VCU Health Neurologist is Parkinson’s Awareness Week Speaker at RWC
Dr. Leslie Cloud will talk about lifestyle factors that impact brain health
Ever since her first biology class, Dr. Leslie Cloud was completely fascinated with the nervous system and the brain, so focusing her studies and research on neurology was a “no brainer.”On April 10, Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury will host its 12th annual Parkinson’s Awareness event, and Cloud, Associate Professor of Neurology, VCU Health Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center, will speak about how lifestyle factors impact brain health for those with Parkinson’s disease.
The presentation will begin at 1 p.m. in the Chesapeake Center Auditorium on RWC’s campus, 132 Lancaster Dr., Irvington, and prior to the presentation, local health organizations will display and share information about Parkinson’s and caregiving, according to Rita DePew volunteer coordinator of the Parkinson’s Support Group supported by RWC. She encourages those attending Cloud’s presentation to arrive at 12:30 p.m. to visit with these groups.
RWC and community residents are invited to this free educational program.
Cloud is a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia and completed her neurology residency and movement disorders fellowship at the Emory University School of Medicine. She also earned a master’s degree in clinical research from Emory. Cloud moved to Virginia and began work at VCU Health in 2011. She will talk about how diet, liquids, dietary supplements, exercise and sleep impact brain health, particularly for those with Parkinson’s disease. This will be Cloud’s third time presenting at RWC.
“I have focused my work on Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders because I found that Parkinson’s patients can improve so dramatically with the right treatment and care,” Cloud said. “The slow progressive nature of the disease means that patients live a long time, and I’m able to form long-lasting relationships with them that are productive and rewarding.”
Beverages and dessert will be served during a question and answer session following Cloud’s talk. To learn more and register, call Rita DePew at 804-435-9553 by April 3. Seating is limited. RWC will honor reservations in the order received.
In addition to this annual educational event, RWC sponsors several initiatives for those with Parkinson’s, their families and their care partners. The “Fit to Move” program provides RWC residents and community members with neuromuscular disorders a chance to participate in group exercises three times a week. RWC also sponsors a support group for individuals with Parkinson’s and their care partners, and another exclusively for care partners.
RWC Vice President of Marketing and Development LuAnne Davis said, “These programs are underwritten by grants and individual contributions to the RWC Foundation, so there is no charge for participating in any of them.”
