We’re looking forward to hearing talks by two fantastic presenters; Dr. Angela Roberts from Western University and Professor Heather Keller from Waterloo University. Between the two presentations, our conference attendees will participate in a Motion Break. After lunch, there will be an opportunity to listen to a moderated fireside chat with our distinguished speakers and contribute to an interactive Q&A session.
April 12, 2024
St. Mary’s Golf & Country Club
10:00am – 3:00pm
Eating Well for Parkinson’s — A healthy diet can benefit us all. People living with Parkinson’s Disease can benefit from following a diet high in antioxidants and fibre and low in saturated fat. Symptoms can be managed by considering timing of protein and increasing intake of vitamin C, fibre and caffeine. Parkinson’s can also increase risk for osteoporosis, unintentional changes in weight, swallowing and chewing difficulties, constipation and dehydration, all of which have a diet management strategy. This presentation will review these issues, providing recommendations to mange your diet.
Building Effective Strategies for Communication Challenges in Parkinson Disease – Fostering Better Health, Relationships, and Quality of Life — Communication is an essential behaviour for humans – and one we often take for granted. Parkinson disease makes communicating more challenging for people and their family, friends, colleagues, and healthcare providers. Changes in communication (difficulty finding words, losing train of thought, speaking quietly) typically worsens with disease progression but can occur early for some people. These changes can significantly impact social interactions and relationships – contributing to social isolation. Social isolation has been linked to several negative health outcomes including increased risk for dementia. Effective communication allows people to express their unique identity and convey their wants and needs. Strong communication with healthcare professionals aids in timely interventions, optimizing care and quality of life.
Dr. Roberts will provide an overview of the current research on communication changes in Parkinson disease. The talk will focus on strategies and interventions for improving communication and facilitating social engagement. The talk will focus on how Involving family, friends, colleagues, and healthcare providers helps to create a supportive network that strengthens social connections and health.
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One of four PSSO conferences happening during the month of April, the Central Region’s Living Well Conference is being convened on April 12th, 2024 in beautiful St. Mary’s. Join us for a local day of learning, enjoyment, and fellowship!
Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario will host the 2025 Central Region Living Well Conference on Friday, April 4th, in Tillsonburg. This will be the first of four PSSO conferences happening in Spring 2025.
We’re looking forward to hearing talks by two fantastic presenters. Dr. Deepa Dash of Western University, no stranger to the PSSO conference stage, and Dr. Reina Persaud also hailing from London Ontario will be joining us. Between the two presentations, our conference attendees will participate in a Motion Break. After lunch, there will be an opportunity to listen to a moderated fireside chat with our distinguished speakers and contribute to an interactive Q&A session.
This full-day, in-person event is an opportunity to connect with others in the Parkinson’s community and hear from expert speakers on topics designed to help you live well with Parkinson’s disease.
Breakfast (9-10AM)
• Coffee, Tea & Muffins
Lunch (noon)
• Soup
• Assorted Sandwiches / Buns / Croissants
• Squares, Cookies and Tarts
April 4, 2025
Tillsonburg Community Centre
10:00am – 3:00pm
How the non-motor symptoms of PD affect Mental Health
Persons living with PD may experience symptoms that affect their mental health. Dr. Dash’s talk will provide a general overview of the possible non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s and we will explore ways to attempt to mitigate those affects by offering suggestions to improve quality of life. She will be sharing definitions and suggesting therapeutic coping mechanisms for each of the following:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Apathy
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
Dr. Dash will also touch on Anticipatory Grief (tied into anxiety) as it pertains to persons with Parkinson’s and their carepartners.
Naturopathy approaches those with PD and Mental Health
Naturopathy approaches those with Parkinson’s disease and mental health in a holistic manner that would encompass the underlying causes and use individualized treatments. Naturopathic methods would optimize nutrition, improve digestion, resolve environmental toxicity, target exercises and enhance lifestyle changes. Therapies include the use of acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal remedies. Using a mind-body approach, naturopathy treats mental health concerns such as stress, insomnia, anxiety, depression and addiction by restoring normal functioning to the body’s biological processes.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and empower yourself on your Parkinson’s journey.
Register today to secure your spot!
Speakers
Dr. Deepa Dash
Dr. Deepa Dash is a Neurologist and Movement disorder specialist and clinical researcher at Western University. She has expertise in the diagnosis and clinical management of patients with Parkinson’s disease, complex movement disorders, and the implementation of advanced therapies such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), and continuous infusion of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel. Dr. Dash is actively involved in the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society’s evidence-based medical reviews on treatments for movement disorders. Her research focuses on patient-oriented approaches to meeting the unmet needs of people with Parkinson’s disease and developing innovative solutions by shared decision-making.
Dr. Reina Persaud, BSc, ND
Dr. Reina Persaud, BSc, ND has been successfully practicing for over 25 years in London, ON while embracing the naturopathic principle of treating the root cause of disease. Believing firmly in living a balanced and positive lifestyle, she strives to help her patients attain their optimal health. She has taken part in studies concerning rehabilitation for stroke patients as well as neuromuscular research. Dr. Persaud lectures widely to corporations, health organizations and academic institutions on naturopathic therapies intertwined with evidence based research. She is proud of her children, and her oldest, Cadence is the President of the Western University Students Fight Parkinson’s Club.
Dr. Reina Persaud, BSc, ND
Dr. Reina Persaud, BSc, ND has been successfully practicing for over 25 years in London, ON while embracing the naturopathic principle of treating the root cause of disease. Believing firmly in living a balanced and positive lifestyle, she strives to help her patients attain their optimal health. She has taken part in studies concerning rehabilitation for stroke patients as well as neuromuscular research. Dr. Persaud lectures widely to corporations, health organizations and academic institutions on naturopathic therapies intertwined with evidence based research. She is proud of her children, and her oldest, Cadence is the President of the Western University Students Fight Parkinson’s Club.
Dr. Deepa Dash
Dr. Deepa Dash is a Neurologist and Movement disorder specialist and clinical researcher at Western University. She has expertise in the diagnosis and clinical management of patients with Parkinson’s disease, complex movement disorders, and the implementation of advanced therapies such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), and continuous infusion of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel. Dr. Dash is actively involved in the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society’s evidence-based medical reviews on treatments for movement disorders. Her research focuses on patient-oriented approaches to meeting the unmet needs of people with Parkinson’s disease and developing innovative solutions by shared decision-making.
Registration