WEST HARTFORD – Pamela Atwood, director of Dementia Care Services at Hebrew HealthCare (HHC) in West Hartford has been named president of the Connecticut chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA).

“My mother-in-law was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease,” said Atwood, who is also an APDA volunteer and support group facilitator. “Like most patients, she worries that she is going to endup in a wheel chair. But we know so much more now, and have really effective interventions and medications.”

The APDA, has been involved in almost every major Parkinson’s Disease breakthrough, funding research and supporting clinical trials. The support groups, educational seminars, hotline support, and information and referrals that APDA provides are supported by the annual Optimism Walks and other fundraisers. The APDA recently rolled out its Red-Button Campaign, in support of American Parkinson Disease Awareness Month.

Atwood co-facilitates with West Hartford resident TJ Goldberg, RN, one such support group for individuals with PD and their care partners. She also facilitates a monthly group for those with young-onset Parkinson’s Disease; the average age of the members is 45.

“Support groups are key,” said Atwood, “because living with PD presents many physical, emotional and relationship changes. Adaptation is essential; people learn about how to live with PD in support groups.”

Proper diagnosis, medication, exercise, education and support are the answers for one million Americans who have PD.

For more information visit www.ctapda.org.