Message from the editor

Welcome to the latest edition of E Parkinson Post! In this issue, we shine a spotlight on balance, a critical factor in Parkinson’s. We begin with a look at research and strategies for improving physical balance and mobility. Some involve modern electronics, such as iPods and video games; others require a swimsuit or trunks and … Read more

Music to walk by…

Could walking to music improve gait and balance in Parkinson’s? That’s what Dr. Lesley Brown, a kinesiology professor at the University of Lethbridge would like to know. Director of the Balance Research Laboratory at the University of Lethbridge, Dr. Brown notes, “One of the major challenges with walking, that leads to instability and falls, is … Read more

Message from the editor

Welcome to the latest edition of E Parkinson Post! We kick-off this issue with a focus on non-motor precursors of Parkinson’s. Research is showing increasingly that the non-motor symptoms can be just as debilitating for people with Parkinson’s and can have severe impacts on quality of life. We bring you up to date on some … Read more

Message from the editor

Welcome to the latest edition of E Parkinson Post! We all know how important it is to maintain good relationships with our health care professionals, such as family physicians, specialists and physiotherapists. Whether it’s asking the right questions and getting reassuring answers or knowing how to get an appointment in a timely manner, it helps … Read more

Precursors to Parkinson’s disease

Research interest in pre-clinical markers for Parkinson’s disease is fuelled by the desire to identify one or more biomarkers that can be used to provide earlier diagnosis of Parkinson’s and new treatments to delay or even prevent the progression of the disease. Depression can be an early symptom of Parkinson’s “Years before being diagnosed with … Read more

Navigating the healthcare system

By Larry Peabody In September 2002, my life changed forever. I was 53 years old and enjoying one of those peak experience times in my life. I had just celebrated my daughter’s wedding and returned to my position as senior consultant, Organization Development at the Calgary Health Region, having been seconded to Health Canada as … Read more

New in Parkinson’s research

Parkinson Disease Foundation Statement on President Obama’s Stem Cell Policy Reversal Zapping Parkinson’s with shocks to spinal cord yields ‘dramatic change’ Overview of the extranigral aspects of Parkinson disease Nonviolent elaborate behaviors may also occur in REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder

Physician-scientist committed to excellent patient care

Dr. Ami Gupta is young, bright and totally dedicated to making the patient experience a positive one. At a glance • Current status: Dr. Ami Gupta is halfway through the first year of a two-year clinical movement disorders fellowship at the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Centre at Toronto Western Hospital. • Fast Facts: He has … Read more