Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects brain cells that produce dopamine in a specific area of the brain. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that plays an important role in pleasure, motivation, and learning. A dopamine imbalance is linked to mental illness, addiction, and Parkinson’s disease.

The causes of Parkinson’s disease are complex. Nearly 15% of people with PD have a family history of the disease, while up to 5% have a form of the disease that’s influenced by just one gene.

The remaining cases – almost 80% – are thought to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but the exact cause is unknown.

With our ageing population and longer life expectancy, diagnoses of PD are expected to increase dramatically over the coming decades.

The average age of diagnosis is 60. Anything younger than 50 is considered to be early-onset disease.

There are significant differences between individuals in the onset, intensity and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The disease is typically defined by its motor features, such as:

• the body becoming rigid;
• slowness of movement;
• disturbed gait;
• tremor.

However, PD patients also experience several non-motor symptoms, including:

• REM sleep behaviour disorder
• constipation
• urinary incontinence
• light-headedness or dizziness
• depression
• apathy
• decreased sense of smell
• cognitive impairment.

PD patients are six times more likely to develop dementia than the general population.

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurological disease in Australia after dementia. More than 150,000 Australians are living with Parkinson’s disease, and 50 more are diagnosed every day.

There is currently no cure. Treatment options focus on managing symptoms. In some cases surgery may be advised. Lifestyle changes, especially aerobic exercise, physical therapy for balance and stretching, and speech pathology are recommended.