What is Parkinson’s Disease?

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects 1 in every 308 Australians. Every single day there are 37 people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. The condition impacts how people move, for example some individuals may have a resting tremor or move more slowly. The exact cause is not known and there is no cure. It affects every person differently but most people are able to live a fulfilling and active life. A person’s life expectancy isn’t necessarily impacted by their Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis. 


What causes it?

There is an important chemical (neurotransmitter) in the brain called dopamine. A reduction of available dopamine in the brain is associated with movement problems in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. The reason why dopamine levels reduce for some people is not fully understood yet. 


Common Symptoms?

It is important to note that every person with Parkinson’s Disease is unique but these are the common symptoms. 


Motor symptoms

  • Slow or small movements (bradykinesia) 

  • Freezing episodes when walking

  • Resting tremor

  • Reduced balance

  • Increased risk of falls

Non-motor symptoms 

  • Pain 

  • Depression and anxiety 

  • Cognitive impairments (difficulty with memory and thinking tasks) 

  • Bladder and/or bowel problems

  • Mood disorders (impulsivity, apathy) 

  • Fatigue 

  • Difficulty eating and swallowing 

  • Voice changes/difficulty communicating 

  • Sexual dysfunction 


How is a person diagnosed with Parkinson’s?

Your GP will refer you to a neurologist for an examination. There is no specific test or scan that can diagnose a person with Parkinson’s Disease. For this reason, the diagnosis can take time as other causes for an individual’s movement changes need to be excluded first. 


Treatment Options: 

Your neurologist will trial medications, the most common being levodopa.Levodopa is converted in the body to dopamine and it can temporarily increase the amount of dopamine in the brain. This can help people to move better and manage symptoms associated with Parkinson’s Disease. A combination of medication and exercise therapy is important to assist an individual to stay active, strong and independent. 

How Can a Physiotherapist Help? 

A physiotherapist can prescribe exercises to help improve an individual’s movement, balance, strength and walking tolerance. Emerging evidence is supporting the role of exercise to help slow down the progression of Parkinson’s Disease. Your physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises to help you achieve goals and tasks that are meaningful to you. 


Falls are a serious and common problem for people who have Parkinson’s Disease so your physiotherapist may trial walking aids and help come up with falls prevention strategies.

If you have any further questions about how physiotherapy can help you contact the clinic via 6925 7734. We look forward to working with you soon.

Men, WomenDonna LimoranParkinson’s Disease