International Experts Meet in Montreal for Third World Parkinson Congress

MONTREAL, Sept. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 3,500 representatives of the international Parkinson's community will attend the World Parkinson Congress (WPC), taking place at the Palais des Congres in Montreal, from October 1 to 4, 2013. This triennial event brings together world renowned neuroscientists, people living with Parkinson's, caregivers, advocates, and medical and healthcare professionals. The conference is led by the World Parkinson Coalition in collaboration with over 160 partner organizations including Parkinson Society Canada.

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"The World Parkinson Congress acts as a Parkinson's brainstorming session," said Jon Stoessl, MD, Professor and Head of Neurology and Director of the Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre at UBC and co-chair of the WPC Steering Committee.  "It offers a unique opportunity for leading Parkinson's researchers to share information and ideas with other scientists, people with Parkinson's and care providers."

For four days, experts will discuss a range of cutting-edge subjects, including cell- and gene-based therapy strategies, the latest in brain imaging, the use of optogenetics to study Parkinson's, advances in understanding the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and the use of dance as a therapy.

"There is exciting work going on in Parkinson's research throughout the world," said David Burn, MD, Director of Institute for Ageing and Health of the Newcastle University, UK, and a member of the WPC program committee. "As such, the WPC offers a good setting for thought-provoking intellectual exchanges, some of which could result in scientific advances."

A Media Briefing featuring Congress presenters will take place October 1, 2 and 3 at 11:20 a.m.
to 12 p.m. Call in number: 1-888-619-1583 Code: 1461635075#.

Registration will be open throughout the entire duration of the World Parkinson Congress. Registration and additional information can be found at http://www.worldpdcongress.org/.

For media accreditation, please visit: http://www.worldpdcongress.org/?page=MediaRegistration

ABOUT PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Parkinson's disease is a progressive brain disease that affects one in every 300 adults – and approximately seven to 10 million people worldwide. In Canada, there are over 100,000 Canadians with Parkinson's, according to the Parkinson Society Canada. Parkinson's is caused by a loss of dopamine in the brain – the symptoms occur when dopamine-producing cells die. Over time, individuals may experience a decreased ability to walk, talk, and swallow. It is estimated that 80 per cent of people with Parkinson's disease will eventually develop dementia.

ABOUT WORLD PARKINSON COALITION
The World Parkinson Coalition Inc. is a New York-based charitable organization dedicated to providing an international forum for the latest scientific discoveries, medical practices and caregiver initiatives related to Parkinson's disease. By bringing physicians, scientists, allied health professionals, caregivers and people with Parkinson's together, WPC Inc. hopes to create a worldwide dialogue to expedite the discovery of a cure and best treatment practices for this devastating disease. For more information: www.worldpdcongress.org

SOURCE The World Parkinson Coalition Inc.