Parkinson Social Network
Sorry about the this week’s title, but I really couldn’t figure out how to tie it all in together in a few words! I hope you find something of interest to you, or someone you know.
Cafe McLean
We heard about some very interesting collections at our cafe on Wednesday, namely – mushrooms and elephants! Our mushroom collector collects mushroom shaped jewelry but was also knowledgeable about the different kinds of mushrooms, and has even traveled to Europe to hunt for mushrooms with other enthusiasts. It was fun learning so much about them, particularly as we’ve had 4 different kinds growing in our backyard this summer. The photo above is of one kind – almost the size of dinner plates.
Our elephant collector brought several of her favorites, each with it’s own story, which led to stories from a couple of our friends about their rides on elephants. I’m looking forward to hearing more about the various items people collect at our other cafes this month! Click here to find a cafe location near you!
Here’s a message about a George Mason research study examining movement efficiency and fatigability in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.
My name is Mutasim Alharbi. I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Rehabilitation Science Department at George Mason University. I am conducting a research study examining movement efficiency and fatigability in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease in comparison to age-match healthy control adults. Participants will be asked to visit the Functional Performance Laboratory at George Mason University for one testing session, which will last approximately 90-120 minutes. They will be asked to complete surveys that include questions about their physical activity level and their perceptions of how fatigue interferes with physical activities and social functioning. The surveys are anticipated to take no more than 30 minutes. In addition, they will perform one submaximal test, using a constant work rate exercise test on a cycle ergometer at two different workloads: bout 1 consists of 6-minute of pedaling on the cycle with a workload that can be considered as light to moderate intensity. Bout 2 consist of pedaling on the cycle with a workload that can be considered as moderate to heavy intensity until the point of volitional exhaustion or 30 minutes, whichever is achieved first. The aim of the test is to estimate their movement efficiency and fatigability at different exercise workloads. During the test, they will wear a fitted facemask, which is connected to analyzers that measure inspired and expired gas flow. we will also monitor hearts response to exercise while they are exercising. The test is anticipated to last around 60 minutes. Participation in this study is voluntary. Their identities as participants will remain anonymous during and after the study.
For more information about this new study, and to register your interest, please contact:
Mutasim D. Alharbi, Doctoral Student
Department of Rehabilitation Science, College of Health and Human Services
George Mason University
E-mail: malharb4@masonlive.gmu.edu | Phone: 703-479-8505
**Dr. Alharbi will visit Cafe Fairfax on Wednesday August 15 at 10:00 am to talk about his study. Last year we were visited by Dr. Clinton Wutzke from George Mason about a study that he and his students were working on and several of our friends participated in it, so we wanted to give you the opportunity to hear about this one, too.
Calling all Artists!
The 32nd Juried Young at Art Show for Artists 55+ is coming this Fall to the Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron Street in Old Town Alexandria. This annual exhibition, cosponsored by Senior Services of Alexandria and Goodwin House Foundation, is open to all metropolitan areas residents 55 and older.
Artists must deliver their works of art to the Durant Center on Monday, September 10 from 10 am to 12 noon to be considered for the exhibition. There will be an opening reception on Thursday, September 13, 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the Durant Arts Center. The exhibition runs through November 8th.
For more information about the exhibition and how to register go to Young at Art or call 703-836-4414, ext. 110. Spread the word!
Something to check out on the APDA website
We had a message from Susan Dietrich, Coordinator, American Parkinson Disease Association Information & Referral Center of Virginia:
“I am excited to re-introduce you to the APDA website: www.apdaparkinson.org. This site is one of the best that you can go to for a lot of good information. I’d like to especially direct you to the blog by Dr. Rebecca Gilbert, APDA Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer (just click on the Blog tab). She impressed me at the meeting with her knowledge, and with her easy to understand way of communicating that knowledge. In the blog, she discusses all the “hot topics” that we are hearing with regards to Parkinson’s. I hope that you will take a look at the website, which has a lot of good information – but definitely read through Dr. Gilbert’s blog.”
Hope to see you out and about soon! Perhaps at Cafe Fairfax next Wednesday? For more about what’s happening at our cafes this month, click here!
Cheers,
Sonia
email: Sonia@ParkinsonSocialNetwork.org
Parkinson Social Network 
Reblogged this on Fairfax City Parkinson's Support Group and commented:
It’s been a while since we shared any news but thought you might be interested in this Parkinson Social Network newsletter/update!
Angela