Parkinson’s is a movement and mood disorder typically presenting with symptoms such as slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, instability, tremor, depression and anxiety.

The number of people living with Parkinson’s in Australia may range from 84,000 to 212,000 (0.85% of population)*.

A diagnosis can occur at any age with the most common age of diagnosis being 65.

10% of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s are under the age of 45.

18% of people living with Parkinson’s are of working age i.e under 65 (this includes people diagnosed under 45).

Your donation enables Parkinson's NSW to continue its work to help people impacted by Parkinson's disease. 

Parkinson’s disease, like any chronic disease, affects families as well as individuals.

Close family members often take on the role of caregiver as the disease progresses and, in many ways, are as constrained as the person with Parkinson’s disease. Carers can find themselves in a role that may increasingly isolate them from work, family and social activities as they dedicate themselves to care giving. While they may take on the role willingly, the fact is they too have suffered significant loss in terms of opportunities and the future they may have planned.

Carers need factual, credible information and support as much as the person afflicted by Parkinson’s disease. They need someone to talk to about their feelings as much as they might need practical advice. Caring appropriately for someone doesn’t always come naturally and carers may need to learn new skills. Communication and negotiation skills are particularly important in order to balance the needs of both carer and the person with Parkinson’s disease. Carers also need to look after their own health by getting enough sleep and exercise and prioritising some time for themselves.

Parkinson’s NSW can help with all this by providing information about the disease, counselling and access to support groups. Please call the InfoLine on 1800 644 189

Walking and balancing exercises, boxing, dancing, treadmill, bike, Tai Chi, yoga, Nordic or pole walking, and swimming are just a few of your options.

Before starting any exercise program, seek assessment by a neurological physiotherapist or exercise physiologist to recommend what levels you need to work at.

For more information regarding the benefits of exercise, types of exercise and exercise opportunities near you, contact the Parkinson’s NSW InfoLine team: 1800 644 189.

Exercise is crucial for living well with Parkinson’s.
Second only to your medication.

It will help you carry out daily activities. Plus, it has the added benefit of keeping your body healthy and potentially free of other issues which may amplify your Parkinson’s.

• • • Reduce muscle stiffness
    • Improve mobility with better posture, balance and gait
    • Decrease depression and anxiety
    • Enhance memory
    • Reduce fatigue
    • Improve constipation
    • Assist with slowed movement (bradykinesia)
    • Improve speech, and reduce swallowing and drooling
    • Improve writing and fine motor skills

Exercise is a part of healthy living for everybody. However, for people living with Parkinson’s exercise should not be optional but essential.

Research data shows that exercise is beneficial for people living with Parkinson’s. It is second only to medication in terms of effectiveness in slowing the progression of the disease.

Exercise can benefit people living with Parkinson’s in two ways:

• • Symptom management improves gait, balance, tremor, flexibility, strength and coordination.
  • Slowing disease progression. Practicing movement, improves movement slowing symptoms.

Anxiety and depression are estimated to affect up to half of all people with Parkinson’s disease at some stage. People are often understandably sad, pessimistic and anxious about their disease. They have the worry and stress of an uncertain future and they may face critical life events such as an early retirement from the workforce. Apart from these emotional reactions to their underlying disease, people with Parkinson’s disease may also have specific brain changes that increase their risk of depression.

Typical depressive symptoms such as low energy levels and problems with appetite and sleep, can be difficult to pick up in people affected by Parkinson’s disease. When present, anxiety and depression in people with Parkinson’s disease have a major negative influence on quality of life. They usually require treatment in their own right and do not simply respond to anti-Parkinsonian therapy. Please consider a donation to help.