Advisory: Irpinia Club to donate $20k to York U prof researching Parkinson’s Disease

Share

Toronto, Dec. 12, 2012 – York University neuroscience Professor Joseph DeSouza, Faculty of Health, will receive a donation of $20,000 from Peter Cipriano, president of the Irpinia Club, on Thursday, Dec. 13 to support DeSouza’s studies of brain activity in dance and its therapeutic applications for patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease.

Applying his recent work to study the brain patterns of elite dancers from Canada's National Ballet, DeSouza and National Ballet dance instructor Rachel Bar will now expand their research to study the neuromechanisms of dance, rhythm and beat of music, and their potential therapeutic benefits to Parkinson's patients.  Working in partnership with scientists at McMaster University, their team will train National Ballet dancers to lead dance and movement classes with Parkinson's patients. DeSouza and his colleagues will monitor and record changes in brain patterns.

"There is evidence that sustained improvement in motor function may be achieved, and if we can prove this through scientific research, it could mean a great deal to the quality of life of those coping with Parkinson's Disease and their caregivers," said DeSouza. "We are extremely grateful for the support of the Irpinia Club and its members."

What: Cheque presentation by Irpinia Club to York Professor Joseph DeSouza to support Parkinson’s research
Photo opportunity: researchers plan to demonstrate the workings of fMRI machine on volunteer
Where: Sherman Health Science Centre, Keele Campus, York University (building # 2 on map)
When: Thursday, Dec. 13 at 2pm


York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York’s 11 faculties and 28 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.

-30-

Media Contact: Robin Heron, Media Relations, York University, 416 736 2100 x22097 / rheron@yorku.ca