Parkinson's Canada Announces a new support group in Winnipeg for Parkinson's patients and their care partners. They meet every month on the fourth Wednesday, from 2:00 to 3:30pm at Westworth United Church. 

Journalist Zuher Almusre from U-Multicultural channel spoke with Sandra Mirecki, Volunteer Facilitator for Parkinson's Canada and asked her about the importance of this support group and about the challenges facing Parkinson's patients in Winnipeg.

Sandra explained that Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease that is degenerative.. Movement is normally controlled by dopamine, a chemical that carries signals between the nerves in the brain. When cells that normally produce dopamine die, the symptoms of Parkinson’s appear. As more cells die, the patients abilities to move lessen.

Support groups for patients and for their care partners are important for emotional support. People with this disease may not realize that they have Parkinson's until they are in the advanced stages of the disease. They often believe that these symptoms are caused by advanced age. She says that early detection is important so that any mitigation strategies can be put In place early.

Sandra added that there are many challenges to people with this disease. Often the most difficult challenges are the social ones. Others may think that people with Parkinson's are under the influence of alcohol or that they have some abnormality, and these beliefs are wrong. They are sick and need treatment. 

Sandra concluded by saying that she hoped that there would be a lot of support during the coming years for these patients, an increase in Parkinson's specialists, and that the government gives greater attention to the elderly, who deserve all our appreciation during this period of their lives.

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Contact Zuher Almusre, our civic journalist, to share your story and explore civic issues at zuheralmusre@u-channel.ca.  

 
The project is funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage and administered by the Canadian Association of Community Television Users and Stations (CACTUS).