INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Dance and other types of movement play important roles in maintaining balance and a sense of well-being for those with Parkinson’s disease. Highlighting the benefits of these types of movement is a focus of the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County’s upcoming annual Parkinson’s Awareness Conference.
Taking place during Parkinson’s Awareness Month, the conference will be held 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, at the Moorings Yacht & Country Club, 100 Harbour Dr., in Vero Beach.
People who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, along with friends and loved ones and those who treat them are encouraged to attend.
The featured speaker at this year’s conference will be Dr. Madeleine Hackney from the Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics at Emory University in Georgia, who will be presenting about her work tying movement studies with dance.
Dr. Hackney is a former ballroom dancer and instructor who studied movement science at Washington University in St. Louis, where she received her PhD. Her scientific efforts examine neural mechanisms for improvements in Parkinson’s disease-related mobility impairment.
“We are pleased to have Dr. Hackney join us to present her latest findings and share her insight gained from observing and guiding the movement of hundreds of individuals throughout her career,” said Alzheimer & Parkinson Association Executive Director Peggy Cunningham. “Dance, especially the tango, is an activity often recommended for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.”
Parkinson’s disease falls within a group of conditions called movement disorders. The disease’s symptoms grow worse over time and include tremor of the hands, arms, legs or jaw; rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; slowness of movement; and instability of posture or impaired balance and coordination.
Research shows that exercise is beneficial to people with Parkinson’s as it can improve their balance and mobility and therefore enhance their quality of life.
To register to attend the conference, contact Alzheimer & Parkinson Association by calling (772) 563-0505. The conference registration fee is $10 and refreshments will be provided.
For more information about the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County, including the programs and services it offers, visit www.alzpark.org.