Parkinson’s group hosts 4th Empowerment Day

The Parkinson’s Association of San Diego will hold its fourth Empowerment Day conference on Wednesday, aiming to teach people living with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers how to live and thrive despite their diagnosis.

The all-day event will feature a series of 15- to 20-minute-long sessions led by a team of experts in the field of Parkinson’s disease. Their discussions will cover topics such as medications, exercises and stretches to help people cope with symptoms.

Lunch will include a performance by the Tremble Clefs, a group of performers living with Parkinson’s who use singing as a form of therapy for the voice symptoms associated with the disease.

“The entire event is really educational, but it’s also designed to empower people to take charge of their lives — it’s really an opportunity for people to empower themselves,” Executive Director Chris Buscher said.

The event will be held at the Marina Village Conference Center, 1936 Quivira Way in San Diego. Check-in starts at 7:45 a.m.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder caused by dying neurons in the part of the brain that controls movement, making it difficult for the person to walk, talk and balance. It can cause trembling and stiffness, as well as depression, sleep problems, memory issues and fatigue, according to the National Institute on Aging.

It is estimated that nearly 1 million Americans are living with the disease, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation, a nationwide nonprofit.

Parkinson’s Association board member Lisa Stinchcomb helped launch the annual event in 2017 after she moved to San Diego while working as a representative for Acadia Pharmaceuticals as it started distributing a medicine to treat Parkinson’s-associated hallucinations.

Although each session is a short taste of information, the goal is to help guide those diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their family caregivers in what they need to learn.

Wednesday’s event is $20 per person, which includes breakfast and lunch. To sign up, call (858) 215-2570 or go to parkinsonsassociation.org.