ONGOING EVENTS

Neuro Challenge Foundation Parkinson Partners

Three Tuesdays per month from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm at the Neuro Challenge Foundation Education Center, Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL

Neuro Challenge Foundation employs experienced staff and volunteers who will work with your physician to give you the added direction and support you need to live well with Parkinson Disease. Caregivers are encouraged to participate with their loved ones as NCF Advisors personally walk you step by step on your journey with Parkinson Disease. You’ll learn how outstanding services available in our community can combine with your physician’s traditional medical treatments to improve your life. Ask your doctor or call Laura Magnusson, OT/L, NCF Parkinson Partners Director at (941) 926-6413 to make an appointment. All advisory services and custom care plans are free.

Neuro Challenge Foundation Caregiver Connection

Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 9:30 - 11:00 am at the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, Florida

Where would your loved one be without you? Join us for positive and rewarding ways to do it all and do it well without losing yourself in the process! Caregiver Connection welcomes anyone caring for a loved one with disease or disability. For caregivers and family members only. Ongoing direction, motivation and support for those committed to the care of a loved one. Facilitated by Marilyn Tait. This free program includes a complimentary continental breakfast. No reservations necessary.

Neuro Challenge Foundation Parkinson Wellness Club

Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 9:30 - 11:00 am at the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, Florida.

Join Marilyn Tait for everything you need to know to live well with Parkinson Disease. This free program includes a complimentary continental breakfast. No reservations necessary.

For more information please contact Sarasota Memorial HealthLine at (941) 917-7777 or Neuro Challenge Foundation’s Parkinson Partners at (941) 926-6413.

Please Watch for Information on These Continuing Services:

“Ask the Doctor” Luncheons

Join us for lunch and “Ask the Doctor” a question. Local and regional physicians and researchers gather with us for informational panel discussions and presentations during the year.

Parkinson Disease Training for Professionals

Be a “Parkinson Partner” when you attend this training session and learn about the medical management, social and emotional patterns and physical aspects of Parkinson Disease. Taught by professionals for professionals and those caring for a loved one. CEUs available. General public is welcome.

NEURO CHALLENGE FOUNDATION SPECIAL EVENTS

SAVE THESE DATES: 2010-2011 Parkinson Disease Program Calendar

September 25, 2010: Caregiver Special Event with Marilyn Tait at Sarasota Memorial Institute for Advanced Medicine. More than 150 people caring for a loved one with Parkinson Disease join us for this unique, fun-loving and information filled gathering.

October 15. 2010: Distinguished Speakers Series - Part I (J. Eric Ahlskog, MD, PhD - Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, Dean P. Sutherland, MD, PhD - SE Center for PD, Sarasota, FL

October 30, 2010: 2nd Annual Golf Tournament at Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club

November 1, 2010: PD Photo Essays & Mixed Media with Nat Krate, Cliff Roles & Others at The Art Center of Sarasota

November 6, 2010: Distinguished Speakers Series - Part II (Ken Heilman, MD - University of Florida, Theresa Zesiewicz, MD - University of South Florida, Michael Mullan, MD, PhD - Roskamp Institute, Dean P. Sutherland, MD, PhD, SE  Center for PD, Sarasota, FL at The Pines of Sarasota)

January 22, 2011: 14th Annual Suncoast Parkinson Disease Symposium at Sarasota Memorial Institute for Advanced Medicine. As the largest Parkinson Disease Event in Florida, our Annual Symposium is attended by 600 patients, caregivers and professionals interested in better living. Speakers include J. William Langston, MD (The Parkinson’s Institute, Sunnyvale, CA), Jay L. Alberts, PhD (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland, OH), Ole Isacson, MD (Harvard University, Boston, MA).

March 3, 2011: 2nd Annual Fundraising Gala at Michael’s on East

Six hundred people attended our Annual Parkinson Symposium on January 23, 2010 Co-sponsored by Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Check back for details on our 2011 Symposium soon!

Johns Hopkins Researchers at Neuroscience 2008 - Curcumin, derived from the curry spice turmeric, has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Both oxidative damage - damage caused by oxygen - and inflammation have been implicated in nerve cell death associated with Parkinson's disease.

Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.org) researchers have developed a method to reduce the production of alpha-synuclein in the brain. Alpha-synuclein is a protein that is believed to be central to the cause of Parkinson's disease (http://www.mayoclinic.org/parkinsons- disease). All patients with Parkinson's disease have abnormal accumulations of alpha- synuclein protein in the brain.