All members of the Parkinson's community are encouraged to attend - people living with Parkinson's, their families, neurologists, allied health professionals, nurses, researchers, students and anyone with an interest in Parkinson's.

Download the Program Brochure and Registration form

On World Parkinson's Day, Wednesday 11 April, we lit up Melbourne's skyline in support of people living with Parkinson's The spectacular, cutting-edge geodesic dome roof of AAMI Park Stadium in Batman Avenue was illuminated with 1,544 green LED lights as dusk set over the city.  Think that's a lot of lights?  Well for each single bulb, there are more than twelve Victorians living with the condition - day in, day out. With the twinkling and sparkling of every light, consider the awareness and optimism they represent.

Parkinson's Live Webcast

Rural Health Education Foundation Broadcast

At 8.00pm on Tuesday 22 May the Rural Health Education Foundation will run a live webcast and Satellite TV Broadcast 'Parkinson's: The Latest Approaches'.

Dr Norman Swan will chair a leading panel, discussin the latest advances in diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of Parkinson's disease.

The webcast can be viewed online at www.rhef.com.au or download the Parkinson's: The Latest Approaches flyer here to learn more.

New Research Opportunities

Essence Project: The impact of a mindfulness-based lifestyle program for Parkinson's Disease

The Essence Program is a 6-week mindfulness and lifestyle course developed by Dr Craig Hassed from Monash University.

The study aims to find out if this program has any impact on Parkinson's related function, health behaviours, mental health and self-empowerment.

Participants are required to attend a weekly 90 minute group session which will be run on Tuesday nights between 6pm and 8pm, beginning in May.

For more information or to express an interest in participating, contact the Health Team at Parkinson's Victoria on (03) 9581 8700.

Have you had a stroke or been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease?

Common conditions associated with ageing, including stroke and Parkinson's disease, affect an individual's health, functioning and social participation. Social, cultural, economic and geographic factors influence how people adjust to life after a stroke or Parkinson's disease diagnosis. This project seeks to explore the understandings and experiences of people who have experienced one of these conditions; it also examines what factors might impact upon individual and family adjustment, and how and whether this changes over time.

Click here to find out more about these or any other opportunities to participate in Parkinson's research.

Market Research

Getting to know you

Over coming months, Parkinson's Victoria will be undertaking a series of research project's to understand how we can enhance and develop our support programs for the Parkinson's community.

The research to be undertaken will include face-to-face/ phone interviews and an online survey. To begin with, we are currently seeking volunteers who would like to share their Parkinson's story and experiences via a 45 minute interview.

Your participation would be enormously valuable as we search for ways to improve our service and outcomes for those diagnosed with Parkinson's.

Participant information and feedback will remain confidential. Research results and recommendations will be shared with participants and our members later in the year.

If you would like to participate in this important research please contact John Williams at Disegno Group: (03) 9690 0905, who will be very happy to speak with you personally.

Special Seminar Event: Meet the Experts

Practical Advice from National and International Rehabilitation Experts on Physical Activity, Exercise and Lifestyle For Living Well with Parkinson's.

Sunday 20 May 2012, 11am to 3pm, Hemisphere Convention Centre, South Road, Moorabbin

On Sunday 20 May, the most exciting workshop will be run for people with Parkinson's and their partners. Seven world class rehabilitation experts will be sharing their knowledge about physical activity, exercise and lifestyle for living well with Parkinson's. The event will include hands-on activities and demonstrations.

The number of seats are limited. There will be a maximum of 40 seats for people with Parkinson's and 40 seats for carers or family members. There is a $15 fee per head to cover lunches and afternoon tea. If you are on a pension, it will be $15 per couple.

Download the Meet the Experts flyer to learn more about this event.

* This event has been funded by the Colin and Sheila Marshall trust

PLEASE NOTE:  THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED OUT

Medication Update

Recent changes to the presentation of Sinemet and Sinemet CR tablets

Parkinson's Victoria has been made aware of some changes to the presentation of the Sinemet, and the controlled release form of  the tablet, Sinemet CR.

The most significant alteration is that this tablet will no longer be scored and cannot be safely broken in half. People who use ½ Sinemet and Sinemet CR tablets as part of their medication regime will need to seek advice from their neurologist or general practitioner. Other changes to the Sinment CR tablet is the medication will now be purple and will no longer carry the letters MSD, or be labelled Sinemet CR.

Read the consumer information leaflets - Sinemet presentation change    Sinemet CR presentation change

Michael J Fox interview

Channel 7 Sunday Night program recently featured an interview with Michael J Fox. If you missed it, you can watch it by clicking on the link below.

Michael J Fox interview on the Sunday Night program

Parkinson's in the media

Parkinson's Nurse Specialists curbing disability and depression

Parkinson's nurse specialists significantly reduce the physical and psychological burden encountered by Victorians living with a common, chronic brain disorder and their carers, according to landmark research to be released at a national nursing conference.

Read the official Media Release here

Also in the media is a report stating that unless funding is provided for Parkinson's Nurses, there will be an influx of people living with Parkinson's entering aged care facilities. Read the full article 'Parkinson's patients to swamp homes'.

Signpost Autumn 2012 now available

Featured Resource

Day by Day Parkinson's Diary 2012 now available

An Australian resource specifically designed to provide people with Parkinson's and their carers a 'one-stop shop' record book where one is able to gain up-to-date information about the disease.

Visit the Parkinsons Day by Day website for more information

In other news....