2025 EOFY Appeal

“One of my earliest signs that went undetected was muscle stiffness in my left shoulder.”

Anna, Living with Parkinson’s

Anna, Living with Parkinson’s. Pictured waiste-up with arms crossed, wearing a pink top.

This EOFY, let's help Aussies like Anna to spot the Early Signs of Parkinson's sooner.

Signs of Parkinson’s can appear years before a diagnosis. We are on a mission to help people recognise early warning signs, seek advice and live well with Parkinson’s.

Donate today to help people like Anna get an earlier diagnosis.

10 Early Warning Signs of Parkinson’s

  • Loss of Sense of Smell
    Difficulty detecting scents like bananas or dill pickles.

  • Sleep Disturbances
    Acting out dreams, calling out, or uncontrolled leg movements during sleep.

  • Gastrointestinal Issues
    Unexplained constipation or bloating; worsens with higher fibre intake due to slow gastric movements.

  • Mood Fluctuations
    Late onset anxiety and/or depression, unexplained apathy.

  • Small Handwriting
    Shrinking or cramped handwriting, often first noticed in your signature.

  • Speech Changes
    A softer or monotone voice that others may notice before you do.

  • Facial Masking and Slowed Blink Rate
    Reduced facial expressions, which may appear as disinterest or fatigue. Less frequent blinking, sometimes giving a vacant, staring look.

  • Muscle Stiffness
    Particularly in the back, hips, or shoulders.

  • Excessive Sweating
    When it doesn’t match daily temperatures or strenuous effort.

  • Physical Changes
    Intermittent tremor, slowness of movement, decrease in natural arm swing or smaller steps or shuffle when walking.

Early warning signs campaign poster thumbnail image
Young woman in yellow enjoying a hot drink and looking at her phone.

Young Onset Parkinson’s eXchange

A world-first information portal and resource hub supporting people with young onset Parkinson’s.