fbpx

Van Andel Research Institute hosts unique Parkinson’s disease symposium

Patients join scientists and clinicians to explore the non-motor symptoms of the disease

WHO:

Members of the Grand Rapids community, Parkinson’s clinicians and scientists from Van Andel Research Institute’s research team. A full list of speakers is available at grandchallengesinpd.org/speakers.

Interview opportunities include:

  • Viviane Labrie, Assistant Professor, Van Andel Research Institute; Symposium Chair
  • Patrik Brundin, Director, Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute
  • K. Ray Chaudhuri, Professor of Neurology and Movement Disorders, King’s College Hospital and King’s College London; winner of the 2018 Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Contributions to Parkinson’s Disease Research
  • Jon Stamford, Parkinson’s patient advocate; Co-Founder, Parkinson’s Movement

WHAT:

Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease
Rallying to the Challenge

WHEN:

September 26–27

WHERE:

Van Andel Institute
333 Bostwick Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

WHY:

By 2040, the global incidence of Parkinson’s disease is expected to double to more than 14 million people, reinforcing the need to find improved treatments now. By bringing together scientists, physicians and people with Parkinson’s from around the world, the Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease symposium and the parallel Rallying to the Challenge patient meeting offers a unique forum for exploring research into new ways to slow or stop disease progression — something no current treatment can do. This year’s events will focus on the non-movement-related aspects of the disease, which can significantly impact quality of life for people with Parkinson’s. These symptoms include loss of sense of smell, difficulty sleeping, depression and digestive issues, and provide a unique window into the complex influences that cause the disease. Speakers will address the role of the gut, the nose and the immune system in Parkinson’s, with a specific spotlight on efforts to develop therapies that impede disease progression.

Registration is required. For more information, visit grandchallengesinpd.org.

###