Parkinson's Disease
Understanding Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD) occurs when nerve cells in the brain can’t make enough of a body chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical naturally made in the brain that is vital for the smooth control of muscles and movement. Parkinson’s is a whole body, progressive, neurodegenerative condition that affects mood, movement, vision, sleep, memory, thinking and the gastrointestinal tract.
There are over 50 different symptoms people living with Parkinson’s can experience, though each person has a different combination of some, but not all, of them. The nature and severity of symptoms can vary considerably between people, as well as from day to day.
Most people with Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed around the age of 65 years, but 1 in 10 people diagnosed are younger than 45 years.
While there is no cure yet, a coordinated multidisciplinary care approach can help people living with Parkinson’s, which is why MSWA is dedicated to supporting you throughout your journey and your daily needs.
Our comprehensive range of services is designed to empower you to live life the way you want and not be bound by limits, whatever your goals may be.
Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
No two people will experience Parkinson’s in the same way. It is important to remember PD is not a result of something someone has done or not done in the past, and it cannot be caused by overworking or overindulgence. Symptoms are not imaginary, and difficulties can only be overcome by appropriate treatment and perseverance.
Common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be broadly categorised under motor symptoms (movement) and non-motor symptoms (autonomic and cognitive).
Motor symptoms (movement):
- Falls
- Freezing
- Muscle stiffness (rigidity)
- Slowness (bradykinesia)
- Tremor
Non-motor symptoms (autonomic):
- Bladder control
- Constipation
- Hypotension
- Pain
- Skin issues
- Sleep issues
- Smell
- Swallowing
- Temperature control
- Voice
Non-motor symptoms (cognitive):
- Changes to memory and thinking
- Changes to mood
- Dementia
- Fatigue
- Impulse control disorders
- Mood changes
Causes of Parkinson's Disease
There are several theories on what causes Parkinson’s; however, there is currently no clear picture of what triggers the condition and why some people are affected, and others are not. To date, the best knowledge says the onset of symptoms is triggered by a combination of ageing, head trauma, family history, and/or pharmaceutical and environmental toxins.
Living with Parkinson's Disease/Whats happens next?
Whether you've been diagnosed with parkinson's disease recently or sometime in the past, MSWA is here to provide you with vital support and services throughout your neurological condition journey. Your wellbeing, safety and comfort is top priority – we offer flexible services via phone or video call, in a safe way in your home and/or in a safe way in our Centres.
The range of services we offer include counselling, dietetics, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, in-home care and social welfare.
Contact us
For more information to see how we can best help you and to contact us, visit our Get Support page.
Alternatively, call us on 1300 097 989 (metropolitan WA) or 1800 287 367 (regional WA).
Additional Resources and Support
Please see below for some resources you may find useful:
- Visit the Australian Government’s Health Direct website for key facts and health service information.
- Visit the Parkinson’s Australia website for detailed advice on treatment, prevention and recovery as the peak care, advocacy and research national body for Parkinson’s disease.
Other sources to reference:
Information on this webpage was partly obtained from the below official resources.