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Parkinson’s is a progressive disease that affects coordination of movement in sufferers. The condition results from a loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain. The reason behind the cell death is still unclear. Parkinson’s affects over 8,400 people in the Maritimes, (this number is expected to increase significantly over the next ten years as the population ages). While the cause of Parkinson’s is unknown and there is no known cure, physicians are now better able to diagnose the condition, which leads to earlier treatment.

The most common association with Parkinson’s is a tremor. Other symptoms include speech impairment, fatigue, impaired balance, rigidity, depression, difficulty writing, loss of facial expression, and sleep disturbance.

A person can can live with Parkinson’s for decades. Since 1993 the average age of diagnosis has decreased to 52 from 63. As a result of Michael J. Fox announcing that he has Parkinson’s, many people are now realizing that it is not necessarily an older person’s disease.

Increasing numbers of individuals are being diagnosed while still in their 30’s or 40’s. For young onset Parkinsonians, a diagnosis often means early retirement and a complete life readjustment to what had been a healthy and productive life.

Treatment with medication, and in some instances surgery, help to alleviate symptoms, but more research is needed to find the cause, improve treatment options, and to cure Parkinson’s.

Parkinson Society Maritime Region is a health charity whose mission is to ease the burden and find a cure through advocacy, education, research, and support services to improve quality of life for all those affected by Parkinson's. Head office is in Halifax., N.S. and the web page is www.parkinsonmaritimes.ca.

This Wednesday, they're organizing a free forum from 6:30 pm. to 9 p,m. in the amphitheatre at the New Brunswick Community College, College Street. Guest speakers will be Sheree Tracartin, VON Parkinson Resource Nurse, and photographer Merv Cormier, Saint John Chapter member.

This information session will be of special interest to all family physicians, nurses, pharmacists, caregivers, both professional and family, as well as anyone living with Parkinson's, their friends and family.

For more info, call Esther at (506) 455-4529 or Lynda at 1-800-663-2468.