Parkinson’s conference highlights treatments

Green Valley News

Brain health is a much-discussed topic both in scientific journals and the lay press, including Time magazine’s cover story on Jan. 29, 2007 titled “Brain: A User’s Guide.”

Brain health and lifestyle changes, specifically for Parkinson’s disease patients and their caregivers will be a major topic at the 10th Annual Power Over Parkinson’s Conference, Thursday, March 8, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Desert Diamond Casino in Sahuarita.

“The conference has enjoyed tremendous support from its long-term sponsor, the Arizona Parkinson’s Support group of Green Valley,” said Cynthia Holmes, senior program coordinator .

She said that until this year, the event was known as the annual Lunch and Learn Conference.

Changing the name to the Power Over Parkinson’s conference and moving to a nearly day-long format “reflects the proactive approach to Parkinson’s that the American Parkinson’s Disease Association has come to stand for in Arizona,” she said.

The conference will feature some Green Valley speakers, including Ed “Thumper” Thornton and his wife Victoria, owners of Mind to Motion, who will give a talk and demonstration of Pilates and Parkinson’s between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

The conference will feature Damian Leuck, manager of Green Valley’s Bike and Hike, who will provide information on the beneficial uses of recumbent bikes for Parkinson’s patients.

A representative from Green Valley Assistance Services, a non-profit social services agency, will also be present to explain the agency’s services for caregivers and patients.

And Karen Haley, hynotherapist and behavior therapist in Green Valley, will present information on the services she can provide to caregivers and patients alike.

Featured speakers are Paul Nussbaum, Ph.D., a clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in aging across the lifespan and brain health.

An adjunct associate professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Nussabaum provides national and international lectures on the human brain, brain-behavior, diseases of the brain, and brain health promotion.

His talk on “Brain Health and Wellness” starts at 10:30 a.m.

The other featured speaker is Graham Glass, M.D. whose topic is “Why Medications May Not Be Enough: When to Consider Deep Brain Stimulation and What to Expect.”

His lecture begins at 1:30 p.m.

Glass, an assistant clinical professor of neurology at the University of California in San Francisco School of Medicine, specializes in the the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders.

Exhibits include one on medications, deep brain stimulation, nutrition, acupuncture, massage, reflexology, supplement, Tai Chi, pilates, guided imagery, self-hypnosis, biofeedback, aerobic exercise, in-home services, assisted living and clinical trials.

Registration fee is $25 per person, which covers admission to the program, handouts and lunch.

There’s a $5 discount for residents of Green Valley and dues-paying members.

Registration deadline is March 1. For more information or to register, call (520) 326-5400.

kengle@gvnews.com | 547-9732