Birches Assisted Living's free program offers expert advice for people with Parkinson's disease

On Wednesday, September 13, The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills is hosting the first presentation in its three-part fall dementia education series. The presentation is titled "An Overview of Parkinson's Disease" and will be delivered by Dr. Cindy Zadikoff, Associate Professor of Neurology and Medical Education at Northwestern University, and Jessica Bartsch, a representative of the National Parkinson's Foundation. It will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at The Birches, located at 215 55th St. Clarendon Hills.

In the presentation, Dr. Cindy Zadikoff will provide an overview of Parkinson's disease, including diagnosis, symptoms, progression and treatment. But she will also focus on a common Parkinson's disease symptom that people with Parkinson's disease and their caretakers know little about-Parkinson's disease psychosis.

Parkinson's disease psychosis refers to hallucinations and delusions triggered by Parkinson's disease or its treatment. It has several potential causes, including side effects of Parkinson's disease medications, delirium or a condition called dementia with Lewy bodies, which can accompany Parkinson's disease. Although Parkinson's disease psychosis isn't often talked about, it is very common.

"What we found in research is that over half of Parkinson's patients will develop this non-motor symptom. It's the number one reason a patient is placed into a long-term care facility if they have Parkinson's disease," said Brittny Voakes, a neuroscience sales specialist for ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a company which makes a drug that treats Parkinson's disease psychosis.

Voakes, who will be introducing Dr. Zadikoff before her presentation, educates doctors about this common symptom of Parkinson's and helps them obtain medication for Parkinson's patients in need.

After Dr. Zadikoff discusses Parkinson's disease psychosis, Jessica Bartsch, the community development and outreach coordinator for the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, will briefly discuss the Parkinson's Disease Foundation and the resources it offers.

According to Bartsch, the foundation has invested over $200 million dollars in research and supportive services since it started in 1957. Through this research, as well as the free educational resources and educational programs it offers, the foundation hopes to make the lives of those who are affected by Parkinson's disease better-and that includes Bartsch's own family.

"I became involved in this organization because my father has PD. I see first-hand how this disease affects the individual, the care-partner and a family as a whole," said Bartsch. "I love connecting with the PD community. I think it lifts everyone up a little-lifts our burdens a little-when we share and come together."

If you'd like to attend "An Overview of Parkinson's Disease" with Dr. Cindy Zadikoff, Brittny Voakes and Jessica Bartsch, you can register by contacting Katie Schaff Fagan at 630-581-7350 or kfagan@birches.net. To learn more about The Birches' fall dementia education series, visit The Birches' events calendar at http://www.birches.net/p/senior_living/events_9080/clarendon-hills-il-60514/the-birches-assisted-living-9080.

The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills, Ill. offers professional services to support the physical, social, intellectual and spiritual growth of the older adults who make it their home. The Birches offers purposeful programming and activities designed to promote a healthy aging lifestyle and a strong sense of community. For more information about The Birches, call 630-789-1135 or visit: birches.net.