The Nafsika AHEPA Victoria Inc. hosted a highly successful Parkinson’s Information Seminar on Sunday, June 15, at AHEPA House, bringing together medical experts, community members, and supporters to raise awareness about the impact of Parkinson’s disease in Australia.
The seminar featured two distinguished speakers from the non-profit organisation Fight Parkinson’s: Sharon Roux, Director of the Fundraising Department, and Victor McConvey, Director of Health Services.
Ms Roux highlighted the significant financial need for expanded services and further research into Parkinson’s treatment, stressing the urgent demand for increased support and funding.
Mr McConvey delivered a detailed and informative presentation on the nature of Parkinson’s disease, covering key topics such as symptoms, available medications, and effective methods to slow its progression. He emphasised the value of physiotherapy, regular exercise, and support services in helping patients maintain their quality of life.
He also addressed the broader effects of the condition, noting that Parkinson’s can lead to secondary complications such as dementia, cognitive decline, depression, and other mental health issues.
Attendees listened attentively and engaged with the speakers through a lively Q&A session. Many reported feeling significantly more informed and empathetic toward those living with Parkinson’s, which affects around 2% of the Australian population — predominantly men — and can impact both the elderly and younger individuals.
While Parkinson’s remains incurable, both speakers stressed that lifestyle measures such as healthy eating, physical activity, and social engagement can help those affected manage the disease and live as full a life as possible.
