/R E P E A T — Montréal is "Parkinson's ready" to welcome the World Parkinson Congress/

From October 1-4, 2013

MONTREAL, Sept. 25, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - If you're in Montreal at the beginning of October, chances are high that you will run into someone with Parkinson's. From October 1 to 4, Montreal will welcome the Parkinson's community when the city hosts the third World Parkinson Congress (WPC). More than 3,500 participants from over 60 countries are expected to attend this major event at the Palais des congrs, generating more than $6.4 million in economic spinoffs for our city. A great deal of effort has been put into making Montreal "Parkinson's ready" and now Montrealers are encouraged to welcome the delegates.

As the only international forum that brings together world renowned neuroscientists, people living with Parkinson's, their caregivers, advocates, medical and healthcare professionals and dedicated researchers, the WPC requires years of preparation and collaboration between local and global organizations. In order to be ready to welcome such an important meeting and its delegates, many of whom live with Parkinson's disease, Tourisme Montral has worked hand in hand with Parkinson Society Qubec, Parkinson Society Canada, the World Parkinson Coalition and many other partners.

Because the tourism industry, and front of house staff, is expected to have contact with the meeting's diverse delegates, four Parkinson's training sessions, hosted by the World Parkinson Coalition, have been organized for everyone from hotel staff and restaurant employees, to taxi and bus drivers, and even customs officials.

"These training sessions are part of the World Parkinson Coalition's legacy for Montral. Not only will the training ensure WPC 2013 delegates have the most favourable experience in Montreal, it will allow the staff to better understand the needs of people living with this chronic degenerative disease that is expected to affect more than 10million people on the planet by 2030," said Elizabeth Pollard, Executive Director of the World Parkinson Coalition.

"Hosting the World Parkinson Congress in Montral is a unique opportunity for our local specialists to meet with the best researchers around the world and to share ideas and knowledge. It is also an occasion for all of us to learn more about Parkinson's disease and try to make a difference," underlined Yves Lalumire, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Montral. I encourage all Montrealers to welcome WPC's delegates and make them feel at home!"

This meeting, which takes place every three years, is a platform for a global conversation, to understand the specific challenges of Parkinson's, to highlight new innovations in research, and to share insights and potential solutions, with the ultimate goal of advancing the discovery of a cure. Here are a few highlights:

The Congress promotes an exchange of knowledge and skills by the most significant contributors in the field, including Dr. Edward Fon from McGill University and Dr. Marie-Franoise Chesselet from UCLA. There will be an emphasis on the latest developments in Parkinson's research and treatment, including restorative and neuro-protective therapies, new and effective medications, and upcoming clinical trials. Topics will include the early indicators of Parkinson's, the genetic components, and risk factors.

For media accreditation, visit http://www.worldpdcongress.org/MediaRegistration

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.

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/R E P E A T -- Montréal is "Parkinson's ready" to welcome the World Parkinson Congress/