Managing Symptoms: Tips and tricks for enjoying the social season
Fatigue is a common symptom for people living with Parkinson’s, and when we are adding more outings and get togethers across the Christmas and New Year period to our schedule, fatigue can feel overwhelming. While fatigue and sleepiness are often used interchangeably in conversation, they are different symptoms. Fatigue is persistent feeling of exhaustion irrespective of […]
Speaking openly on sex and intimacy
Psychologist Alexandra Bowring shared some advice on how to address issues in the bedroom before they become a problem too big to solve. Finding the right way to speak to your partner about struggles with sex and intimacy can be intimidating, no matter how long you’ve been together. Establishing non-judgemental and non-confrontational communication is a […]
Falls prevention and Parkinson’s
The lack of dopamine levels in the brain means people can have difficulties in controlling their movements and moving freely. Movement slows, muscles stiffen, and posture can change. These changes can lead to challenges with walking, increasing the risk of falling and freezing. Walking (Gait) Gait is used to describe how a person walks and […]
Singing, Parkinson’s, and you
One of the most common symptoms experienced by people living with Parkinson’s is changes to their voice and communication. While not everyone experiences these issues, many do. The stage when these problems might occur is different for everyone and the symptoms will vary from person to person but may include: Reduced volume of speech Slurred […]
Working with your medications, and making medications work for you
One of the first things your neurologist may discuss with you after a Parkinson’s diagnosis is medications, and how they can combat or reduce your symptoms. While medications cannot cure Parkinson’s they are important tools in managing symptoms, alongside other supportive therapies. What medications and dosages are right for you will be determined by your […]
Physiotherapists and Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s is a complex condition and engaging a multidisciplinary health team can help manage a range of symptoms. One of the specialists you might engage with it a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists use exercise and other forms of physical therapy to help keep people mobile when they are affected by a long-term condition, such as Parkinson’s. It […]
Building your multidisciplinary health team
A multidisciplinary model of care is widely regarded as the best approach for Parkinson’s. These teams bring together health professionals from a variety of medical disciplines to provide coordinated, comprehensive care. The integration of a ParkinsonNet model of care into Australia will further support the development and management of these multidisciplinary teams. While no two […]
Working with Disability Liaison Officers when attending hospital
Disability Liaison Officers are available in many public health regions in Victoria and can provide free assistance to you both before, during, and after a hospital stay. These workers can be both proactive and reactive as your needs change. A simple phone call or email can link you to your local DLO. Prior to stay […]
Research call-out: Improving wellbeing in women with Parkinson’s through exercise
About the study One of Fight Parkinson’s inaugural seed fund grant recipient projects is recruiting volunteers. The project – Improving Wellbeing in Women with Lived Experience of Parkinson’s Disease Using Community-Based Gym Exercises – seeks participants for an eight-week program to be run in Box Hill, Victoria. Existing research shows exercise can help improve Parkinson’s […]
Fact sheet – Parkinson’s and communication
Communication is a broad spectrum that is not limited to speaking and listening. Parkinson’s can affect a range of communication skills and knowing how to adjust to these changes can help ease communication frustrations. This guide provides practical solutions to common challenges, insights to spotting changes in your communication, and advice on what healthcare professionals […]