Narcolepsy Network Annual Patient Conference a Huge Success

October 10, 2008

Over 230 people attended the 23rd annual patient conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Oct. 3-5. Dr. Meeta Goswami received a Life Time Achievement award from the Network for her outstanding commitment to improving the quality of life of people with narcolepsy and their families.

Leading clinicians and researchers provided outstanding lectures. The keynote presentation was given by Dr. Emmanuel Mignot, The Scientific Investigation of Narcolepsy: Inquiries, Processes and Findings. Other educational highlights included Weight and Narcolepsy presented by Dr. Ruzica Ristanovic, who also presented Rebound Cataplexy. Procrastination and Narcolepsy: Causes and Management presented by Dr. Meeta Goswami, Aging and Narcolepsy presented by Dr. Lois Krahn. Dr. Rubin Naiman lectured on Alternative and Complementary Medicine Approaches in addition to providing multiple workshops on cataplexy and dreaming.

Workshops included topics from Dreams, Understanding Research Studies, to Advocacy and Effectively Explaining Narcolepsy. Support group breakouts were plentiful and included sessions for elders, pregnancy with narcolepsy, spouses and peers of people with narcolepsy, sex and intimacy with narcolepsy, overlap of sleep apnea and narcolepsy: making cpap work, family dynamics, wellness, movement and creative expression for empowerment. Panel discussions included topics such as Patient perspective on stimulant medications and Patient experiences with Xyrem.

There was no shortage of education opportunity. The dilemma was deciding which sessions to attend.

Social events included a Friday evening Meet n Greet reception where attendees gathered over horsdoeuvres and punch. The first time attendees were welcomed with open arms. For those who wished to attend, a Saturday night seated dinner was provided and followed by a themed Sock Hop Dance Party – Rock Around the Clock. Ponytails, poodle skirts, leather jackets and other 50’s gear worn by members made the night fun. The following collage of pictures were taken at the social events.

Next year’s conference will take place in Jacksonville, Florida.