Parkinson’s symposium
on tap at Kuakini hospital

The event will feature speakers
discussing some recent research

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Star-Bulletin staff

The Hawaii Parkinson Association will hold a public symposium on Parkinson's disease from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 27 at Kuakini Medical Center in recognition of Parkinson's Awareness Month.

Dr. G. Webster Ross of the Department of Veterans Affairs, a member of the Honolulu Heart Program, will give a keynote address.

He recently returned from a fellowship at the Parkinson's Institute in Sunnyvale, Calif., and will discuss new information from research on the disease.

Neurosurgeon Dr. Michon Morita and Dr. Melvin Yee, neurologist and co-medical director of the Kuakini Parkinson's Disease Information and Referral Center, will discuss deep brain stimulation, the latest treatment.

Randy Otaka will demonstrate tai chi, which some studies indicate helps Parkinson's patients with strength and flexibility.

Drs. Morita, Ross and Yee and patient Mike Vasconcellos will present a panel discussion and answer questions from the audience.

Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurological disorder that progresses slowly, affecting small area of cells in the midbrain.

It has been in the news in recent years because of noted personalities diagnosed with the disease, such as actor Michael J. Fox, boxer Muhammad Ali, Pope John Paul II and former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.

An estimated 1.5 million Americans have Parkinson's disease, which affects one in every 100 people over age 60. About 15 percent of patients are diagnosed before they are 50, according to the Hawaii association.

Symptoms include shaking in the hands, arms, legs, jaw and face, stiffness of limbs and trunk, slow movement, impaired balance and coordination, decrease in facial expression due to muscle rigidity of the face, decrease in eye-blinking, and impaired speech and swallowing.

There is no cure for the disease, but many patients can function at a high level with progressive treatments, the association said.

Registration for the symposium is $15 per person and $10 for each additional household member. The fee includes a continental breakfast, validated parking and informational handouts. The event will be in Kuakini's Hale Pulama Mau Auditorium.

Call 528-0935 for more information and to request a registration form.