To coincide with World Parkinson’s Day, Parkinson’s Awareness Month is an awareness initiative held in Canada each year in April. According to a recent study commissioned by the Public Health Agency of Canada, in partnership with Neurological Health Charities Canada, the number of Canadians over 40 living with Parkinson’s disease will increase by 65 percent, from 99,000 in 2016 to 163,700 by 2031. For health care professionals and particularly those affected by the disease, raising public awareness about Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative condition, is essential.

Adapted Programs at Cummings

At the Cummings Centre, a range of adapted programs is offered to individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease. Often referred to as a ‘boutique’ illness for the varied way its symptomatology affects each individual, participants benefit from the many classes offered which target the symptoms of the disease whether it is coordination, balance, proprioception or voice modulation. At the same time, a variety of support groups are also offered in partnership with Parkinson’s Canada.

Viviane Elnecave

Viviane Elnecave was diagnosed with Parkinson’s some 20 years ago and has been a participant in the Cummings Centre’s adapted programs for almost 10 years. Elnecave’s ongoing participation is a testament, she says, to the positive impact the program has made in her daily life. On a recent afternoon “Broadway”, a program that was innovated at the Cummings Centre and which features both music and movement, was about to begin. Viviane offered some thoughts on Parkinson’s and the program. “The programs help to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s,” she said. “I also enjoy coming to the Centre and interacting with other participants. It is good to come to a positive atmosphere. The teachers here are also very encouraging.”

The Parkinson’s Bladder and Bowel Conference

Coinciding with Parkinson’s Awareness Month the Cummings Centre, in partnership with Parkinson Canada Quebec, is organizing an afternoon conference on The Parkinson’s Bladder and Bowel, which takes place from 1 to 4 pm Tuesday, April 10. Dr Lysanne Campeau, Urologist at the Jewish General Hospital and Assistant Professor at McGill University, will discuss the challenges of the overactive bladder in Parkinson’s disease. She will be followed by a dietician who will speak on the Parkinson’s bowel. Q&A to follow.

For more information or to register call, 514.734.1819. The cost to attend is $10. Location is at Golf Dorval (Dorval Golf Club) 2000 Reverchon Avenue, Dorval. Free parking. Transportation to and from Cummings. (Space is limited; registration in advance is necessary).