Latest research on exercise and Parkinson's!
A recent study from a research team in Japan demonstrates the benefits of regular exercise on slowing the progression of Parkinson’s.
Researchers found that the participant’s level of physical activity at the start of the study was not associated with the progression of their Parkinson's later on. Rather, they discovered it was more important to maintain consistent levels of physical activity over time.
Participants who completed at least four hours of moderate to vigorous exercise per week showed a slower decline in balancing and walking five years later, in comparison with participants who rarely exercised.
"We found that regular physical activity, including household tasks and moderate exercise, may actually improve the course of the disease over the long run. Best of all, exercise is low cost and has few side effects," said study author Kazuto Tsukita, MD, of Kyoto University in Japan.
The research article has been published in Neurology and can be accessed here.
Laser light therapy
We have received a significant amount of interest today from the Parkinson’s community regarding the Channel Seven report into laser light therapy. Many of you may have realised that the handheld laser therapy was the subject of a small study (only 12 people) last year in Adelaide, South Australia. This is now being extended and is underway at the University of Sydney. A very comprehensive overview is available here -
https://www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au/laser-light-therapy-human-trial/
Posted: 12 January 2022
Parkinson's WA Covid-19 policy update
Happy New Year to our members and friends. The last few years have made us all a little apprehensive about making any plans for 2022, but as an organisation we are planning how to move forward, especially after February 5th - if and when our state borders open again.
Some proposed changes are related to our Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist Service.
As you are aware our Nurses visit people with Parkinson’s in their homes and aged care facilities. If we have a Covid-19 outbreak in the community, it is likely that Aged Care facilities will cease having external visitors to their sites.
With regard to home visiting – from today, the Nurses will be asking about vaccination status when they make contact to arrange an appointment. If the person being visited is not double or fully vaccinated, they will be offered a video call instead of a face-to-face visit. This is to protect our Parkinson’s community who we know are already vulnerable due to the condition and often age. We will also be keeping the number of additional people to a minimum during home visiting and any additional people must also be vaccinated.
All restrictions are subject to change according to guidelines from the Department of Health. Government mandates and guidelines will be adhered to at all times.
We trust you understand the rationale behind these plans, and we all hope that no further restrictions will be required. We are looking forward to continuing to support the Parkinson’s community in Western Australia throughout 2022.
Posted: 10 January 2022
Upcoming fundraising opportunities
Are you competing in the Rottnest Channel Swim or Port to Pub events?
Are you passionate about the work Parkinson's WA does to support the Parkinson's community in Western Australia?
Why not fundraise for us!
We would love to hear from you and help you achieve your fundraising goals. For more information please contact the Parkinson's WA team at fundraising@parkinsonswa.org.au.
Parkinson's WA Christmas Appeal
Diagnosed with Parkinson's 12 years ago at the age of 45, Raymond continues to inspire the Parkinson's community and is a fierce advocate for the work of Parkinson's WA.
As the Parkinson's WA Nurse Specialist Service is only partially funded by the Department of Health, we rely on donations from our community to ensure that we can continue supporting people living with Parkinson's in Western Australia.
Please take the time to read Raymond's story here.
read more
RESEARCH: Calling for Participants
RESEARCH: Calling for Participants
Perron Institute’s TONiC (Trajectories of Outcomes in Neurological Conditions) researchers are now recruiting people with Parkinson’s to participate in this quality of life and genetic study. The objective of the study is to improve our understanding of how genetics can impact patient progression and quality of life, eventually helping researchers and clinicians improve patient care and therapies.
CLICK HERE for information about the study.
CLICK HERE to register your interest in this study.
Who cares for the carer? Co-designing a novel service to support health and wellbeing of older carers of older people
Give your opinion on older carers’ needs relating to carer health, wellbeing, health promotion, support service use and needs
We are seeking older carers (aged 50 years and above) who care for older people (aged 65 years or above) to complete a survey
Why should I take part in this study?
Your opinion will help us:
- Better understand the information and support sources used by older carers of older people to manage their health, wellbeing and caring needs.
- Co-design a new service to support health and wellbeing of older carers of older people in Australia.
What will it involve?
- Complete a 30 minute (approx.) online survey
- Submit the survey on-line
Where can I get the survey?
Please click on the online survey link https://bit.ly/3fa3pJf to complete the survey
An explanatory statement (provides more information on this research) can be sent to your email address by contacting Dr Moira Watson.
If you prefer to complete a paper-based survey, a paper-based survey, an explanatory statement and a reply paid envelope will be posted to you.
For further information:
Dr Moira Watson, Murdoch University, Phone: 08 9360 6217, Email: moira.watson@murdoch.edu.au
Funded by:National Centre for Healthy Ageing, Monash University
Control & Mood in People with Parkinson's
Researchers at the University of East Anglia (UK) are looking for participants to take part in a research project on how feelings of control and mood in people with Parkinson’s may affect taking medication.
This study is closing in only 10 days, so please consider completing this quick survey:
Research Call for Participants
University of SA are looking for individuals under the age of 65 with Parkinson's to take part in a community participatory project. With an aim to further enhance resources and education for people living with Young Onset Parkinson's in the community, researchers need volunteers to assist with their work and findings.
Please click HERE for more information.
Consumer and Community Involvement Program
Researchers are inviting 12 people, or their carers with a lived experience of being admitted to and discharged from a hospital in Western Australia, to assist them to create scenarios for a new healthcare training simulator for students and staff.
They are particularly interested in talking with people and carers with lived experiences of traumatic brain injury (also called ‘head injury’), Parkinson’s disease, stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Participants invited for Parkinson's Research
Heat Sensitivity Study
The Parkinson’s condition may present with non-movement symptoms, including the way the body responds to changes in temperature. However, many aspects of how people with Parkinson’s disease experience the heat, such as their perceptions of heat, its effects on day-to-day activities and quality of life, and whether they experience symptoms of heat-related illness, are not well understood.
read more
Support the Parkinson's Community
Researchers are inviting 12 people, or their carers with a lived experience of being admitted to and discharged from a hospital in Western Australia, to assist them to create scenarios for a new healthcare training simulator for students and staff.
They are particularly interested in talking with people and carers with lived experiences of traumatic brain injury (also called ‘head injury’), Parkinson’s disease, stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Find out more: cciprogram.org
To apply: https://bit.ly/PharmSim
Applications Close: Friday March 5
Curtin University Parkinson's Western Australia Synapse - Australia's Brain Injury Organisation Carers WA Fight Stroke Australia Stroke Foundation of Western Australia Lung Foundation Australia
#BrainInjury #brainhealth #traumaticbraininjury #traumaticbraininjuryawareness #headinjuries
Sleep issues for People with Young Onset Parkinson's (Under 65)
On behalf of the Parkinson’s community, Parkinson’s Australia is seeking feedback for the development of an App. One of the issues identified during consultations for this Young Onset Parkinson’s Exchange (YOP-X) Project, is around sleep and fatigue.
The idea is that the App could assist people with Young Onset Parkinson’s to improve their journey with Parkinson’s. The idea is that the App could assist with Young Onset Parkinson’s to improve their sleep and maximise energy.
While studies have shown that sleep issues are one of the most frequent non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s, greater understanding is needed around how sleep issues present in younger people with Parkinson’s.
The questions accessed via the following link are there to act as a prompt, with a space for any additional contributions. The short survey is also completely anonymous.
Please click here to participate: TAKE SURVEY HERE
Your contribution to Parkinson’s research is greatly appreciated.
