UCI lecture to give info about Parkinson’s disease

For anyone looking for the latest news and information about therapies for Parkinson’s disease, a symposium Saturday at UCI is a can’t-miss.

The UCI Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center is presenting “Stem Cell Research and Parkinson’s Disease: Making the Connection,” from 1 to 3 p.m.

Parkinson’s disease is a motor-system disorder caused by a loss of certain brain cells. People with the disease often experience tremors, stiffness in the limbs and trunk, slowness moving and impaired balance and coordination.

There is no cure, but scientists say there are medications that can help relieve symptoms.

Clive Svendsen, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will give the keynote address on how neural stem cells can help restore functions from neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s.

Peter Donovan, co-director of the Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, will give an introductory talk, and Hans Keirstead, also co-director, will moderate the event.

The event will be in the Crystal Cove Auditorium in UCI’s Student Center and is free and open to the public.

Reservations, which are recommended, can be made by calling (949) 824-2911.