A free seminar on Parkinson’s disease will be held today.

Diana Apetauerova, director of the Movement Disorders Programme at Lahey Health and Medical Centre, will discuss deep brain stimulation, the main treatment for Parkinson’s.

She will also talk about signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and provide new information and treatment options.

People will also be able to put questions to Dr Apetauerova.

The Bermuda Medical Specialties Group organised the event at its offices on Reid Street from 10am to noon.

Arlene Basden, medical director at BMSG, said the long-term degenerative disorder affected almost a million adults in the US. Early symptoms of Parkinson’s include cramped handwriting or other writing changes, tremors, uncontrollable movements during sleep, limb stiffness or slow movement, voice changes, a rigid facial expression and stooped posture.

Patients may have difficulty walking and talking and suffer mental and behavioural changes, sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties and fatigue as the disease progresses.

There is no cure for Parkinson’s but treatments are available to help manage the symptoms and maintain quality of life.

• Anyone interested in attending the event should register in advance at bermudamedical.com/parkinsons or call BMSG on 541-2674.