Staying protected this cold and flu season
This year, we’re reminding everyone about: ⭐ Getting your annual flu vaccine This safe, effective shot provides the best defence against flu viruses circulating this season. Call your GP or pharmacy to get vaccinated ASAP. ⭐ Staying up-to-date on COVID-19 Boosters If it’s been 6 months or more since your last COVID booster, speak with […]
New online course added to the Fight Parkinson’s Community Learning Hub: Sleep and Parkinson’s
Though sleep issues are common in Parkinson’s, it’s important to remember that they can be managed. From learning about REM (rapid eye movement) sleep behaviour disorder, to the effects of Parkinson’s medications on sleep, to keeping a sleep diary, this online course is designed to help you understand common sleep changes associated with Parkinson’s as […]
Building community and strength: Joining a Fight Parkinson’s Peer Support Group
Peer support groups offer space to learn more about living with Parkinson’s and to connect with others who understand the challenges and day‑to‑day experiences. These groups provide a sense of community, practical ideas, and emotional support. Fight Parkinson’s facilitates more than 70 peer support groups across Victoria including 8 special interest peer support groups and […]
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 […]