Cedars-Sinai to host free conference for Parkinson's disease patients and their families

Michele Tagliati, M.D., director of the Movement Disorders Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, will be the keynote speaker at a special, free conference for Parkinson's Disease patients, their families and caregivers. Titled, "Parkinson's Disease: Promising Developments in Management and Treatment," the conference will be held Saturday, Oct. 16, from 1-4 p.m. in the Harvey Morse Auditorium at Cedars-Sinai.

Tagliati, who is one of the pioneers and premier educators of deep brain stimulation for movement disorders, will discuss the latest research related to neuroprotection for Parkinson's Disease (protecting neurons in the brain of a Parkinson's Disease patient from further cell damage, thereby slowing or possibly stopping the progression of the disease).

In addition, Nicholas Szumski, M.D., a board-certified neurologist with the Cedars-Sinai Medical Group and Cedars-Sinai Health Associates, will present current treatment options, as well as providing information on treatments that are on the horizon.

The conference will conclude with a presentation on physical therapy interventions. Presented by Will Robinson, DPT, NCS, service line manager for Outpatient Rehabilitation at Cedars-Sinai, this session will include the latest research on managing Parkinson's Disease symptoms, as well as strategies that show promise for the future.

The conference, presented in collaboration with the American Parkinson's Disease Association, will include several question-and-answer sessions. Free validated parking is available in Lots 1, 2 and 4.

Parkinson's disease is a chronic and progressive disorder for which there is presently no cure. It affects nearly 1 million people in the United States, and is caused by the malfunction and death of certain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical messenger. As a result, patients are unable to properly initiate or control their movements.

Provided by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center