Pierce County News Release
Are you or someone you love living with Parkinson’s Disease? Learn the latest information on research, medication, and lifestyle changes that can improve the quality of life for you and your loved ones.
Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources in collaboration with the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation will host “Taking on Parkinson’s”, a special workshop to help those impacted by Parkinson’s better understand the disease and its management. A neurodegenerative disorder, Parkinson’s progresses over time causing symptoms, as well as its burden, to change as the disease evolves. Education to gain a better understanding of the disease is an important tool to help Parkinson’s patients manage their illness and thrive.
Parkinson’s Disease cannot yet be cured and sufferers get worse over time as the normal bodily functions, including breathing, balance, movement, and heart function worsen. Parkinson’s most often occurs after the age of 50 and is one of the most common nervous system disorders of the elderly. Other related disorders include Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and ALS.
“Patients and families beginning to deal with Parkinson’s are on a very long and difficult journey,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources. “Knowing about more the disease and the available treatments is a huge part of successfully living with the disease and providing the best care.”
“Taking on Parkinson’s” is an informal presentation by Sharon Jung of the NW Parkinson’s Foundation. She will be speaking on the basics of PD and the many treatment approaches that are currently available and the hope that patients and families can have.
The presentation will be held Tuesday, June 11 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Villas at Union Park, 2010 Union Avenue S. in Tacoma. There is no cost.
For more information call the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600.