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WORLD PARKINSON'S DAY

11 April, 2024

 

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9.4 Million Worldwide in 20211

Every day, we want to feel life in all its colours and shades. But for people with Parkinson’s, life is different. There are support groups and therapies that may improve their quality of life and help them feel more independent again. Many teams are committed to helping make life easier for People with Parkinson's and everyone else who is affected by the condition. So, if you’re living with Parkinson’s, you’re not alone. 

Treatments are available which may help control Parkinson's symptoms.

On World Parkinson’s Day let’s combine our efforts to raise awareness for this disease affecting millions of people worldwide. 

TAKE 5 TO LEARN MORE

About Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's symptoms and treatments.

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Treatments available

Medications, Devices and treatments.

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Lifestyle therapies

Lifestyle therapies that may help.

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Patient Journey

From diagnosis to the time when symptoms are no longer managed.

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Considering the next steps

Would you like to know more about DBS?

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About Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder and is considered to be one of the most common neurological conditions.

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.  

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 your individual needs.

Download discussion guide
man-shaking-hands-with-hcp-version-two

Treatments Available

It is important to discuss the appropriate options that will manage your Parkinson's disease. Treatment typically starts with medications aimed at helping to reduce movement symptoms with the fewest side effects. 

As Parkinson’s progresses, medications may become less effective. This is when device-assisted therapies may help. Some treatments of Parkinson's disease require a surgical procedure.

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female-hcp-speaking-with-man

Lifestyle Therapies

Multiracial women doing yoga exercise with social distance for coronavirus outbreak at park outdoor - Healthy lifestyle and sport concept;

Exercise

2.5 hours per week slows progress of symptoms.1

Modern and harmonious couple prepares their favorite recipe and shares with their friends via video call, fun and domestic life of pensioner;

Healthy Eating

Well-balanced eating.4

Portrait of elegant mature woman painting picture on easel standing in row of students in art class;

Creativity

Art, singing, playing musical instruments, gardening.5

Woman meditate mindfulness

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.

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Patient Journey

If you are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s, we understand that this will have come as a shock. While there is no cure yet, the appropriate treatments and therapies may help control your symptoms.  

Many people with Parkinson’s find that staying informed about their condition and taking an active role in their treatment helps them feel more in control.  

Carers and family are key members of a multidisciplinary care team and can take an active role in decisions regarding treatment and care. This could include being aware of different treatment options and knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each. This will enable meaningful discussions and will help everyone to ask the right questions and also to understand the decisions that are made with the doctor.

Carers also need to manage their own care.

Download Carers Guide
Illustrated HCP and People. HCP speaking to lady in red and holding tablet

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). 

When should Device-Assisted Therapies be considered

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a device-assisted therapy.  Use the information below to determine the appropriate time to consider DBS therapy with your doctor. Your doctor will decide whether DBS therapy is right for you.

Diagram showing the best time to think about DBS

 Reference  3

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Discuss if you are a suitable candidate for DBS with your doctor 4,5. DBS is a surgically-implanted medical device that may help provide patients with relief from many Parkinson's symptoms through electrical stimulation6. 

 

Female HCP and Patient

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 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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”
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Parkinson's Australia Information Sheets. https://www.parkinsons.org.au/_files/ugd/d5412d_69bbe8b7ccea4fdca489727d67a08acf.pdf