Parkinson’s awareness month: What is Parkinson’s disease?

Image source: Michaeljfox.org

This April, during World Parkinson’s Awareness Month, we shine a light on Parkinson’s disease. A condition affecting an estimated 150,000 Australians. But, how much do we really know about its impact and the support available in Australia?  

What is Parkinson’s Disease? 

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, meaning it worsens over time. It happens when certain brain cells stop working properly or die. These cells normally make dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement. This leads to movement difficulties, tremors, stiffness, and other symptoms that impact daily life. The World Health Organisation reports that Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, with 10 million currently affected. It is currently estimated that 50 Australians are diagnosed every single day.  

What are the symptoms? 

Individuals with Parkinson’s can experience over 40 different symptoms, with each person having a unique combination of them.  

Some of the more common motor symptoms (affects movement and balance) include; 

• Tremors (shaking that usually starts in the finger and thumb while a person is at rest), 

• Bradykinesia (movements become slower), 

• Muscle rigidity, 

• Postural instability. 

Some of the more common non-motor (affects in other ways that may not be easily seen by other people) symptoms include; 

• Anosmia (loss of sense of smell), 

• Anxiety, 

• Constipation, 

• Bradyphrenia (slow thought), 

• Fatigue, 

• Micrographia (abnormally small handwriting), 

• Microphonia (abnormally weak voice), 

• Postural hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing up), 

• Sialorrhea (excessive salivation), 

• Sleep disturbance, 

How Parkinson’s affects someone can change from day to day, and even from hour to hour. 

 Diagnosis 

In Australia, there’s no simple test to diagnose Parkinson’s. Doctors use a few different ways: 

• Medical history: Doctors do this by reviewing each individual’s symptoms, lifestyle, family history, and any potential exposure to toxins. 

• Watching for symptoms: Checking for slow movement, stiffness, shaking, and balance problems.    

• Seeing a specialist: A neurologist or geriatrician will check symptoms, rule out other conditions, and confirm if it’s Parkinson’s. 

Sometimes, brain scans are used to rule out other problems but can’t confirm Parkinson’s. Diagnosis is mostly based on symptoms and how well Parkinson’s medicine works. Getting diagnosed can bring up a lot of emotions. 

 Living with Parkinson’s in Australia 

Living with Parkinson’s means looking after one’s body, mind, and social life. There are medicines that help by increasing dopamine, and they work at all stages of Parkinson’s.   

To feel one’s best, it’s important to:   

• Take medication on time.   

• Exercise regularly—it’s best if it makes you sweat or feel a little out of breath.   

• Eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, and get good sleep.   

Exercise may even help slow down Parkinson’s symptoms. Seeing specialists like physiotherapists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, or dietitians can also help. Taking care of your mental health is just as important. Stay connected with people who support you. Everyone’s experience with Parkinson’s is different, so find what works best for you. 

 Some helpful supports in Australia include: 

• Call our information and referral line for information that may help navigate the impacts of Parkinson’s. 

• Parkinson’s Australia: A national advocacy body that provides support services, education, and advocacy for people with Parkinson’s and their families. 

• State-based organisations: Parkinson’s NSW, Parkinson’s Victoria, Parkinson’s Queensland, and others offer tailored programs and local support groups. 

• Aged Care Services: For those over 65, My Aged Care provides various support services to assist with daily living. 

Sources: 

Parkinson’s Australia: (Accessed March 2025) https://www.parkinsons.org.au/ 

Parkinson’s Foundation: (Accessed March 2025) https://www.parkinson.org/ 

Michael J. Fox Foundation: (Accessed March 2025) https://www.michaeljfox.org/ 

Garvan Institute of Medical Research (Accessed April 2025) https://www.garvan.org.au/research/diseases/parkinsons-disease 

World Health Organisation (Accessed April 2025) https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/parkinson-disease