April Is Parkinson's Awareness Month

Every hour of every day one person is diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. That’s 24 people each day - that is more prevalent than many common cancers.

The whole month of April is earmarked annually to try to get some awareness of the disease out into the community, with April 11 recognised as World Parkinson’s Day.

Parkinson’s is still a very misunderstood condition that affects not only the person diagnosed with it, but their family, friends and carers.

Parkinson’s is a movement and mood disorder typically presenting with symptoms such as slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, instability, tremor, depression and anxiety.

A diagnosis of Parkinson’s can occur at any age.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District runs Parkinson’s support clinics to assist those diagnosed with the disease. These clinics offer a comprehensive range of services incorporating a multidisciplinary team of clinicians including a physiotherapist, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, social welfare worker, Parkinson’s nurse and Aboriginal health worker.

The team, based in Wagga, runs the LSVT BIG Physical Therapy Program which trains people with PD to use their body normally again.

The four-week program is followed up periodically by the team to ensure that people continue to get the support they need.

Living with Parkinson’s or caring for someone who does can be isolating, but you don’t have to feel alone.

The Young Parkinson’s Awareness Support Group offers information and education sessions and the support of a social network.

You can also join the Parkinson’s Awareness online campaign on Facebook or Instagram, and share your messages of love and support. Use the hashtag #inthistogether and tag @ParkinsonsNSW.

Share photos, videos and messages to the Parkinson’s community, a favourite song or poem or one you wrote yourself, or artwork.

Drop into the next Young Parkinson’s Support Group gathering on Wednesday, April 20 at 2pm at the Mercy Care Centre at 69 Demondrille Street.

They meet every third Wednesday of the month in the Mercy Care training room.