Introduction

This multisciplinary symposium, chaired by Professor Suzanne Timmons, serves to gives attendees updates on the extensive research currently being carried out in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Topis covered include findings from a recent national survey mapping PD in Ireland, practical considerations for Device Aided trreatments in PD and essential diet and nutrition considerations for people with PD. 

Programme

Moderators:  Prof Rose Galvin, Prof Suzanne Timmons  

Mapping Parkinson's Disease in Ireland: Results from a National Survey - Dr Emma O'Shea 

Practical Considerations for Device Aided trreatments in Parkinson's Disease  Patrick Browne

Essential diet and nutrition considerations for people living with Parkinson's Disease Richelle Flanagan

Panel Discussion with Q&A

Participants

Dr Emma O'Shea - Emma's background is in applied psychology and health services research. She completed her PhD through the prestigious SPHeRE programme, at DCU, and has been involved in multiple national/international research projects, yielding 40+ publications to date. Her work focuses on improving patient care and outcomes, in the context of neurodegenerative conditions.

Paddy Browne-  Paddy is appointed as a Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner Neurology for movement disorders, in Galway University Hospitals.  His honorary appointments include: Adjunct Lecturer in Nursing NUIG, Honorary Clinical Fellow in the School of Medicine NUIG, and Honorary Teaching Associate RCSI.  His current research interests include assistive and therapeutic technologies in Parkinson’s disease and service delivery methodologies.  He is a member of: Galway Neuroscience Centre, Irish Chapter Director of the World Parkinson’s Program, the International Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Telemedcinie Task Force and formerly Irish National Steering and Advisory Committee for palliative care in Parkinson’s disease. He is also the former Co-Chair (European Section) and Africa Liaison Non-Physician Health Care Professionals Special Interest Group – International Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Society.

Richelle Flanagan - Richelle is a registered dietitian and PD Advocate who is passionate about the importance of diet & nutrition for the management of people living with PD. She is a World Parkinson Congress Ambassador and committee member of the Dublin branch of the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland.