news release

The Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County has launched an all-new Speaker Series devoted to the topics of movement and memory disorders. The series is being offered free of charge and features various professional speakers, bringing education, awareness, and information to Indian River County residents. Anticipated topics include research and strides in different neurological disorders; efforts on various trial studies and new procedures; and new findings in the healthcare field that pertain to dementia and movement disorders.

The first of the series was held February 25th at the North County Library in Sebastian. The topic of “Is there a silver lining with Parkinson’s Disease?” was presented by Barbara Fradkin, BSW, CCMfrom the Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance. Those in attendance included those with Parkinson’s as well as caregivers of those with a movement disorder. The group was interactive, with many sharing their own personal journeys and discovering through the process their own “silver linings.”

Upcoming presentations include:

April 21: “The Different Paths to a Dementia Diagnosis.” Presented by Melissa Armstrong, MD, MSc,Director of the UF Health Mangurian Clinical-Research Headquarters for Lewy Body Dementia at the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases.  Time and location: 11:00 a.m. at Northern Trust Bank, 755 Beachland Blvd, Vero Beach.

June 23: “How music therapy helps those with neurological disorders.”  Moreen Burkart MT-BC, owner and music therapist of Music Matters LLC, will share how music therapy can help with gait, speech and cognitive impairments, as well as anxiety and depression. Burkart is certified as a Hospice & Palliative Music Therapist and Neurologic Music Therapist. Time and location: 2:00 p.m. at the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of IRC, 2300 5th Ave, Vero Beach. “We have purposely scheduled our speakers to not only cover different topics of interest to those with movement or memory disorders, but to appear at different locations throughout the county, as well as different times of the day, in an effort to offer something for everyone, based on their schedules and needs,” said Peggy Cunningham, Executive Director of the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association.

The Speaker Series is offered free of charge; however, pre-registration is requested and can be made by contacting the organization’s office at 772-563-0505.

Founded in 1982, the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association offers dozens of programs and services, all free of charge, for those with memory and movement disorders, as well as their caregivers. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families in Indian River County who are affected by memory and movement disorders, through support, education and connection. To learn more about the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association and view a complete list of free programs and services, visit www.AlzPark.org.