Parkinson’s disease is a complex and unique condition. Join Parkinson Society BC on March 22 for an engaging afternoon of learning in Victoria. This in-person regional conference offers an immersive and interactive opportunity to gain insights from leading experts while connecting with others in the Parkinson’s community.

Light refreshments will be provided. Please contact Alana Dhillon with any dietary restrictions no later than March 17.

Session 1: Navigating the Intersection of Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms during Off-Times | Dr. Keiran Tuck, Movement Disorder Specialist

When Parkinson’s medications wear off, motor and non-motor symptoms often intensify and become interconnected. For example, motor symptoms like rigidity and stiffness can heighten stress and anxiety, while autonomic dysfunction linked to these motor challenges may lead to non-motor issues such as excessive sweating, temperature regulation problems, blood pressure fluctuations, and gastrointestinal concerns.

In this session, Dr. Tuck will provide an in-depth overview of “off-times,” including their causes and effects. Learn how motor symptoms during these periods can worsen non-motor challenges—such as bradykinesia contributing to constipation—and gain practical strategies to manage these overlapping difficulties effectively.

Session 2: Managing Stress and Restoring Autonomic Balance | Claudia Walker, Occupational Therapist 

Living with a chronic condition like Parkinson’s can create significant stress, which can worsen both motor and non-motor symptoms. Claudia Walker, an occupational therapist specializing in autonomic self-regulation, will explore how chronic stress impacts the autonomic nervous system, leading to states of ‘fight or flight’ (hypervigilance, irritability, and restlessness) or ‘collapse’ (apathy, inactivity, and withdrawal).

While these states are normal in brief instances, staying in them too long can harm overall well-being. This session will explain how the autonomic nervous system works, why it can become ‘stuck,’ and introduce strategies to regain balance, improve resilience, and self-regulate effectively.

This session is designed for people living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers.

Session 3: Parkinson’s Medications Demystified | Amy Tran, Pharmacist

Join Victoria-based pharmacist Amy Tran for an informative session on Parkinson’s disease (PD) medications. Learn about key treatments, their effects, and how they manage PD symptoms. This session will address common concerns about medication regimens, fluctuations, and new options like Vyalev, now covered in British Columbia.

Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s or caring for someone who is, this session will provide practical insights to optimize treatment and improve quality of life.

The conference will also include two exercise breaks.

Parkinson Society BC appreciates all gifts, as they allow us to continue to offer programs people with Parkinson’s disease and their carepartners rely on. If you wish, you can make a donation by entering an amount in the Additional Donation field.

Please note: These sessions are designed to provide general education and are not intended for individual advice and/or clinical care. Please note that any Q&A sessions that take place will not be recorded.