Support group to hear about non motor symptoms of Parkinson's

FALLBROOK – The Fallbrook Parkinson's Support Group invites everyone interested to join its monthly meeting, Friday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. to noon. The meeting is held at the Health & Wellness Center, 1636 E. Mission Road, the fourth Friday of every month.

This month, the guest speaker is Dr. Sandeep K. Thakkar, D. O. and his presentation is "A Discussion on Non Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's."

Thakkar is a neurologist and program director at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach. He earned his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. He completed his medical internship at Mount Sinai in New York, followed by his neurology residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, California. He then did his fellowship training in movement disorders at University of California Los Angeles.

The primary focus of Thakkar’s practice is patient-centered care for Parkinson’s disease. He believes in providing academic-level care in a private clinical setting. He believes in the importance of creating a global awareness of the disease, and strives to stay current with all modalities of care throughout the movement disorders field, including conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, essential tremor, Botulinum toxin therapy, spasticity, and other brain disorders.

Thakkar works with multiple Parkinson’s disease foundations throughout the area, including the Huntington’s Disease Society of America – Orange County chapter and the International Essential Tremor Foundation. He is also involved with the Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. He is an invited member of the Parkinson's Study Group, and member of the Academy of American Neurology and Movement Disorders Society.

Dr. Thakkar has published numerous journal papers and done clinical research on the subjects of deep brain stimulation for the treatment of and the effects diet can have on Parkinson’s disease, as well as the effects of certain drug therapies on mood and behavior. His presentation will be followed by a "Question and Answer" session.

There will also be breakout groups held for a time of sharing, coffee and refreshments after the program. The meeting is held in support of persons with Parkinson's disease, care partners and people interested in improving the world of those affected by Parkinson’s disease.

For more information, call Irene, 760-731-0171.

Submitted by the Fallbrook Parkinson's Support Group.