World Parkinson’s Day
World Parkinson’s Day, held each year on 11 April, marks the birthday of James Parkinson, the doctor who first described the condition that now bears his name.
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10 April 2025
Stories
| Home Care
It’s World Parkinson’s Day
World Parkinson’s Day, held each year on 11 April, marks the birthday of James Parkinson, the doctor who first described the condition that now bears his name. It’s a day to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones, recognise efforts to improve their quality of life and encourage ongoing research into the disease.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that mainly affects movement and mood, but can also lead to a range of other health issues.
More than 10 million people around the world, including over 200,000 Australians, live with the disease.
The risk of developing Parkinson’s increases with age, with those over the age of 65 most at risk. As around 15% of people diagnosed have a family history of the condition, there does seem to be a genetic link. Experts also suggest that lifestyle, exposure to environmental risks and toxins, and a history of head injuries may increase the risk of developing the disease.
Men seem to be more at risk than women, possibly due to higher exposure to environmental factors in certain jobs like farming. Interestingly, in places where women are more involved in agricultural work, the number of women diagnosed is higher.
What are the symptoms?
Parkinson's leads to involuntary or uncontrollable movements. According to Parkinson’s Australia, there are five common symptoms of the disease, including:
- Muscle rigidity or stiffness
- Tremors – in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
- Impaired balance or coordination – sometimes leading to falls
- Slowness of movement
- Episodes of freezing
But there’s a wide range of symptoms; some can look like other conditions, so getting a proper diagnosis is essential. Parkinson’s can be tricky to diagnose, so your doctor might suggest also seeing a specialist like a neurologist or geriatrician for a closer look, or some tests.
Can Parkinson’s be prevented?
Parkinson’s happens when the brain starts losing cells that produce dopamine. As we get older, our ability to make and maintain dopamine naturally drops, which is why the risk increases with age. What exactly causes the kind of dopamine loss that leads to Parkinson’s isn’t fully understood.
There’s no cure for Parkinson’s yet, but there are ways to lower your risk and manage symptoms.
If you’ve had head injuries, regular check-ups with a neurologist can help spot early signs so that you can receive preventative care.
A healthy lifestyle may make a difference – it’s no secret that eating well, with plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins, is good for you and supports brain health.
Staying active is important and may delay symptoms. Walking, strength training and stretching can help improve movement, which will be vital if you receive a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Living with Parkinson’s
If you're diagnosed with Parkinson’s, your healthcare team will likely create a treatment plan tailored specifically for you. This might include medication, surgery and lifestyle changes like improving your diet and staying active. Regular exercise can help slow the progression of the disease, support mobility, and boost your overall quality of life and mental wellbeing.
Allied health services, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy may also be recommended to help you manage specific symptoms.
How BaptistCare at home can help you live well with Parkinson’s
BaptistCare at home helps you stay independent and comfortable in your own home while managing conditions like Parkinson’s.
Our professional care services are available through Government-funded Home Care Packages and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, which help older Australians live well at home.
The BaptistCare at home services offered vary, depending on your needs and where you live. Our services include things like help with housework, shopping, transport and personal care. We also offer maintenance, gardening and home modification services as well as health and well-living assessments, nursing and respite care.
Allied Health Services
Importantly, BaptistCare provides access to some allied health services, including physiotherapy and occupational therapy, for many people living with Parkinson’s.
Allied health services are also accessed through your government-funded Home Care Package or the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
Read more about BaptistCare’s at home allied health services below.