b'Q Mags, why did you found Move4Parkinsons? ResearchhasshownWhen I was first diagnosed I knew nothing about it. I thought it was an older persons disease. thatsetdancingcanbemorePeople even told me not to research too much because I would be terrified at what I would find. But as I moved forward I realized there was a gap in Ireland between how the disease was being beneficialthanstandardphysio- treated and the use of a holistic approach. So we developed the 5 elements framework which is about medication awareness, exercise, nutrition, emotional wellbeing, and other treatments. therapy, particularly in dealing withAnd it was important to state that were not the disease and were not the symptoms.symptomssuchasFreezingGait,Q How many people have Parkinsons in Ireland? Balance & Motor Disability. Irish setThere are some rough estimates. Some figures say there are between 10,500 and 12,000. And it looks like thats nearly going to double in the next couple decades. So its very concerning and dancingwasdiscoveredtobeneeds to be managed properly. The disease has a huge effect on families.If 12,000 people have Parkinsons in Ireland, and at least another 60,000 family members, thats 72,000 touched by beneficial for people with Parkinsons,the disease. Thats the size of the city of Galway. following a chance discovery by Dr.Q SoyouoffersetdanceandyouhaveachoirthathasDaniele Volpe, an Italian neurologist,been nationally recognized. Other than a great community while on holidays in Ireland in 2010.experience, what does this do for those with Parkinsons?On his return to Italy, he undertookWhats important about the work that we do withset dancing and choir is that it is all backed researchwhich by evidence-based research. These are not just for fun singing and dancing. The purpose provedtheof the choir is to help the voice, because your physical voice goes with the progres-sion of Parkinsons. physical benefits. In 2014,The research into set dancing for people with Parkinsons was carried out by Italian Professor, Daniel Volpe. He proved that it has the potential to Move4Parkinsonsimprove mobility, reduce disability and enhance health related quality of life. For us, its also about making a change and taking a step out commencedpi- I come for the music and theinto the world to do exercise, which an awful lot of people dont do.lotclasseswithrhythm. Connecting with Q How have The Ireland Funds helped 30participants,the music reactivates thethis work? taughtbyIrishmemory of the week before.The Ireland Funds are hugely important and have helped ustransform scientific research into real world applications. As we setdancing Move4Parkinsons participanthave no government funding, without the Ireland funds we couldntin set dancinghave progressed from our pilot last January to two permanent setteacher Pat ODea,dancing classes for people with Parkinsons. Grants like yours areinvaluable and have a direct impact on the lives of those with Parkinsons.who has been trained in Dr. Volpes methodology. Q Tell us about the classes.Theres a real energy and vitality at the classes. Theyre led by Pat ODea, a fantastic set dancing teacher specializing in Parkinsons programs.Its so essential to have someone like Pat, who is not only trained to teach people with Parkinsons, but is also able to relate to and gain the trust of participants.We kick-off with seated exercises, doing various different routines to feel the rhythm of the music and warm our often disconnected bodies.We then get on our feet to doindividual Sean-Ns (old-style) steps.As the class moves on, Pat gets us dancing proper Irish Setsin groups, with people with Parkinsons paired with those who dont have it.Its anunbelievable feeling seeing everyone up dancing together by the end of the class, whether they have Parkinsons or not, everyone just comes alive with it.Q Mags, whats next for Move4Parkinsons?This organization is so important. We would see this as a platform for all chronic illnesses, not just Parkinsons. We see the importance of community. And the understanding of disability in Ireland is really important. So people understanding that we are not the problem, were still in society and that we have a huge amount to give and we really want to create that world Margaret Mags Mullarney,that understands Parkinsons. Its not just Ireland thats going to benefit from the work were Founder of Move4Parkinsons doing. We believe it is a benefit that can be shared worldwide. connect2015 | 31'