When it affects someone you care about, hearing the diagnosis for the first time can be frightening. Imagine how distraught the person with this disorder must feel! Nobody should go through such life-altering experience alone.

The diagnosis, however recent, affects not just the person with Parkinson's, but also friends and family. As someone close to a person with Parkinson's, you need to be informed because the more you know about the disease, the more you can become involved and the less frightening it will be.

Your primary sources of information should be the family physician, the neurologist or specialist, and Parkinson Society Ottawa. The Society is a major source of information-in fact, we even have information for physicians should they require it.

Our goal at Parkinson Society Ottawa is to help improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson's as well as their families and caregivers through information and support services. We hope that the following will put Parkinson's in perspective for you.

Of all the things you may have heard about Parkinson's, here are a few things you should know: it is not a mental illness and it is not contagious or fatal. In fact, most Parkinson's patients live full and active lives. A wide variety of medications and therapies - all of which are available right here in Ottawa - can help you overcome almost any challenge you or your loved one may face.

To learn more about Parkinson's disease, please see our list of Frequently Asked Questions or visit our Resource Library. You may want to begin by reading Parkinson's: One step at a time, co-written by Dr. J. David Grimes and Dr. David A. Grimes, both of the Ottawa Hospital.

There are many ways to help people with Parkinson's or their caregivers. It is most important to be supportive. Ask how they are feeling and invite a truthful response. Let them unwind in your company. Do not try to cheer them up with clichés-instead, give them a chance to grieve.

Offer to lend a hand to the person with Parkinson's or the caregiver but be specific with the day, time and task. For example, offer assistance with housework Saturday morning or grocery shopping every other Wednesday. Compel the caregiver to relax and have fun-why not take in a movie or go on a bicycle ride? Take the Parkinsonian out to visit the museum or get new glasses. This way the Parkinsonian gets a new experience and the caregiver gets an hour or two of respite. The Society can provide you with these and other volunteer opportunities.

Please contact us-we are here to help and we want to give you the facts you need to make informed decisions.

For more information on how to become a member, call our office at (613) 722-9238 or e-mail us at psoc@lri.ca