Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition with a predominately unknown cause. Diagnosing Parkinson's Disease is difficult, as diagnosis cannot be made by a simple blood test or brain scan. The condition is best assessed and treated by a neurologist who will examine for physical signs of Parkinson's and gather a detailed history of symptoms. Although the cause of Parkinson's is unknown, we do know that symptoms are primarily caused by a lack of Dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which is our body's primary controller of movement.

In most cases, at the time of diagnosis, approximately 70 per cent of dopamine producing neurons within the mid-brain have already been lost. Therefore, people who are newly diagnosed with Parkinson's, have often experienced a gradual onset of symptoms over a period of time prior to their diagnosis.

People with Parkinson's experience both motor and non-motor symptoms. The motor symptoms are those most commonly associated with Parkinson's and include; tremors, freezing, bradykinesia (slowness), rigidity, dyskinesia (uncontrollable movements), and dystonia (involuntary muscle tightening).

The non-motor symptoms are less commonly known but often impact a person living with Parkinson's Disease just as much as motor symptoms. These include; anxiety, depression, emotional changes, constipation, urinary urgency, frequency, retention and nocturia, low blood pressure, dementia and cognitive changes, impulsive and compulsive behaviours, fatigue, sleep difficulties, restless legs and changes to speech.

Medication is the most common treatment. Parkinson's medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain and optimising how the brain uses dopamine. Other treatment options include surgery, exercise therapy and complementary therapies.

Exercise assists with both, motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. A recent study found exercise seemed to have a protective effect on the dopamine-producing nerve cells that are lost in people with Parkinson's.

A tailored exercise program can improve strength, balance, flexibility and co-ordination. As well as improving mobility, decreasing falls risk, reducing depression, stress and anxiety, and giving the recipient a sense of control. Allied Health professionals such as physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and occupational therapists can help people with Parkinson's live their best life throughout all stages of the disease.