuals living with Parkinson's to discuss the latest advancements in research and treatments, as well as holistic care approaches.
Professor Simon Lewis from the Brain & Mind Centre of the University of Sydney and Associate Professor Rachel Rossiter of Charles Sturt University were among the esteemed presenters at the conference. Professor Lewis delivered a public seminar titled "Is CURE a four-letter word for Parkinson's?" while Associate Professor Rossiter presented an update on her team's research into the value of Parkinson's nurses based in regional communities.
The conference provided numerous opportunities for people living with Parkinson's to share ideas and experiences with each other, fostering a sense of community and support. Participants received updates on the latest research and treatments for Parkinson's, including the inevitability of dementia 20 years after Parkinson’s diagnosis, as confirmed by a major 2018 study from Sydney[1].
Parallel global efforts continue to explore disease-modifying drugs and neuroprotective agents, with trials on agents like Exenatide, a diabetes drug repurposed to slow Parkinson’s progression, being a significant focus[2]. Australian organizations, such as the Shake It Up Foundation, have been at the forefront of promoting patient support, education, and research funding to enhance treatment availability and community engagement[3][4].
The conference also emphasised multidisciplinary care, covering medication management, physical/occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutrition, and mental health to improve quality of life for those affected. Demonstrations of music, dance, art, exercise, non-contact boxing, and meditation were held for those living with Parkinson's, offering practical ways to manage symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle.
John Watkins AM, former Deputy Premier of NSW, was also a speaker at the conference as he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's. His presence served as a powerful reminder of the impact of the disease on individuals and the importance of ongoing support and research.
Over 90 representatives from Parkinson's NSW Support Groups participated in the annual conference, marking a significant gathering of individuals and organisations dedicated to improving the lives of those living with Parkinson's. A video of Professor Simon Lewis's public seminar (with subtitles) and the Support Group Conference 2018 are available for those who were unable to attend[5][6].
For more detailed information about the research grants awarded at the conference or the presentations made by various speakers, it may be necessary to consult conference proceedings or contact Parkinson's Australia directly, as publicly indexed sources do not provide a dedicated summary of the event.
[1] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mds.27840 [2] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41524-018-0131-z [3] https://www.shakeitup.org.au/ [4] https://www.parkinsonsaustralia.org.au/about-us/our-story/ [5] https://www.our website/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Support-Group-Conference-2018_Medium-1.mp4 [6] https://www.our website/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Professor-Simon-Lewis-Public-Seminar-Is-CURE-a-four-letter-word-for-Parkinsons-_Medium.mp4
- Researchers, healthcare professionals, and individuals living with Parkinson's discussed the latest advancements in music therapy as a holistic care approach for managing symptoms during the 2018 Parkinson's Disease Support Group Conference in Sydney.
- The conference highlighted the importance of mental health in managing neurological disorders like Parkinson's, with sessions on meditation and non-contact boxing being offered to participants.
- Science and medicine collaborated to explore the potential of nerve-protective agents like Exenatide, a drug previously used for diabetes, in slowing the progression of Parkinson's.
- During the conference, the value of support groups was emphasized, particularly in promoting the overall health and wellness of individuals dealing with Parkinson's, ensuring they receive appropriate nutrition, and addressing mental health concerns.
- Alongside academic presentations, the conference featured real-life stories from individuals like John Watkins AM, a former Deputy Premier of NSW, who shared his personal experiences with living with Parkinson's and the impact it has on daily life, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and research.
