Understanding Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition affecting more than 80,000 people in Australia, with 17,000 of those people living in Queensland.
The cause of Parkinson's is usually unknown, with over 90% of cases being diagnosed without a direct cause. However, the understanding of possible causes is increasing all the time thanks to ongoing research.
Facts about Parkinson’s disease
- Parkinson’s is slightly more common in males.
- The average age of diagnosis is 65, although Parkinson’s can affect adults of any age. Young Onset Parkinson’s refers to people who are diagnosed between the ages of 21 and 40. Juvenile Onset Parkinson’s refers to people who are younger than 21 when they are diagnosed.
- Symptoms of Parkinson’s are mainly related to a lack of a neurotransmitter substance called dopamine in the brain.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?
People living with Parkinson’s can be impacted by motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms, which will vary with each individual case.
Motor symptoms may include tremor; slowness of movement; muscle stiffness resulting in difficulty standing and walking; and postural instability causing falls.
Non-motor symptoms can include fatigue and pain; impact to cognitive functions including memory; changes to oral muscles impacting eating and drinking; changes to senses affecting smell and vision; gastrointestinal issues; and difficulty sleeping.
This information has been provided by Parkinson’s Australia.
How can CPL help?
CPL can support you with day-to-day tasks, depending on your needs, from getting ready for school, university or work, right through to mealtime assistance and medication.
Getting out into your community
Community access is an important part of everyday life. As this looks different for everyone, we will meet with you and your family to discuss what you like to do and how we can support you.
CPL provides 24/7 Supported Independent Living services, and has a number of vacancies in accessible homes.
Employment and Training opportunities
There are a range of disability employment and training pathways to help people who have Parkinson's to re-enter or join the workforce.
Give us a call on 1800 275 753 to discuss your support needs with our team, or send an online enquiry and we'll be in touch.
Get In Touch
Get in touch
Find out what services you can access in your area or check out your nearest CPL centre.