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Hi Gang. This sounds interesting. Does anybody know if folks outside of the seven cities will access to video? (Maybe via support groups?) Joanna On Wed, 7 Jun 1995 [log in to unmask] wrote: > SURGICAL PROCEDURES, CURRENT TREATMENT FOCUS OF > "TAKING CONTROL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE" SYMPOSIUM > > June 14 Satellite Conference to Involve 6,000 Patients, Caregivers, > Physicians -- > > New York, NY, June 8 -- Recent reports of experimental and potentially fatal > surgical procedures to eliminate Parkinson's disease symptoms have raised > awareness about the disease, but may have set unrealistic expectations for > millions affected by the condition. To put surgical treatments for > Parkinson's in perspective, and provide insights on current treatment and new > research, the American Parkinson Disease Association will host "Taking > Control of Parkinson's Disease," a three-hour symposium broadcast live to > seven major US cities nationwide via satellite on Wednesday, June 14. > > The interactive event, held during Parkinson's Disease Awareness Week, will > directly involve more than 4,000 patients, caregivers and physicians who > attend official sites. Interest in this program has been widespread. In > addition to the official sites, more than 2,000 individuals -- under the > auspices of PD support groups, movement disorder centers and community > hospitals -- plan to obtain the satellite feed. > > "The search for a magic bullet to treat Parkinson's disease has been ongoing > for years and is increasing in intensity," said Ray L. Watts, MD, associate > professor, Department of Neurology and director, Movement Disorders Program, > Emory University School of Medicine. "Until the scientific community learns > more, medications and other treatments remain the best weapon against > Parkinson's in most people, as they can minimize patients' symptoms and > perhaps even slow the progression of the disease." > > Traditional medication therapy for Parkinson's disease has been Sinemetr > (levodopa/carbidopa). However, because prolonged use sometimes can result in > negative side effects and a "wearing off" phenomenon, many physicians > prescribe newer agents such as Eldeprylr (selegiline hydrochloride). > Eldepryl may help to control/delay the need for levodopa increases, minimize > levodopa-related side effects and extend the length of time that the > medication is effective. > > Other medications to treat PD symptoms include anticholinergics such as > Symmetrelr (amantadine HCL) and dopamine agonists such as Parlodelr > (bromocriptine mesylate). Dopamine agonists are medications similar enough > to dopamine to mimic its action and stimulate neurotransmission directly, > sending messages to the body to move. > > Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting > from a destruction of cells in the part of the brain that produces dopamine. > Over time, the disease causes tremors, rigidity, and loss of motor > functions, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to perform > routine activities such as walking, eating and getting out of bed. It is > estimated that approximately one million Americans have the disease, and > another 500,000 cases are either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. > > "Taking Control of Parkinson's Disease" will be beamed live from New York > City to regions with high incidence of PD: Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, > Phoenix, San Diego and Tampa. The discussion will be led by Warren Olanow, > MD, chairman, Department of Neurology, Mt. Sinai Medical Center; Ray L. > Watts, MD, associate professor of neurology and director of the Movement > Disorders Program, Emory University School of Medicine; and William Koller, > MD, chairman, Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center. > These leading Parkinson's experts will also moderate a discussion during the > program to allow participants at each site to ask questions. > > Symposium topics include: > > * Disease Management Today, a look at current treatment and lifestyle options > > > * Treatment: A Look Towards Tomorrow, in which ongoing research such as > pallidotomy and fetal tissue transplantation will be detailed > > * Lifestyle, Support Options, which will showcase valuable techniques, tips > and support programs to help patients improve their quality of life > > According to a recent APDA patient/physician survey, PD patients are taking > an active role in learning about and managing their condition. The survey > found that more than two-thirds (69%) have conducted personal research and > nearly half (46%) contact PD associations for support. It also uncovered > that nearly half (45%) want more information on how to maintain an active > lifestyle. > > "We are very pleased to be able to offer patients across the country an > opportunity to form a unique bond with others who share similar experiences > and challenges," said Sal Esposito, president, APDA. "In addition to > supporting research initiatives, our organization is committed to providing > patients and caregivers the educational tools to live a better life." > > The American Parkinson's Disease Association is a national charitable > organization dedicated to increasing PD patients' knowledge and understanding > of their disease. Further, the association aims at improving patients' > quality of life through advances in research, diagnosis and treatment. > > The following locations are official symposium sites: > > * New York City: Equitable Center, 787 Seventh Avenue @ 52nd Street > * Atlanta: Atlanta Market Center - Inforum, 250 Williams Street > * Chicago: Chicago Marriott Downtown, 540 North Michigan Avenue > * Cincinnati: Omni Netherland Plaza, 35 West 5th Street > * Phoenix: Camelback Inn, 5502 East Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale > * San Diego: Holiday Inn on the Bay, 1355 North Harbor Drive > * Tampa: Hyatt Regency - Tampa, 211 North Tampa Street > > The symposium is cosponsored by Sandoz Pharmaceuticals and Somerset > Pharmaceuticals. Over the years, these two companies have worked with APDA > and other PD associations to provide patient education to help Parkinson's > patients take control of their disease and lead productive, fulfilling lives. > > Patients, physicians and caregivers who want to participate in the symposium > can call the APDA at 1-800-223-2732 for registration information. >