2nd Annual Vero Beach
Essential Tremor Awareness Conference
Wednesday, February 19, 2014 2:00 PM

VERO BEACH — The Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County presents the second annual Essential Tremor Awareness Conference.

Healthcare professionals and those affected by essential tremor, family members, and friends are all welcome to attend the conference, which will be held on Feb. 19 from 2-5 p.m. at The Moorings in Vero Beach. 

The conference is free, but reservations are required.  Please RSVP by calling the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association at 772-563-0505 — last year’s conference was full, so please call early to secure your seat.     

Speakers will present current research and address topics related to essential tremor, a debilitating movement disorder which affects up to 10 million people in the US. 

Essential tremor contributes to social anxiety and frustration because of the inability to perform everyday tasks that require fine motor skills such as holding a glass, eating, or writing.  ET may affect the head, hands and voice, occurring during movement, unlike Parkinson-related tremor which occurs at rest.

This year’s conference presenters include Dr. David Vaillancourt, PhD, from University of Florida; a representative from local Congressman Bill Posey’s office; Kathleen Welker, Director of Tremor Action Network; and Joan Marie Barringer, MEd, an Essential Tremor Support Group Leader at the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association and Board Member of HopeNET.

Featured speaker,
Dr. David Vaillancourt, PhD, from University of Florida.

Dr. Vaillancourt is Professor of Applied Physiology, Neurology, and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Florida, currently directing the Laboratory for Rehabilitation Neuroscience. 

His research includes studies aimed at developing non-invasive MRI based markers for differentiating and tracking the progression of movement disorders that include Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and atypical parkinsonism.  He also has ongoing studies investigating non-pharmacological interventions for essential tremor, and pharmacological interventions in dystonia. 

Congressman Posey and his staff are actively involved with increasing awareness for essential tremor on Capitol Hill and supporting essential tremor research.

Ms. Welker is a founding Director of Tremor Action Network, a California-based non-profit organization dedicated to spreading awareness of tremor by advocating for a cure through research. She also facilitates a well-established online tremor support group that reaches a worldwide audience.

Ms. Barringer is a professional counselor who has had essential tremor since childhood.  She started the first essential tremor support group in Washington, DC at Georgetown University Hospital. She is also an accomplished motivational speaker who enthusiastically educates groups through a holistic approach, encouraging individual participation and personal growth.

For more information or to register for the conference, please call 772-563-0505.