Media

Parkinson's Disease: Beyond Tremors          
70% of respondents overlook the early symptoms

A recent survey conducted by the Centre on Behavioral Health and the School of Nursing of the University of Hong Kong revealed that over 70% of respondents were aware that Parkinson's disease (PD) leads to motor difficulties, such as tremors, slowness and rigidity. However, more than 70% of respondents did not know that early symptoms of PD include other physiological and psychological symptoms. Research highlights four major early symptoms: 1. loss of smell, 2. depression/anxiety, 3. constipation, and 4. sleep behaviour disorders. These can be present 10 to 20 years prior to the onset of motor symptoms.

Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the “Jockey Club Movin’ Care for Parkinson's Disease Project” (“JC Movin’ Care”) is being launched to provide risk assessment (questionnaires and physical tests) and advocate for “early awareness, early diagnosis, and early care” of the disease. Apart from hosting educational talks, individuals who are worried about PD can reach out and seek support.

The project launch ceremony of “JC Movin’ Care” will take place on 27 October, where the results of a recent “Knowledge of Parkinson's disease among public” survey will be announced. There will also be keynote speeches on PD and an explanation of the project highlights. Interactive workshops, such as early risk assessments for PD, a “human library” (where participants can interact with PD sufferers and their caregivers), and a mind-body experiential workshop on PD care will also feature. The event is open to the public, health and allied health professionals, as well as people with PD and their caregivers. Admission is free of charge.

We cordially invite representatives from your organisation to attend and cover the project launch ceremony:

Date: 27-10-2023 (Friday)
Time: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Venue: Auditorium, 1st Floor, Duke of Windsor Social Service Building, 15 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai

Background of the Jockey Club Movin’ Care for Parkinson's Disease Project
The Jockey Club Movin’ Care for Parkinson's Disease Project (2023-2026) is a collaboration between the Centre on Behavioral Health and the School of Nursing of The University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation. Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the project aims to establish a comprehensive and sustainable community care service model for the Parkinson's disease-related community. It promotes early awareness of the risks of disease, early diagnosis and rehabilitation, and early care for mind-body wellness. The project also focuses on community engagement to raise awareness of Parkinson's disease in the community.

Programme rundown:
1400-1430   REGISTRATION
1430-1500   PROJECT LAUNCH CEREMONY
1. Opening Remarks by Officiating Guests

• Mr. Horace LIT, Executive Manager, Charities (Healthy Community), The Hong Kong Jockey Club
• Prof. Chak-sing LAU, Dean of Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, HKU
• Dr. Pamela LEUNG, Chief Executive Officer, The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation 
• Prof. Paul YIP, Associate Dean (Knowledge Exchange and Development) of the Faculty of Social Sciences, HKU

2. Ceremony and Photo taking:

• Dissemination of survey results: “Knowledge of Parkinson's disease among public”
• Revelation of the 4 major early symptoms of PD

1500-1550  KEYNOTE DIALOGUES AND SPEECHES
1. Facts of Parkinson’s Disease
2. Jockey Club Movin’ Care for PD Project Overview

1550-1615  BREAK AND SIGN IN TO BREAKOUT WORKSHOPS
1615-1715  BREAK-OUT WORKSHOPS
1715-1730  SIGN OUT AND GIFT PICK-UP AT THE EXIT

For enquiries about the “Jockey Club Movin’ Care for Parkinson's Disease Project”
Telephone: 5218 1351
Email: hkjcpd01@hku.hk

For media enquiries, please contact:
Communications and Public Affairs Office, HKU
Melanie Wan
Telephone: 2859 2600
Email: melwkwan@hku.hk