Parkinson Alberta Society

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) has awarded a grant to Thomson Reuters to create and publish the world’s most comprehensive source of biological maps for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The project aims to identify possible causes of Parkinson’s disease by mapping biological mutations of the Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) protein, the most common genetic contributor to the disease discovered to date. The maps trace the disease’s biological pathways to pinpoint relevant biomarkers, which are biological molecules that signal an abnormal process or disease. They also support the drug discovery process for treating PD. "Researching the LRRK2 protein is a top priority for our foundation," said Brian Fiske, Ph.D., director of research programs at MJFF. "We are Read More...

Making music together is always sure to be a fun experience with Brian Farrell. Registration is now available for the upcoming six week creative music class this winter. Classes will be held on Feb. 22, & 29, March 7-28, Wednesdays at Grace Presbyterian Church. Class time is from 10:00-11:30 am with coffee following. The cost is $55.00. Please register by calling or emailing Harle at the office. 403-243-9901  Read More...

CALGARY, AB, February 07, 2012 … Parkinson Alberta Society (PAS) today announced the province-wide launch of its PD Helpline to connect Albertans living with Parkinson disease (PD) and their caregivers to the information, support, and expertise needed. Health care professionals looking after individuals with PD across the Province will also be able to utilize this resource to obtain information about management of PD. Focused efforts are underway to help Albertans learn about the services and resources available through the PD Helpline. “This is much needed service for people living with PD in Alberta as well as their caregivers,” states Dr. Oksana Suchowersky, Professor of Neurology and Medical Genetics at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, and Medical Director of the Read More...

The look and shape of Sinemet has recently been changed by Merck. To assist you they have provided a visual chart comparing the new/old images of their products. Please click on the chart  Read More...

If you are a person living with Parkinson disease in Alberta, you are invitated to participate in ‘A snapshot in time: an in-depth survey of 3500 people living in Canada’. This survey is the first part of a larger research study called the LINC Study (The Everyday Experience of Living with and Managing a Neurological Condition). It is a national study to learn about people living with a neurological condition and its impact on their everyday lives. So far, people living with Parkinson have responded with the highest number of participants of all the groups invited. The LINC Study has 3 parts: (1) A snapshot in time: an in-depth survey of 3500 people living in Canada (2) A year in the life of 350 Read More...

The National Population Health Study released its latest progress report on January 24, 2012. This study is being jointly led by Neurological Health Charities Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada (Chronic Disease Surveillance). It was formed  as a result of  funding of $15 million to support announced on June 5, 2009,  by The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health for Canada. It is the first of its kind in Canada. Its purpose is to fill gaps in knowledge about the state of neurological conditions in Canada, and the experience of individuals with neurological conditions, their families, and caregivers. In the words of Minister Aglukkaq, “this study will arm us with the knowledge we need to help alleviate some of the burden Read More...

“It is Life Changing!” Parkinson Alberta Society was thrilled to have the opportunity to offer the first Compass Program in both Edmonton and Calgary in Fall 2011.   Facilitators, Judy Deverill and Harle Burnett, agree that it was a great experience for both themselves and the participants — a journey that can change lives. As they led the groups through nine weeks of personal discovery, they were witness to an amazing “shift” of focus — it moved gently away from the loved one being cared for to the Caregiver themselves. Friendships were formed, support systems were created, and Caregivers found themselves again, while they covered topics such as the Emotional Journey, Putting Yourself First, Strengths and Limitations, and Caregiver Burnout. The Success Story Read More...

The time has come for the Edmonton office of Parkinson Alberta Society to say farewell to their existing space in the Edmonton General Hospital.They will be on the move to a new office that has more work space, a program room, and FREE parking for visitors. As of February 1, 2012 the staff at the Edmonton office can be reached at:   Stanley Building 102, 11748 Kingsway Avenue Edmonton, AB  T2G 0X5  T: (780) 425-6400 F: (780) 425-6425  Come See Us at Our New Office We are excited and hope you will join us When: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 2:00 - 4:00 PM Please RSVP by February 17 Read More...

In an event hosted by Parkinson Alberta Society, Parkinson Society Canada today awarded Dr. Clinton McCracken, a post-doctoral fellow from the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute, a $100,000 grant to further his research in deep brain stimulation (DBS). Dr. McCracken received this award during a celebration event to recognize him along with the many donors who support innovative Parkinson’s research in Canada. McCracken, whose uncle had Parkinson’s, hopes his research will generate fundamental insight into how the brain works to avoid impulsive side effects and improve treatment for others living with this disease for which there currently is no cure. McCracken will meet the SuperStar Walkers who helped raise $2.79 million at this past September’s Parkinson SuperWalk, the largest annual, Read More...

Common chemical solvents significantly increase the risk of Parkinson disease according to an international study on twins that has just been released by the international team that discoverd the link. On November 16, 2011, the following article in The Toronto Star by Lesley Ciarula Taylor looks at the research release that is making international headlines.  “This is the first report of this specific exposure being related to Parkinson’s Disease in a population-based study,” Dr. Connie Marras, a neurologist at the University Health Network and the University of Toronto, told the Star. Marras, one of Canada’s leading researchers into the disease, was part of the international team that discovered the link. Ninety-nine pairs of identical and fraternal twins, all of them part of a study group composed Read More...