Life with Parkinson’s Disease in Australia

Somehow, that first pancake always flops. Kimberly Grabham had to call in the help of Grazier neighbour, Jodie Plant to come to the rescue - to no avail. If you are organising a Pancake for Parkinson’s, please invite us to cover your event and help to promote this important cause and get a better photo. Image: The Riverine Grazier/Tertia Butcher.

‘Life is for living with what you've been dealt and I am focused straight ahead’.

By Kimberly Grabham

An estimated 200,000 people live with Parkinson’s Disease in Australia. One in five people are diagnosed before 50, and the disease is the second most common neurological condition after dementia. While the ‘average’ experience involves motor symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and slowness of movement, along with potential non-motor symptoms such as mood changes and fatigue, every individual's journey is unique.

This is poignantly illustrated by the recent experience of a local aged-care worker who suspected she might have Parkinson's after witnessing family members live with the disease.

Initially, she wasn't overly concerned when she went for testing. However, her anxiety escalated when her GP's receptionist contacted her urgently the morning after her appointment.

“It was then I started to worry and all I could think about on the trip to Deniliquin was I had a brain tumour like my sister,” she recounted.

In a surprising turn, her fears were allayed when she received the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Her relief was so palpable her doctor asked if she had understood correctly.

For many Australians, the experience of Parkinson's disease encompasses a range of common symptoms. These are broadly categorised into motor and non-motor symptoms.

Motor symptoms include tremors, rigidity: Stiffness and resistance to movement can affect the limbs and trunk, slowness of movement can make everyday tasks challenging, difficulty maintaining balance, changes in walking patterns, such as shuffling or taking small steps.

Non-motor symptoms are mood changes, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties, sensory issues and gastrointestinal problems. Parkinson's disease is progressive, however, the rate of progression varies significantly from person to person, with some experiencing a slower advancement while others face a more rapid decline in function.

Managing Parkinson's disease typically involves a multi-faceted approach. Medications are often prescribed to help control motor symptoms like tremors and rigidity. Therapy, including physical and occupational therapy, plays a vital role in improving mobility, balance, and coordination.

Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and maintaining social connections, can also significantly contribute to overall well being. In certain situations, surgical interventions may be considered to help manage symptoms. In the Australian context, while the average age of diagnosis is 65 years, it's important to note that younger individuals can also be diagnosed with Parkinson's.

As the local woman, who does not wish to be identified, stated with resilience, ‘Life is for living with what you've been dealt and I am focused straight ahead’.

Throw a pancake party for Parkinson’s research

This April, Shake It Up Australia Foundation is calling on Aussies to host a pancake themed event and raise funds with the return of its Pancakes 4 Parkinson's campaign. As World Parkinson’s Day on April 11th rolls around, Shake it Up is inviting all Australians to turn a simple breakfast recipe into a potential cure for Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological condition, impacts the movement, speech and quality of life of over 200,000 Australians. Shake It Up, driven by a vision of a world without Parkinson's, is dedicated to funding groundbreaking research that aims to slow, stop, and ultimately cure the disease.

Pancakes 4 Parkinson’s is more than just a fundraising event; it's a community-driven initiative that brings people together to share a meal, raise awareness, and contribute to vital research. This year, Shake It Up is encouraging individuals, schools, workplaces, and community groups to get creative and host their own pancake-themed events throughout April.

Whether you’re a pancake pro or a first time flipper, your participation in Pancakes 4 Parkinson's will help Shake It Up fund crucial research and bring it closer to a cure.

You can get involved in Pancakes 4 Parkinson’s by:

● Hosting a Pancake Party: Gather your friends, family, or colleagues for a pancake breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

● Get Creative with Your Flips: Organise a pancake decorating competition, a pancake flipping relay, or a challenge to build the tallest pancake tower.

● Donate and Fund the Future: Every dollar raised through your Pancakes 4 Parkinson's event will go directly towards supporting innovative Parkinson's research projects in Australia.

● Not into pancakes? Hold another ‘P’ themed fundraiser - Pilates 4 Parkinson’s, Prosecco 4 Parkinson’s, Pizza 4 Parkinson’s - the options are limitless!

To register to host your own event visit: shakeitup.org.au/pancakes

Also send details of your event to The Grazier for further promotion. About Shake It Up: Shake It Up is a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to funding and promoting Parkinson's disease research in Australia. Since starting up in 2011, Shake It Up has raised over $36 million which has allowed them to collaborate with leading researchers and institutions across the country.