These information seminars are presented onsite and are delivered in an easy to understand and interactive format.

The Parkinson’s Queensland Inc. information seminars are an ideal forum for individuals with various levels of understanding and experience in the area of Parkinson’s disease to enhance their current knowledge base.

All seminars include:

• A general introduction to Parkinson’s disease, including motor and non-motor symptoms, cause, diagnosis, treatment options and current surgeries available
• Medication management and side-effects
• Practical strategies used by Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists etc. to address concerns such as getting out of bed, improving mobility, help with ‘freezing’, speech and swallowing
• A brief overview of the services of Parkinson’s Queensland Inc.
• Information about community and government services commonly accessed by people living with Parkinson’s disease

Each seminar typically runs for approximately 1 hour.  In addition, each seminar includes Parkinson’s disease resources and comprehensive handouts.

Please be aware that we are currently only able to offer these services in the South East corner of Queensland and charges apply.

Please contact PQI on 1800 664 189 or email Tanya Turner-Jones .

The PQI PhD Research Grant Scheme funds high quality applications from current full-time PhD students who are undertaking innovative research projects related to Parkinson’s disease. Funding will be available for the duration of the applicant’s candidature – up to a maximum of three years.
Grants of up to $10,000 each will be awarded.

The PQI Research Seeding Grant Scheme funds high quality applications from Queensland based researchers or teams of researchers to undertake innovative research projects related to Parkinson’s disease.
Funding will be available for one year, after which successful applicants will be required to apply to external funding agencies for further funding support. The value of the Research Seeding Grants will be up to a maximum value of $30,000. Applicants will be required to provide matching funds, with at least 20% cash contribution.

Closing date for applications: Friday, 30th September 2011

Seeding Grant Guidelines

Seeding Grant Application Form

Seeding Grant Application Form (Word Version)

PhD Project Guidelines

PhD Project Application Form

PhD Project Application Form (Word Version)

Queensland Aged & Disability Advocacy

Alzheimer’s Australia

Synapse (Brain Injury Association of Queensland)

Diversicare

LifeTec Queensland

Queensland Meals on Wheels

Multiple Sclerosis Queensland

Parkinson’s Australia

Parkinson’s NSW

Parkinson’s VIC

Parkinson’s WA

Parkinson’s SA

Parkinson’s ACT

Parkinson’s TAS

The primary aim of the Parkinson’s Queensland Inc. Seeding Grant Scheme is to support individual researchers and research teams to conduct high quality research into Parkinson’s disease. This includes both basic and applied science research.  In 2010 PQI awarded funding to qualified research students for innovative research projects related to Parkinson’s disease.  In total, four grants were granted; 2 PhD Grants and 2 Research Seeding Grants.

Novel methods of detection of anxiety in Parkinson’s disease

Dr Nadeeka Dissanayaka (University of Queensland) will be exploring and developing strategies to diagnose anxiety in PD at early stages of the disease. Clinical interviews, psycholinguistic methods (affective priming) and brain waves recording (electroencephalography) will be used. This will facilitate clear definitions of anxiety related to PD, providing a means by which novel assessment methods for anxiety in PD can be developed. Identifying early diagnostic methods for anxiety in PD will improve clinical practice and future clinical trials establishing better treatment strategies.

Frontal cortex activation mapping during cognitive tests of executive function in Parkinson’s disease patients receiving deep brain therapy

QUT Associate Professor, Dr Graham Kerr, will be utilising non-invasive functional near-infrared topography to map frontal cortex (FC) activation during cognitive tests of executive function in the elderly, PD patients, and PD patients receiving sub thalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) therapy. Outcomes of this research will clarify the relationship between FC activation and cognitive dysfunction and provide a better understanding of the stimulation parameters that influence executive functioning in PD patients receiving STN-DBS therapy.

Brain structural change correlates of postural instability and cognition in Parkinson’s disease

University of Queensland PhD student, Ms Dong Xu, will be using advanced MRI-based methods combined with quantitative gait and cognitive assessments to investigate the relationship between brain structure, cognitive decline and falls in PD. This research will contribute to the development of objective diagnostic imaging markers for determining postural instability and falls risk in people with PD.

Measuring and understanding community walking in people with Parkinson’s disease

University of Queensland PhD student, Mrs Robyn Lamont will be commencing a study to compare the accuracy and reliability of two methods of quantifying community walking in PD (an activPAL and pedometer). The study will also involve determining the relationship between community walking and symptoms of PD including gait and executive function.

Please call 1800 644 189 (toll free).

See the Support Group page for details of our many regional and metropolitan Support Groups

General information about Parkinson’s disease and related issues is available through our Info line which is staffed by an Information Officer and volunteers. Your call can remain anonymous if you prefer and our support staff are well equipped to provide information about any aspect of Parkinson’s disease.

Please call 1800 644 189(toll free) or email pqi@parkinsons-qld.org.au.

See the Office and Staff page for other contact information

See the Support Group page for details of our many regional and metropolitan Support Groups

A support group is an informal gathering of people who share similar experiences, situations or problems. One of Parkinson’s Queensland’s most valuable and popular services is the development and coordination of a network of some 36 Parkinson’s support groups throughout metropolitan and regional Queensland.

Parkinson’s support group members can offer each other emotional and practical support. Getting together with other people who are facing similar challenges allows everyone to share feelings, resources and experiences. As well as providing benefits from the exchange of practical information, support groups also provide motivation and inspiration to help you deal positively with the changes to your lifestyle. They also give you a chance to meet new people, which help to break down any feelings of isolation associated with the disease.

Support group meetings range from group discussions, to educational sessions by guest speakers, social outings or just sharing a cuppa. To join a group please select your nearest group and contact number below for further details.

• Toll Free information Line 1800 644 189
• Specialist Library Service providing books, journal articles,  DVD’s and videos
• Information Kits
• Quarterly Newsletter
• web site www.parkinsons-qld.org.au

Support

Over 20 Support Groups throughout Queensland provide friendship, mutual support and information. Meetings may include practical tips and advice, group discussions, social outings and education sessions from health professionals.

Education

• Seminars for Recently Diagnosed
• Education sessions on symptom management
• Resources for Carers and Families
• In service education workshops provided to health professionals in accommodation facilities, respite, and health services to improve their understanding of Parkinson’s and caring for people with Parkinson’s

Advocacy

As the peak state-wide agency, we represent the needs and interests of people with Parkinson’s to all levels of government, seeking improved funding for services, research and awareness. We are also represented on the national peak body, Parkinson’s Australia, and network as a member of peak neurological service organizations in Australia.

Referral

We provide information and advice on accessible services, provided where possible in your local community, and relevant to your specific needs

Awareness

Improving the communities understanding of Parkinson’s is a priority. We regularly promote Parkinson’s awareness via the media and through fundraising initiatives, particularly during Parkinson’s Awareness Week and International Parkinson’s Day.