Co-morbidities (linked conditions)

When you or someone you love is living with Parkinson’s, it’s natural to focus on the symptoms you see every day, like tremors, stiffness, or fatigue. But Parkinson’s is often linked to other health conditions too. These are called comorbidities… and while they might sound concerning, knowing about them early can help you take action and stay healthier for longer.

Let’s explore some of the most common comorbidities and what you can do to manage them.

1. Diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes are around 40% more likely to develop Parkinson’s. Both conditions affect how the body handles energy and inflammation. If you have both, symptoms may progress more quickly.

But there’s good news: some diabetes medications may actually help slow Parkinson’s. A recent study found that lixisenatide, a diabetes drug, helped stop Parkinson’s symptoms from worsening over 12 months.

What you can do:

• Ask your doctor to check your blood sugar regularly.
• Eat a balanced diet and stay active.
• If you have diabetes, talk to your neurologist about how your medications might interact.

2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause inflammation in the gut. People with IBD have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s later in life. This may be due to the gut-brain connection—a growing area of research showing how gut health can affect the brain.

What you can do:

• Watch for signs like stomach pain, diarrhoea, or blood in your stool.
• Let your neurologist know if you have IBD.
• Don’t ignore digestive symptoms, keeping your gut healthy may help protect your brain.

3. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Head injuries, especially repeated ones like concussions, are linked to a higher risk of Parkinson’s. Even a single serious injury can increase your risk, as it may damage the brain areas that control movement.

What you can do:

• Always wear a helmet when cycling or playing contact sports.
• Make your home safer to prevent falls.
• If you’ve had a head injury in the past, let your doctor know.

4. Melanoma (Skin Cancer)

People with Parkinson’s are more likely to develop melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. The reason isn’t fully understood, but it may involve shared genetic or environmental factors.

What you can do:

• Check your skin regularly for new or changing moles.
• Wear sunscreen and protective clothing outdoors.
• See a dermatologist once a year for a full skin check.

5. Depression and Anxiety

Up to 50% of people with Parkinson’s experience depression or anxiety at some point. These aren’t just emotional reactions, they’re part of the condition, caused by changes in brain chemistry.

What you can do:

• Talk openly about how you’re feeling.
• Ask your GP or neurologist about counselling or medication.
• Join a support group because connecting with others can make a big difference.

6. Sleep Disorders

Sleep problems are common in Parkinson’s. These include REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD), where people act out their dreams, as well as insomnia and daytime sleepiness. RBD can be an early sign of Parkinson’s. In fact, over 90% of people with idiopathic RBD (with no known cause) go on to develop a related neurological condition within 15 years. But this doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed. Knowing early gives you the chance to monitor your health and take proactive steps.

What you can do:

• Keep a sleep diary and share it with your doctor.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and screens before bed.
• Ask about a sleep study if your sleep is severely disrupted.

Why This Matters

It might feel overwhelming to think about these extra conditions. But here’s the empowering part: knowledge is power. By knowing what to look out for, you can:

• Catch problems early
• Get the right treatment sooner
• Improve your quality of life
• Feel more in control of your health journey

You’re not alone. Parkinson’s Australia is here to support you, your family, and your care team every step of the way.

Take Action Today

• Book a check-up with your GP or Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist.
• Get a skin check.
• Share this information with your care team and loved ones.
• Stay informed, stay connected, and stay hopeful.

How do I access more information?

It’s advisable to explore all available pathways to find the support that best suits your individual needs. Look to:

• get a Chronic disease management plan from you GP
• getting a GP referral to a specialist with Parkinson‘s experience
• your state-based Parkinson’s organisation for advice on support groups to access
• private health to see what is covered in relation to consultations and expenses
• NDIS or My Aged Care plan supports.
• Contact Sleep Health Foundation Australia or Sleep Disorders Australia for more information.
• See Mental Health Australia for a list of organisations that can help. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
• Contact Melanoma Australia for support and information.
• Contact Brain Injury Australia for support and information.
• Contact Crohn’s & Colitis Australia for support and information.
• Contact Diabetes Australia for support and information.