Portland, Ore.

WHAT:

"Options and Opportunities," the 21st annual symposium for patients and families living with Parkinson's disease. It is hosted by the Parkinson Center of Oregon at Oregon Health & Science University. Sponsors include the National Parkinson Foundation, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim, Teva Neuroscience and Bertek Pharmaceuticals Inc.

This year's symposium will focus on enhancing the mind and body, with speakers providing practical and emotional options for maximizing strengths of patients and families, and minimizing limitations.

Topics include:

•  "Living With Parkinson's Disease: The Power of Optimism"
     
• "How Can I Improve My Memory?"
     
•  "Smoothing the Transitions to a New Living Environment: Advice for Families"
     
•  "Maximizing Mobility"
     
• "The Art and Heart of Communication"
     
• "Ask the Expert"

An expanded exhibitor section this year will highlight available services, equipment and community resources.

WHO:

The event is geared toward Parkinson's disease patients and their families.

WHEN:

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12.

WHERE:

Doubletree Hotel Portland-Jantzen Beach, 909 N. Hayden Island Drive.

WHY:

The OHSU Parkinson Center of Oregon, a National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence, seeks to improve the care of people with Parkinson's disease by offering expertise and comprehensive care, education to patients, families and professionals, and promoting research into causes and treatment of Parkinson's disease.

HOW:

Registration, including lunch, is $25 per person. Registration deadline is Aug. 31. Limited scholarships available. For information, call 503 494-7975.

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