World Parkinson’s Day, observed annually on April 11th, is a day to raise awareness and bring people together to provide support for those living with Parkinson’s Disease. This day invites an opportunity to promote further research, boost recognition and foster a sense of togetherness in the community, as we acknowledge the hardships and tribulations experienced by those diagnosed with Parkinson’s. World Parkinson’s day is accompanied by an image of a red tulip, which serves as the official symbol for Parkinson’s worldwide. The red tulip symbolizes hope, perseverance, and the collective effort to find a cure. 

Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that mostly presents in later life.  It is most often associated with tremor or rigidity, the generalised slowing of movements, altered coordination and, over time, the impairment of various non-motor functions. 

Parkinson’s isn’t just a simple tremor. It’s complex, deeply personal, and affects over 10 million people worldwide. While there is currently no cure, exercise has emerged as a useful tool for managing symptoms and maintaining independence. 

The exact cause of Parkinson’s is not currently known, but a number of genetic and environmental risk factors have been identified. Some known risk factors include: 

• Family history – Having a relative with Parkinson’s. 

• Age – Most people are diagnosed after 60. 

• Gender – Men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s than women. 

• Environmental exposure – Long-term exposure to pesticides or toxins. 

• Head trauma – A history of traumatic brain injury can be a contributing factor. 

While some risk factors are out of our control, certain lifestyle changes – especially staying physically active – can support brain health and delay symptom onset. 

Parkinson’s may look different for everyone, but common signs include: 

Motor symptoms such as resting tremor, slowness of movement, muscle stiffness or rigidity, shuffling gait and frequent falls. Some non-motor symptoms include fatigue, depression or anxiety, sleep disturbances, and memory issues or cognitive changes. 

Early symptoms can be subtle and may be brushed off as normal aging – this is why awareness and early screening are so important. 

There is no single test for Parkinson’s. Diagnosis is based on: 

• A detailed medical history 

• A neurological exam (assessing movement, coordination, reflexes) 

• Ruling out other conditions through imaging or blood tests 

• Response to dopaminergic medications, which often improve symptoms 

If you or someone you know notices consistent tremors, movement changes, or other symptoms, it’s important to see a neurologist for assessment. 

At this stage, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are several treatments that assist with the management of symptoms and improve quality of life.  

As Parkinson’s disease affects everyone differently, treatment plans are tailored to the individual. While medications—like Levodopa—can help manage symptoms by supporting the brain’s dopamine levels, movement and exercise are now recognised as one of the most powerful ways to treat Parkinson’s. 

In more advanced cases, some people may benefit from a procedure called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), which involves placing a small device in the brain that helps control movement problems. 

Exercise is such an important tool for all people, but especially for those suffering with Parkinson’s disease. Most importantly, exercise has been linked to slowing of disease progression. For example, 

• Promotes neuroplasticity 

• Increases dopamine efficiency 

• Supports dopaminergic neuron health and formation of new neural connections 

• Improves gait, balance, strength, and coordination, delaying motor symptom progression 

To name a few… 

Additionally, consistent exercise reduces other comorbidity risks e.g. cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and reduce depression symptoms (common for those with PD). 

Not all exercise is the same and that’s why we recommend working with an Exercise Physiologist. Our role is to design safe, effective exercise programs for people with different medical conditions, including Parkinson’s, that will assist them in achieving their goals. Exercise programs are unique to each person and adjusted based on your condition, your symptoms, and your goals. 

Support and Resources 

Living with Parkinson’s can be tough, but you’re not alone. There are many helpful resources and support networks available. These include: