More than 90 representatives from Parkinson’s NSW Support Groups from across NSW recently participated in our annual Support Group Conference in Sydney.

Participants heard inspirational speakers, received updates on the latest in research and treatments for Parkinson’s, and had many opportunities to share ideas with other people living with Parkinson’s.

The presenters included John Watkins AM, former Deputy Premier of NSW who has himself been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and neurologist Professor Simon Lewis from the Brain & Mind Centre of the University of Sydney.

Associate Professor Rachel Rossiter of Charles Sturt University – who is conducting research into the value of Parkinson’s nurses based in regional communities – also gave a detailed update on her team’s progress.  Find out more about this vital research here

View the presentation below

There were also demonstrations of music, dance, art, exercise, non-contact boxing and meditation for people living with Parkinson’s. The event also included the awarding of research grants for studies aimed at improving the quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s, and eventually finding a cure. Read more about the research grants awarded on page 5.

Professor Simon Lewis also spoke at a sold-out public seminar . In his topic Is CURE a four-letter word for Parkinsons? Professor Lewis talked beyond falls, constipation and erectile dysfunction.

View the video of his presentation (complete with subtitles) below.