Living with Parkinson’s
9.4 Million Worldwide in 2021¹
Every day, we want to experience life in all its colours and shades. But living with Parkinson’s can bring unique challenges.
Support groups and therapies may help improve quality of life and foster greater independence. Many dedicated teams are committed to making life easier for those living with Parkinson’s and for everyone affected by the condition.
If you’re living with Parkinson’s, you’re not alone.
Treatments are available that may help manage symptoms and support a better quality of life.
About Parkinson's
Parkinson's symptoms and treatments.
Treatments available
Medications, Devices and treatments.
Lifestyle therapies
Lifestyle therapies that may help.
Patient Journey
From diagnosis to symptom loss.
Considering next steps
Would you like to know more about DBS?
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder and is considered to be one of the most common neurological conditions.⁶
Every case of Parkinson’s is different and not everyone will experience the same symptoms. For example, not all people develop tremor – for some, rigidity is the major symptom.⁶
A broad range of healthcare professionals are involved in managing Parkinson’s disease, they will be greatly influenced by good two-way communication, so talk openly with them so that they understand the specific difficulties and concerns. They will then be able to tailor treatment to address individual needs.
It is important to discuss appropriate treatment options to effectively manage Parkinson’s disease. Treatment typically begins with medications aimed at reducing movement symptoms while minimising side effects.
As the disease progresses, medications may become less effective. At this stage, device-assisted therapies may be considered. Some treatment options for Parkinson’s disease involve a surgical procedure.
Exercise
2.5 hours per week slows progress of symptoms.1
Healthy Eating
Well-balanced eating.4
Creativity
Art, singing, playing musical instruments, gardening.5
Mindfulness
Taking care of yourself.6
Living with Parkinson's can affect a broad range of everyday activities. Making some small lifestyle changes and taking a positive approach to activities may all help to maintain independence and a good quality of life.2
There is no doubt that a positive outlook and determination may help a person with the disease to adapt to life with Parkinson's.
These are only a few supportive therapies, but there are many more.
Reach out to your local support groups to find out what's available to you.
A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease can come as an unexpected and challenging development. While there is currently no cure, appropriate treatments and therapies may help manage symptoms effectively.
Many people living with Parkinson’s find that staying informed about the condition and taking an active role in treatment decisions can support a greater sense of control.
Carers and family members play an important role within the multidisciplinary care team and can actively contribute to decisions regarding treatment and care. This may include understanding available treatment options, along with their potential benefits and limitations, to support informed and meaningful discussions with the clinician.
It is also important that carers prioritise and manage their own wellbeing.
Early Onset/Young Onset Parkinson's
Parkinson's can occur at any age. Early onset Parkinson's, also known as young onset Parkinson's (YOPD), is defined as occurring in someone below the age of 40. As Parkinson's progresses, doctors prescribe more or different medications, and increase their frequency. However, higher doses may not bring the relief needed and can lead to side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or unintended movements (dyskinesia).⁶
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a device-assisted therapy. The information below can help identify when it may be appropriate to discuss DBS therapy with a movement disorder specialist. The movement disorder specialist will determine whether DBS therapy is a suitable treatment option.
Reference 3
Brief Statement:
This material is intended to be educational and is not a diagnostic tool. It is not intended to replace the information provided to you by your healthcare providers and does not constitute medical advice. The information may not be directly applicable for your individual clinical circumstance.
Please refer to the manufacturers’ prescribing information and/or instructions for use for the indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions associated with the medications and devices referenced in these materials
References
- N. Maserejian, L. Vinikoor-Imler, A. Dilley. Estimation of the 2020 Global Population of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2020; 35 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/estimation-of-the-2020-global-population-of-parkinsons-disease-pd/. Accessed March 17, 2022.
- Whiteman H. Parkinson's: 2.5 hours of weekly exercise benefits mobility, quality of life [online]. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316573#Mobility,-quality-of-life-improved-with-regular-exercise. Accessed February 21, 2022.
- Okun MS, Foote KD. Parkinson’s disease DBS: what, when, who and why? The time has come to tailor DBS targets. Expert Rev Neurother. 2010 December ; 10(12): 1847–1857”
- Parkinson's Foundation. Diet & Nutrition [online]. Available at: https://www.parkinson.org/Living-with-Parkinsons/Managing-Parkinsons/Diet-and-Nutrition#:~:text=While%20there%20is%20no%20prescription,such%20as%20meat%20and%20beans. Accessed February 21, 2022.
- EPDA. Leisure, creativity and creative therapies [online]. Available at: https://www.epda.eu.com/living-well/wellbeing/leisure-creativity-and-creative-therapies/. Accessed February 21, 2022.
- Parkinson's Australia Information Sheets. https://www.parkinsons.org.au/info-categories/about-parkinsons/