Tremors, slowness of movements, rigidity, postural instability, gait disturbances, cognitive problems, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, autonomic dysfunction, fatigue, micrographia, difficulty buttoning clothes, reduced facial expressions and sensory changes, these are all common symptoms associated with Parkinson’s Disease, affecting thousands locally.
Mindy Lokshin wanted the community to know about a local organization helping those affected by Parkinson's Disease with lots of events coming up throughout April including a ribbon cutting at a new local office:
"The Parkinson Support Center of Northern Nevada is a four-year old nonprofit serving the over 5,000 people living with Parkinson's Disease in our region. We are the only organization doing so!
Parkinson's disease is the fastest growing neurodegenerative disease in the world with a new diagnosis made every six minutes in the US. It can affect people from their 20s through old age. And it impacts not only the person with Parkinson's, but their friends, family, coworkers and community.
The Parkinson Support Center of Northern Nevada's mission is:
We provide support for those affected by Parkinson’s, create opportunities for our community to engage and connect, and work to raise public awareness of Parkinson’s disease.
We provide support through:
"PD Community Groups" which offer monthly meetings to discuss pertinent topics and a sense of community
Our "Mentor Program" which pairs trained volunteer mentors with people newly diagnosed or care partners
An "Exercise Scholarship Program" which helps those with financial need to afford Parkinson's specific exercise classes
We provide education:
Our Education Series provides monthly expert speakers on topics of importance to people with Parkinson's. These are offered in a hybrid format to allow attendance in person or via Zoom
We educate health care workers on the nuances and special ways they can better help people living with Parkinson's
And we are always happy to advocate for our Parkinson's community and educate about the disease to community groups, service organizations, church groups, retirement communities, and anyone who is interested to learn more!
April is Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month and we have a full calendar to promote!
Tuesday, April 1st - Ribbon Cutting for our new office and Proclamations by local officials announcing the importance of the Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month
Saturday, April 5th - Music & Motion 2.0 - partnering with the national nonprofit, Drive Toward a Cure, we are offering an afternoon of cars, music and fun at the National Automobile Museum. See: https://www.drivetowardacure.org/day/the-biggest-little-team
Saturday, April 12th - Education Series "Psychiatric Issues in Parkinson's" with Dr. Clare Bajamundi-Plyler
Thursday, April 17th - RLTS Workshop "Parkinson's 101" https://www.retiredlivingtruthseries.com/.../workshop...
Saturday, April 26th - Veterans and Parkinson's Workshop"