October 2005
New advances in Parkinson's research and treatment
Science reporters briefing
WHAT:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) in partnership with the Parkinson's community is bringing together a panel of leading physicians, scientists, and caregivers to provide an overview of the newest advances in Parkinson's disease. Researchers will discuss genetic aspects of the disease, new approaches to therapeutics, and environmental and other factors that may impact onset of Parkinson's. Panelists will discuss their work and respond to questions from the audience.
WHY:
After Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's is the most common neurodegenerative disorder. There are an estimated 6.3 million people worldwide suffering from Parkinson's disease. Because of the aging world population, and given that the number of older Americans will more than double to 70 million by 2030, now is the time to begin gaining a better understanding of diseases, such as Parkinson's, that have a significant impact on older adults..
WHO:
Experts in Parkinson's disease will make brief remarks. A session for questions and answers will follow each speaker.
Story Landis, Ph.D., Director, NINDS
J. Timothy Greenamyre, M.D., Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Environmental Influences and Parkinson's Disease (PD)
Robert L. Nussbaum, M.D., National Human Genome Research Institute, Genetics of PD
Peter T. Lansbury, Jr., Ph.D., Brigham and Women's Hospital, Drug Discovery for PD
Clive Svendsen, M.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison, Future Therapeutic Approaches
Monique Giroux, M.D., The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Caring for Patients with PD Across the Clinical Spectrum
Morton Kondracke, Author of Saving Milly, Caregiver's Perspective
WHEN:
Thursday, October 20, 2005, 10:00 AM ET
WHERE:
The Dana Center, 900 15th St, NW, Washington, DC
The NINDS, a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation's primary supporter of basic, translational, and clinical research on the brain and nervous system. The NINDS aims to reduce the burden of neurological disease among all Americans.
Note: Media can listen and ask questions by calling the toll-free conference line. The briefing will begin promptly at 10:00 AM ET, and media should dial in 5-10 minutes before the start of the conference. Questions and interview requests that arise after the Q/A session should be directed to Margo Warren at 301-496-5751.
U.S. dial-in number: 800-905-0392
International dial-in number: 785-832-1523
Audio conference ID: NINDS
To view speaker presentations, please log on to: https://ogilvypr.on.raindance.com/confmgr/join_as_tempuser.jsp?eventId=3079& invitationId=7763
Please note that presentations will only be accessible during the event.
Mark your calendar!
The first World Parkinson Congress will be held February 22-26, 2006, in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.worldpdcongress.org.