Parkinson Canada Announces New Support Group In Winnipeg

Parkinson Canada is bringing a new support group to Winnipeg for Parkinson’s patients and caregivers.

This will occur each month on the 4th Wednesday at Westworth United Church. Sandra Mirecki, Volunteer Facilitator with Parkinson Canada, talks about the importance of this support group and the challenges facing Parkinson’s patients in Winnipeg on this episode of Civic Platform.

Mirecki said, “First, let me explain what Parkinson’s means, Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease. Movement is normally controlled by dopamine, a chemical that carries signals between the nerves in the brain. When cells that normally produce dopamine die, the symptoms of Parkinson’s appear. Second, this disease needs these support groups, not only for patients but also for the people who provide care for them. Patients of this disease may not realize that they are infected with it except in advanced stages and believe that these symptoms are caused by advanced age, and here we must help in early detection so that care is prompt.”

She added, “Many challenges to people with this disease, and the most important challenge is the social challenge, where many of those around the patients believe that they are under the influence of drinking alcohol or that they are abnormal, and this belief is wrong. They are only sick and need treatment.”

She hopes support for those affected by the disease and their family see continued support in the coming years.

– Zuher Almusre, U Multicultural