Medical cannabis and
Parkinson’s disease

A conference presented by Parkinson Canada and the Cummings Centre

By Lisa Mintz

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and to mark the occasion, Parkinson Canada and the Cummings Centre are presenting the conference, Medical Cannabis and Parkinson’s: What’s Known and What’s Not on Wednesday May 1, 2019 at the Geber Conference Centre in Montreal.

This full day conference on this timely issue will feature three expert speakers:

Dr. Lynda Balneaves, PhD, RN, (U of Manitoba) the Deputy Director of the Canadian Consortium for the investigation of Cannabinoids (CCIC). Dr. Balneaves will provide an overarching, balanced view of the use of medical cannabis in Canada.

Dr. Michael Dworkind, (McGill University and the Jewish General Hospital), Dr. Dworkind is the Medical Director of Santé Cannabis. He will describe the effects of cannabis use by aging consumers.

Dr. Susan Fox, (UHN Toronto), a movement disorder specialist with experience in the use of cannabis in Parkinson’s Disease and research. Dr. Fox will provide a balanced overview of medical cannabis use in Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson’s research.

“These speakers have knowledge and experience in the area of medical cannabis and will be debunking the myths associated with its use at this conference. Parkinson Canada’s position on medical marijuana is that not enough research has been done nor evidence accrued for us to take a stand. The person living with Parkinson’s and their doctor should make informed decisions as to what is right for them”, stated Danielle Blain, Director of Parkinson Canada in Quebec.

Location: Gelber Conference Center, 5151 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3W 1M6
Date and time: Wednesday, May 1, 2019, from 10 am to 3 pm
Cost: $40 (includes lunch and refreshments)

To register visit www.parkinson.ca\QCMay1

For more information contact Lisa Mintz, Community Development Coordinator, Parkinson Canada at lisa.mintz@parkinson.ca

A few facts about Parkinson’s disease

100 000 Canadians, including 25 000 Quebecers, live with Parkinson’s disease and one out of five is younger than 50 years of age. More than half of the people diagnosed with Parkinson’s will need formal or informal assistance for their daily living, while health care professionals from a dozen specialties may be needed to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Motor symptoms include: rigidity, slowness, posture and gait changes as well as tremors. There are about 20 possible non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, ranging form sleep disorders, depression and incontinence to speaking and swallowing difficulties.

About Parkinson Canada

Parkinson Canada is the national voice of Canadians living with Parkinson’s disease. From diagnosis to discovery, the organization provides education, advocacy and support services to people living with Parkinson’s, caregivers and health care professionals. The Parkinson Canada Research Program funds innovative research to search for better treatments and a cure. Parkinson Canada pursues a pan Canadian mandate while keeping regional specificities. The Quebec office is based in Montreal.
Visit parkinson.ca

Feature image: courtesy of Parkinson Canada