Each year, about 2,500 people are diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in Australia. And just like in our last episode where we looked at dementia, this number is increasing year on year as we live longer and longer lives. 

In this episode we take a look at this common neurological disease, first talking about what exactly Parkinson's Disease is and what effects Parkinson's Disease can have on someone (importantly the disease effects everyone differently). 

In particular we discuss the latest research that supports physiotherapy interventions and exercise for Parkinson's Disease, and the positive impact it has on the health outcomes of individuals living with with the disease. Resistance and balance training are cited as the best exercise to combat Parkinson's, along with dancing! This is due to the fact that dancing is good for both balance and strength, and also features rhythm which helps with initiating movement. 

As always, we hope this episode helps you better understand your own health and wellbeing and how you can care for those you love too. If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us: https://newtricksco.com.au/contact/

Show notes/ topics covered:

0:07 - Welcome 
1:35 - Introduction to the topic 
4:50 - It should be diagnosed by a doctor and a neurologist 
5:47 - Exercise should go hand in hand with medication
7:33 - What does the research say? 
9:05 - Dancing works!
12:29 - What else does the literature say? 
17:08   - Closing thoughts 

About the experts: 

Jason Lee and Dr Jane Fyfield have over 45 years of experience working with elderly Australians. Jason Lee runs his own physiotherapy practice, with a focus on strength and conditioning programs for over 60 year olds. Dr Jane Fyfield works as a consultant to aged care services, is a former Medical Director, and has worked in the public, private and government sectors as a clinician and a non-clinical consultant.