VCU Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center Expert is RWC Guest Speaker
11th Annual Parkinson’s Event Designed to Raise Awareness of the Disease
Jonathan Snider
Vibrating technologies and even cannabis will be among the topics of discussion when VCU Neurologist Dr. Jonathan Snider speaks at RWC’s 11th Annual Parkinson’s Event this year. He will discuss a potpourri of topics about new treatments and management of Parkinson’s with his talk on April 11, “New hope in Parkinson’s Disease: exciting breakthroughs now, and for the near future.”
Snider, who is also an assistant clinical professor at VCU’s Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center, will talk about potential new technologies and ways to manage symptoms and live better lives with Parkinson’s. “Newer treatments include Duopa, an intestinal pump, and Rytary, a long-acting Parkinson’s medication,” Snider said. “Technologies that vibrate and help with tremor and movement of gait are also promising.”
VCU is pairing with other institutions and beginning studies to see if people with Parkinson’s who wear vibrating technologies on their arm can calm the tremor in their hands.
“Cannabis for the treatment of Parkinson’s symptoms is another hot topic,” Snider said. “It will likely become legal in Virginia for medicinal purposes this year. It’s interesting to me, but I think we need more information. It’s too early to say what benefit it provides.”
Snider was born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He received his bachelor’s degree at the College of William and Mary, then completed medical school, a neurology residency and a Movement Disorders fellowship at the University of Michigan.
Rita De Pew, volunteer coordinator of the Parkinson’s Support Group at RWC, leads the annual Parkinson’s awareness event each year.
“According to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson’s will double by 2040,” DePew said. “Our message is that there is no cure yet for Parkinson’s, but there is hope.”
The presentation will begin at 1 p.m. in the Chesapeake Center Auditorium on RWC’s campus, 132 Lancaster Dr., Irvington. RWC and community residents are invited to this free educational program.
Beverages and dessert will be served. To learn more and register, call Rita DePew at 804-435-9553 by Wednesday, April 4. Seating is limited. RWC will honor reservations in the order received.
Before the presentation, area organizations will be on hand to offer additional resources including VCU Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center, the Parkinson’s Disease Research Education and Clinical Center from Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Carousel Physical Therapy, Visiting Angels, RWC Physical Therapy, At Home with RWC, and RWC and its Parkinson’s Support Group. Attendees may wish to arrive at 12:30 p.m. to visit with these groups.