Meeting of Supporters' Association in 2018
In a significant gathering, more than 90 representatives from Parkinson's NSW Support Groups convened at the annual Support Group Conference in Sydney. The event, held in 2018, was marked by inspiring speeches, demonstrations, and updates on the latest research and treatments for Parkinson's.
One of the keynote speakers at the conference was Professor Simon Lewis from the Brain & Mind Centre of the University of Sydney. His public seminar, titled Is CURE a four-letter word for Parkinsons?, featured a video presentation with subtitles and was held at a sold-out venue.
Another notable speaker was Associate Professor Rachel Rossiter of Charles Sturt University. She provided an update on her team's progress in research into the value of Parkinson's nurses based in regional communities. Further information about this vital research can be found here.
The research by Associate Professor Rossiter's team sheds light on the importance of Parkinson's nurses in regional communities, who serve as specialist care coordinators, symptom managers, and educators. These roles are known to significantly improve the quality of life and disease management for people living with Parkinson's in these areas.
Meanwhile, the latest research on Parkinson’s disease as of 2025 has seen significant advancements in understanding environmental triggers, genetic factors, and new therapies. Northwestern Medicine researchers, for instance, discovered a possible link between a common virus (HPgV) found in the brains and spinal fluid of Parkinson’s patients and more advanced disease pathology, suggesting an infectious or immune-related environmental factor in disease progression.
The ASAP Collaboration, alongside the Allen Institute and the Michael J. Fox Foundation, is also integrating vast data on human brain cells affected by Parkinson’s into comprehensive atlases and cloud databases, facilitating precision medicine and targeted research. Clinical trials continue to explore innovative treatments such as a minimally invasive sensor to monitor levodopa levels in real time, cell-based therapies, and focused ultrasound approved to treat symptoms on both sides of the body.
Research also indicates that exercise combined with deep brain stimulation may induce neural rewiring, potentially improving motor symptoms for people with Parkinson's.
For those interested in the findings or conclusions on Parkinson’s nurses in regional communities from the 2018 Sydney conference, consulting the conference proceedings or Parkinson’s advocacy organizations in Australia may provide more precise information.
The conference was not just about scientific discourse; it also featured demonstrations of music, dance, art, exercise, non-contact boxing, and meditation, designed to empower people living with Parkinson's. The event concluded with a video of the Support Group Conference 2018 being made available for download here.
John Watkins AM, former Deputy Premier of NSW, was another speaker at the conference, sharing his personal experiences living with Parkinson's. His participation underscored the conference's commitment to providing a platform for open discussion and support for those affected by the disease.
- The Support Group Conference in 2018, where more than 90 representatives from Parkinson's NSW Support Groups gathered in Sydney, also showcased various forms of art, music, dance, exercise, non-contact boxing, and meditation, aiming to empower individuals living with Parkinson's.
- Clinical trials are currently exploring innovative treatments for Parkinson's, including a minimally invasive sensor to monitor levodopa levels in real time, cell-based therapies, and focused ultrasound approved to treat symptoms on both sides of the body.
- Research has indicated that exercise combined with deep brain stimulation may induce neural rewiring, potentially improving motor symptoms for people with Parkinson's.
- The research by Associate Professor Rachel Rossiter's team focuses on the value of Parkinson's nurses based in regional communities, who play critical roles as specialist care coordinators, symptom managers, and educators, significantly improving the quality of life and disease management for people living with Parkinson's in these areas.
