About Parkinson’s

Biomarkers in Parkinson’s are measurable indicators that can help diagnose and track its progression. Several types of biomarkers exist: susceptibility risk biomarkers represent the potential for developing the condition, diagnostic biomarkers confirm the presence of the condition, and prognostic biomarkers indicate progression and treatment-associated changes.

Parkinson's primarily results from the loss of dopamine-producing cells. While the exact causes of this cell loss remain unclear, several factors come into play, making it a complex condition. Age is a significant risk factor; as people get older, their likelihood of developing Parkinson's increases. Additionally, genetics and environmental exposures, such as exposure to toxins or head injuries, may contribute to the development of Parkinson's.

Clinical trials for Parkinson’s, which can encompass various treatments and interventions, offer a beacon of hope for those affected. By participating, you contribute to the advancement of research and stand to benefit from potential breakthroughs. We regularly advertise these trials through our social media and emails, so be sure to follow us or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated and hopeful about the progress.

Receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson’s is a significant moment in your life, sparking a range of emotions. It's essential to approach this journey with positivity, armed with the knowledge that early diagnosis opens doors to many treatment options. The choices you make early can enhance your ability to maintain your quality of life with Parkinson's.

Early intervention in Parkinson’s is crucial as it can significantly slow the progression of symptoms, improve quality of life, and help maintain independence for longer. Early interventions include exercise, nutrition, and hydration, as well as ensuring good sleep hygiene and taking care of mental health.

Prodromal signs of Parkinson’s disease can significantly impact daily life, as these early symptoms can appear years before the more recognisable motor symptoms. These include loss of, or reduced, sense of smell, changes to handwriting, changes to sleep like restless leg syndrome or REM sleep behaviour disorder, constipation and unexplained mood disorders such as anxiety, apathy, and depression. Understanding the potential symptoms attributable to Parkinson’s can lead to early diagnosis and treatment.

Exciting possibilities are emerging in the field of Parkinson's treatment. New drug therapies are being tested for their potential to protect neurons and slow progression. Gene therapy and stem cell research, on the other hand, offer promising avenues for regenerating damaged brain cells and restoring lost functions. These developments are a testament to the innovative spirit driving Parkinson's research.

Genes such as SNCA, PARK2, PINK1, and LRRK2 can increase the risk of developing Parkinson's, but they account for only 10-15% of all cases. It's important to remember that having these genetic mutations does not guarantee that you or your children will develop Parkinson's (i.e. about 90% of cases are not directly inherited). The collective influence of genes, environment, and lifestyle determines the likelihood of developing the condition, giving you some control over your health.

Parkinson’s disease, a condition that bears the name of the esteemed British physician James Parkinson, was first detailed in his 1817 essay “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy.” This essay, a landmark in the history of neurology, provided the first comprehensive description of the symptoms and progression of the disease. However, references to similar symptoms are also found in Ayurvedic texts and in the writings of the physician Galen in AD 1752. The term “Parkinson’s disease” as we know it today was coined in 1865 by William Sanders and later popularised by the influential French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot.

Prevalence refers to the number of people with Parkinson’s at a specific point in time. It provides insight into how widespread the condition is within a population. Incidence represents the number of new diagnoses of Parkinson’s that arise within a specific time period (usually a year). It reflects the risk of developing the condition. The “Ecosystem of Parkinson’s in Australia” report is a comprehensive project commissioned by Parkinson’s Australia and prepared by Professor George D. Mellick to state these statistics.

So if Parkinson’s isn’t caused by genetics alone, where does it come from?

Parkinson’s develops due to a complex interaction between genetics, environmental factors and lifestyle factors. Every person seems to experience a unique onset and development of symptoms, which makes it even more challenging to narrow down genetic causes.

The pathophysiology of Parkinson’s primarily involves the degeneration of neurons in a region of the midbrain called the substantia nigra. These neurons produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for regulating mood, movement and coordination. As these neurons die, they can no longer produce enough dopamine to send messages and cause symptoms like changes in mood, tremors, rigidity, and slowness of movement. Additionally, the presence of Lewy bodies and abnormal aggregates of the protein alpha-synuclein is a pathological feature of Parkinson’s.

Preparing for appointments with your specialist or other health professionals is crucial. It ensures that you make the most of your time with the specialist and helps you communicate your symptoms and other concerns effectively. This not only allows for a tailored assessment and treatment plan but also ensures that your most bothersome symptoms are managed effectively.

The progression of Parkinson’s is difficult to predict because it varies widely among individuals. Several factors contribute to this diversity. First, the symptoms of Parkinson’s can vary widely, affecting both motor and non-motor functions. The severity and combination of these symptoms differ significantly from person to person. Second, individual responses to treatment play a crucial role. People react differently to medications and therapies. Third, lifestyle choices, genetic predispositions and environmental exposures interact to affect progression.

Global research efforts to slow, stop, or cure Parkinson's are advancing, driven by innovative science and international collaboration. Researchers are delving into the condition's genetic and molecular underpinnings. Understanding this is crucial for developing therapies that can halt or reverse progression.

Living with Parkinson’s involves understanding how to manage your symptoms effectively and which treatments, medications and lifestyle changes can help you maintain a good quality of life. Parkinson’s affects both motor and non-motor functions; everyone experiences it differently. They like to say if you’ve seen one person with Parkinson’s, you’ve seen one person with Parkinson’s, so resist the urge to compare your situation with others!

Young onset Parkinson’s (YOP) includes people diagnosed in their 20s to 50s. You often experience a slower progression of symptoms. Early symptoms may include muscle stiffness, cramping (dystonia), and involuntary movements (dyskinesias). Genetics may play more of a role in YOP. You may respond differently to treatments and have fewer co-morbidities, which makes you better candidates for surgical interventions and new therapies. We often say that “YOP hits different” because you face distinct life stage challenges, such as managing a career, dating, pregnancy, and family responsibilities while living with the condition.

Women with Parkinson’s experience unique challenges, often different from men. Despite comprising over 40% of the Parkinson's population, women are less likely to be diagnosed and are underrepresented in research on issues like pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the impact of hormonal changes on symptoms and treatments.