Thursday, April 11, 2019
VOLUME 1 I ISSUE 41
MERIDIANSOURCE.CA
Symposium supports Parkinson group GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. Short of a cure, people with Parkinson disease in the Lloydminster region are hitching their hopes on new treatments that will improve their quality of life. That’s what attracted about 40 people with Parkinson and their supporters to a Knowledge is Power symposium at the Days Hotel & Suites on April 4. “It’s really an opportunity for individuals living with Parkinson and their family members to learn a little bit more about the disease and medication,” said John Petryshen CEO, Parkinson Association of Alberta. Parkinson affects motor and non-motor functions due to a lack of dopamine in the brain with early symptoms such as rigidity, shaking and difficulty with walking. There is no cure yet, but symptoms can be improved with medication, diet and exercise. Petryshen says a lot of people with Parkinson will be taking between
three and 15 pills a day. “Their diet is a contributor to how that medication can take effect, so really, it’s about providing people with quality education information,” he said. He notes the Parkinson Association has been working very closely with research facilities in Alberta and the number-one treatment plan outside of medication is exercise. “That will help alleviate some of the symptoms of Parkinson— right now. A lot of the research that’s been done is helping with quality of life, “ said Petryshen. The event was organized by Sherry BowerGagne, Lloydminster’s client services coordinator for Parkinson with April being Parkinson awareness month. “We’re learning about the Parkinson Association as a whole and we’re learning about medication and exercise and nutrition, and how everything works together to help people with Parkinson disease,” she said.
The event included presentations on medication by Lloydminster and District Co-op Pharmacy manager Michelle Teasdale. The agenda included talks on exercise by Annette Zachow, a specialist from the Lloydminster Primary Care Network, and nutrition by a registered dietician, Sydney Ronyk with the network. Petryshen says the Parkinson Association is holding a lot of these community conversations across the province this month in the hope people with Parkinson will share their story. “ It ’s import ant f or people to share the effects of the disease on the individual and the family members,” he said. “For me, that’s critical, because right now, the image is it’s just an old person’s disease.” Tina Wall, who lives in Bonnyville, was diagnosed with Parkinson four years ago at age 38. She came to the symposium with her mom,
Geoff Lee Meridian Source
Tina Wall, left, from Bonnyville and her Lloydminster mom, Vicky Smith, check out information about Parkinson disease during a Parkinson Knowledge is Power symposium at the Days Hotel and Suites on April 4.
Vicky Smith from Lloydminster, to get more information and speak with other people with Parkinson and their supporters. “I learned they’re going through the same stuff as we are,” she said. Wall attends a support group in her community once a month to learn more about medication, nutrition and exercise. “I do find my symptoms are better when I
exercise,” she said. Smith is encouraged with the support available for her daughter, especially in Alberta compared to Newfoundland when she grew up. She heard it takes two years for a Parkinson doctor to see a patient there. “So I am really happy she’s here now,” said Smith. Available support in this region includes oneon-one in-home coun-
selling on how to live better with Parkinson. Sonia and Doug Morgan from Wainwright came to the symposium to learn what kind of support they can provide to a family member recently diagnosed with Parkinson. “We came to learn about drugs and new diets and exercise and things that were important,” said Sonia. “It will help us to identify and relate.”