Nonprofit to host program on Parkinson’s disease

An estimated 25,000 people in Oregon and southern Washington have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, according to the organization. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, after Alzheimer’s, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

During his lecture, Rosenbaum will give information on understanding, diagnosing, treating and dealing with the disease. People will learn how Parkinson’s can affect mood, thinking and memory; how to identify if or when that may be a problem; and what treatment options and strategies exist to help individuals cope with cognitive changes and challenges.

The Seaside program is a stand-alone event, Program Coordinator Heather Balducci said.

“We already have a network of support groups on the coast, but not in Seaside,” she said, adding they are excited to extend outreach and awareness in the Seaside area. “We would like to continue having programs out on the coast in the future as availability allows.”

Local people looking for support groups are referred to those in Tillamook or Astoria, because they are the closest groups available in the organization’s network, Balducci said.

“People are getting newly diagnosed all the time or they didn’t want information at the beginning, and now they want it,” she said.

The goal is to make resources accessible to people how and when they want them. The Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon provides support groups in Astoria, Tillamook and other communities; a helpline; a lending library; Web-based educational programs; and social workers. For instance, on Aug. 5, Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon is offering a Webinar presentation Aug. 5 on complementary and alternative therapies.

People with Parkinson’s disease, their family members and care partners, are encouraged to attend Rosenbaum’s lecture at the library, The event is free; registration is required. For more information, call Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon at 503-594-0901 or 800-426-6806, email info@parkinsonsresources.org or visit www.parkinsonsresources.org.