Brisbane-based neurologist and world expert in the treatment and research of Parkinson’s disease, Professor Peter Silburn, will hold Australia’s first Parkinson’s Expo in Brisbane to provide a comprehensive information showcase for Queensland’s Parkinson’s patients and their carers.
The event was to be held on Saturday 4 to Sunday 5 March, 2023 at the Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Showgrounds but due to such a positive response it has now been pushed back to mid year to give stakeholders more time to prepare.
Parkinson’s is the second most common neurological disease in Australia after dementia; 38 Australians per day are diagnosed and there is no cure.
Over 100,000 Australians currently live with Parkinson’s including approximately 18,500 Queenslanders.
While most patients are 60+, recent statistics show 20% of sufferers are under 50 years old and 10% are diagnosed before the age of 40.
According to the WHO, globally, disability and death due to Parkinson’s disease are increasing faster than for any other neurological disorder.
Professor Silburn felt the time was now right to create an event where Queensland patients and their carers could talk with experts face-to-face in one place to learn information about treatments, services, products and practical ways to improve their journey with Parkinson’s disease.
“Research shows that for each Parkinson’s patient there are seven or more people within their immediate circle who are impacted. While many treatments, tools, services and products exist to help those with Parkinson’s, they haven’t been brought together in one place before to assist patients and their carers in a one-stop-shop environment.”
“The Parkinson’s Expo will help facilitate better understanding and awareness for the thousands of people who live with and are impacted by the disease and a parallel medical program at the venue will share the latest Parkinson’s disease treatment, care, rehabilitation and future developments for medical professionals – ensuring all aspects of Parkinson’s disease are brought together in this first-time, Brisbane event,” he said.
Booths will include demonstrations and education across areas of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, pharmacy, imaging, NDIS, travel, transport, dietitian services, mobility aids, university research, genetics, retirement facilities, home nursing care and more.
In addition to medical information and education about Parkinson’s by Professor Silburn and others, the main stage will include demonstrations and performances by groups including Dance for Parkinson’s Classes with the Queensland Ballet; Parkinson’s Qld; PD Warriors; Neurosciences Qld; the Shake It Up Foundation; It’s Not Funny – Living positively with Parkinson’s and other groups.
Entry tickets are $5 for pensioners and $10 for members of the public. Proceeds from the event will go to Parkinson’s Queensland. The venue is surrounded by accessible parking and is close to easy bus and train access.
WEBSITE: https://www.parkinsonsexpo.com.au/
DATES: TBA
LOCATION: Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills
