March 31, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The latest information on clinical treatments and the newest research findings from experts in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Neurology will be featured during the Parkinson Association of Alabama annual conference, Live Your Best Life Now, from 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Saturday, April 24 in the Birmingham Marriott, 3590 Grandview Parkway.

The keynote address, Dream! Act! Live! Life after Diagnosis, will be delivered by Todd Bischoff, an international motivational speaker recently diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's Disease.

Additional sessions will demonstrate innovative movement therapies, including a moving-with-music session presented by UAB physical therapy faculty that uses the Wii video-gaming system as a rehabilitation tool.

The conference is free, but seating is limited.  Pre-registration is encouraged.  Register on-line at www.parkinsonalabama.org or call 205-871-9941 or toll-free 877-977-7275.

Presenters from the UAB Department of Neurology include department Chair Ray Watts, M.D.; David Standaert, M.D., Ph.D.; Harrison Walker, M.D.; Talene Yacoubian, M.D., Ph.D.; and Andrew West, Ph.D. Other presenters are Matt Ford, PT, Ph.D., assistant professor of physical therapy at UAB; Jennifer Wilson, PharmD, director of clinical services, Tara Pharmacy, LLC; and Guy Caldwell, Ph.D., from the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama.

About the Parkinson Association of Alabama

The Parkinson Association of Alabama Inc. is committed to improving the quality of life for Parkinson's patients and their caregivers and families in Alabama. PAA is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's and has provided more than $1.2 million for research to institutions in Alabama. The association also coordinates public- and patient-education programs statewide. The Parkinson Association of Alabama depends completely on donations from the community to provide programs and services.

About the UAB Department of Neurology

The nationally ranked UAB Department of Neurology is home to eight comprehensive divisions and seven centers offering an array of clinical activities. More than 25,000 patients are cared for annually through state-of-the-art subspecialty care and innovative treatments. Residents have the opportunity to work in various neurology fields with 50 clinical and research faculty members.