April is Parkinson's awareness month – Montréal's tourism industry mobilizes to welcome the 3rd World Parkinson Congress

October 1-4, 2013

MONTREAL, April 29, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - World Parkinson Coalition and Parkinson Society Canada will co-host the next World Parkinson Congress (WPC) in October 2013 in Montral. More than 3,500 delegates from over 60 countries are expected to attend this major event, which is the only global conference that brings together the entire Parkinson's community, including people with Parkinson's, those who care for them, medical professionals, policy makers and researchers working toward a cure and better treatments.

During April, which is Parkinson's awareness month, Tourisme Montral wants to underscore the fact that all members of Montral's tourism industry are getting ready to welcome these worldwide delegates, many of whom view coming to the Congress as a life-changing experience and a dream fulfilled.

"Welcoming the third World Parkinson Congress to Montral is a unique opportunity for the country and for the Qubec Parkinson's community. Being part of this global family and having access to leading researchers and the latest treatment innovations and knowledge will leave a lasting impression for people with Parkinson's. Individuals will share their experiences with those who live similar realities, all contributing to making this an exceptional event not to be missed. We are pleased to welcome people from all over the world to Canada -- to help them discover Montral's cultural life while sharing its beauty and warmth in the fall," said Nicole Charpentier, Executive Director at Parkinson Society Qubec.

The Local Organizing Committee of WPC 2013 includes well-known Parkinson's specialists, such as Dr. Anne-Louise Lafontaine, Neurologist and Clinical Director of the McGill Movement Disorder Clinic and director of the Renata Hornstein Parkinson Clinic; Dr. Michel Panisset, Professor of Medicine at Universit de Montral, Co-director of the Andr-Barbeau Movement Disorders Clinic of CHUM, and Co-director of the McGill University Movement disorder functional surgery program; and Dr. Sylvain Chouinard, Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine at Universit de Montral, Neurologist, and Co-director of the Andr-Barbeau Movement Disorders Clinic of CHUM.

"The committee members are thrilled to organize this international event in our city. This is an amazing opportunity that involves not only scientists and health care professionals, but also the people who know the disease best, those living with it and their care partners - so that we can all learn from each other," said Dr. Lafontaine.

"Montral is proud to be the host of this major conference. Our goal is to guarantee a pleasant stay in our city to all delegates, and also to help people from Montral to understand Parkinson's disease better," underlined the Honourable Charles Lapointe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Montral. "We are working with Parkinson Society Qubec, Parkinson Society Canada and our partners in transportation, housing and catering to improve the experience of the delegates, making sure we are ready to welcome them the best possible way."

The Congress will cover everything from the latest research findings and clinical treatments to the lived experience and best practices in coping with Parkinson's. To register or for more information, visit http://www.worldpdcongress.org

Parkinson's disease in Canada Parkinson's is a chronic degenerative neurological disease caused by a loss of dopamine in the brain. When the dopamine producing cells die, Parkinson's symptoms appear.

About Parkinson Society Canada Parkinson Society Canada is the national voice of Canadians living with Parkinson's disease. A charitable organization founded in 1965, its vision is a better life with a brighter future for Canadians living with Parkinson's today, a world without Parkinson's tomorrow. Parkinson Society Canada, with network of partners including Parkinson Society Qubec, funds discovery research and provides education, support, and advocacy on behalf of over 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinson's. For more information: http://www.parkinson.ca

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April is Parkinson's awareness month - Montréal's tourism industry mobilizes to welcome the 3rd World Parkinson Congress