More than medicine: Shepparton Parkinson’s Conference returns

The highly anticipated event, now in its ninth year, brings a full day of education, support and community connection to the GV Hotel.

Parkinson’s is a condition that touches every part of a person’s life — movement, mood, memory, sleep and speech — and this year’s program reflects that complexity.

Nine guest speakers from across Australia will present not only on medical approaches to living with Parkinson’s, but also on lifestyle and holistic strategies.

GV Health divisional clinical director of medicine and event organiser Dr Arup Bhattacharya said the sessions would cover diet, exercise (including both physical and vocal), cognition, sexual health, yoga and dance.

“The presenter gets everybody up on their feet,” he said.

“All 350 people doing that — it’s a real scene.”

For the first time in the conference’s history, attendees will also hear directly from people living with Parkinson’s.

“We will have three patients talk about their experience — how they took the diagnosis and then how they have been managing,” Dr Bhattacharya said.

“Hearing it firsthand, I think it will send a very powerful message.”

While the search for the “elusive cure” continues, Dr Bhattacharya said symptom management had advanced significantly, and those attending this year’s conference could feel supported by that — and by each other.

“You are not alone — there is a large community out there, many struggling with the same symptoms,” he said.

“I sincerely expect that there will be a bit of networking ... and many strategies taken away that those living with Parkinson’s can implement to improve their daily lives.”

GV Health’s Shepparton Parkinson’s Conference is on Tuesday, December 9, from 7.30am to 4.15pm at the GV Hotel, 223 High St, Shepparton.

To make a booking, visit trybooking.com/DDGGV