New Parkinson’s support group opens to the public

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Augustana College invites the public to join a new support group for people affected by Parkinson’s disease. 

The group will meet from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at Brodahl Hall, 761 34th St., Rock Island.

Aimed at providing support, education and encouragement for Parkinson's disease patients, the group is intended for people with Parkinson's as well as their loved ones and care partners. The support group emphasizes promoting voice and communication for those affected with Parkinson's disease.

Dr. Katherine Brown, assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders, will facilitate the support group. 

“My hope is that this group will support our community by providing encouragement and education to those affected by Parkinson's disease, while also giving our students the opportunity to engage with, and learn from, members,” she said.

Dr. Brown is the director of Augustana’s Neurogenic Cognitive-Communication Disorders Lab, which examines cognition and speech in people with traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease and other neurogenic communication disorders.

She is a certified speech-language pathologist, certified brain injury specialist and a certified provider of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment for Parkinson’s disease.