The Parkinson's Group of the Ozarks
A million and a half men and women have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in the United States. Of these, 2,400 live in the Ozarks. Parkinson’s Disease is a slowly progressive neurological disease generally associated with tremor or trembling of the arms and legs, stiffness and rigidity of the muscles, slowness of movement, and impaired balance and coordination. As these symptoms become more pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking or completing other simple tasks. This disease not only affects the patient, but also his or her family. Parkinson’s Group provides access to Support groups for the welfare of Parkinsonians, their care partners, families and friends.
Parkinson’s Group and its supporters provided the vision to establish a clinic for Parkinson’s patients known as Parkinson’s Clinic of the Ozarks.
Our Mission…
The mission of the Parkinson’s Group of the Ozarks is to educate, support research and improve the quality of life for persons with Parkinson’s.
…improve the quality of lifeParkinson’s Group encourages Monthly Support Group meetings, Holiday parties, and various trips. Some people may have difficulty coping with Parkinson’s Disease. It may be hard for them to ask their doctor questions or talk about their problems with family or friends. A support group may be just the right answer. Our programs are selected to keep people up-to-date about the latest changes and developments in Parkinson’s Disease and to aid in dealing with day-to-day activities. These meetings also provide an opportunity to discuss experiences and feelings and to share solutions to common problems. A monthly newsletter keeps all recipients informed with summaries of medical articles, announcements of seminars, new developments in medications and surgery, meeting and program notices, and other items that may be of interest to Parkinsonians and caregivers.
...to provide educationParkinson’s Group has a lending library and conducts a biannual symposium. A mobile library is of books, brochures, audio and video tapes is available for patients and care partners to borrow. This library is available at Cox and St. John’s Support Group meetings. Free literature can be obtained through the Parkinson’s Group office. The Parkinson’s Group of the Ozarks sponsors a biannual symposium where notable guest professionals speak on various topics relating to Parkinson’s Disease. Special speakers at the monthly meetings are often neurologists, psychiatrists, physical therapists, nutritionists, pharmacists, leaders of support groups, etc.
…to support researchA cure for Parkinson’s Disease is very near, but funds are needed to finish the work. Donations and Memorials are welcome to help this important cause. Parkinson’s Group is currently working on various fund-raisers.
