Every day is Parkinson’s Day for People with Parkinson’s.

World Parkinsons Day, 11 April 2015 – Join us!

Every day is Parkinson’s Day for People with Parkinson’s.

Press Release – Parkinson’s New Zealand

World Parkinsons Day (WPD) is celebrated every year and is dedicated to raising awareness about Parkinson’s and the impact this condition has on people’s lives.

WPD commemorates the birthday of Dr James Parkinson. The day is celebrated by Parkinson’s Divisions and Branches throughout NZ in a variety of ways; raising awareness of Parkinson's and promoting a greater understanding of this condition and how it can affect a person and their family.

“There is no reason for anyone to face Parkinson’s alone. We have Community Educators that come to your home as well as support and exercise groups throughout New Zealand” says Stephanie Clare, Parkinson’s New Zealand Clinical Lead and Acting Chief Executive.

Parkinson’s New Zealand’s Community Educator Service is leading the way in helping people with Parkinson’s by providing support, information, and education so they can be informed, feel confident and get the support they want.

“If there is a WPD activity happening in your area, I encourage you to join in! Or you can make a donation via our websitewww.parkinsons.org.nz to support our Community Educator Service to continue helping people with Parkinson’s, their familes and carers” says Stephanie.

WPD events:

• This year Parkinson’s Waikato has organised a free public seminar on current opinions in neurology, atypical Parkinsonism and treating of tremor from Dr Chris Lynch, Neurologist at Waikato Hospital. The seminar will be held at St Francis Church, 92 Mansell Avenue, Hillcrest, Hamilton on Friday 10th April 2015 at 10:00am. Contact Maryanne Taylor 027 244 4123 or Janine Mair 027 255 5123

• Parkinsons Auckland have a free public seminar “Parkinson’s and your Plumbing” with Dr Anna Lawrence, Urologist specialising in Neuro-Urology, Janet Thackray, Auckland DHB, Central Continence Nurse and Judy Hattie, Counties Manukau DHB, Continence Management Specialist, Continence New Zealand. Friday 10th April 2015 at 1:00pm in the Greenlane Christian Centre, 17 Marewa Road, Greenlane. Contact Bev on 09-278-6918 or bevr@parkinsons.org.nz

• Parkinsons Kapiti/Horowhenua has a “Big Walk” planned for Saturday 11th April 2015 from 10.30am to 1.30pm at Field 2 off Aorangi Road, Paraparaumu Domain. Contact Mandy for details on 04 293-6927.

What is Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative condition. It is caused by insufficient quantities of dopamine - a chemical in the brain. Dopamine enables quick, well-coordinated movement. When dopamine levels fall, movements become slow and awkward. Parkinson’s has both motor and non-motor symptoms, and while it cannot be cured it can be treated. As Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, it can often take many years to develop and has little effect on life expectancy. Different people will experience a different number and combination of symptoms.

Who gets Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s is relatively common. Approximately 1 in 500 people have the condition. It becomes more common with older age groups, and it is believed 1% of people above the age of 60 have Parkinson’s. The average age at diagnosis is 59.

What causes Parkinson’s?
Although we know a lot about the changes in the nerve cells of the brain in Parkinson’s, we do not yet know what causes or triggers the development of Parkinson’s. Symptoms can be treated but there is no known cure. Researchers across the world continue to investigate new treatments.

Parkinson's New Zealand offers education, information and support to people living with Parkinsonism conditions, their caregivers, friends, families and health professionals.

www.parkinsons.org.nz

https://www.facebook.com/parkinsonsnz

ENDS

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