03/07/2025
How to Prevent Parkinson's Disease (Or Delay its Progression):
Every day 50 Australians are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease: a progressive age-related neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, balance and coordination.
Although scientists havenāt discovered how to prevent Parkinsonās disease, our article looks at steps you can take to potentially lower risk factors for developing it.
What if you already have Parkinsonās disease (PD)?
Unfortunately, thereās no cure for this slowly progressive condition that worsens over time to place more strain on the mind and body. Thankfully many patients respond well to treatment and enjoy a normal lifespan!
What is Parkinsonās disease?
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement.
The nerve cells in your brain need a chemical called dopamine to function properly.
Parkinsonās disease occurs when there isnāt enough dopamine for nerve cells to regulate an individualās movement, coordination and mood. These dopamine-producing neurons live in a specific brain region called the substantia nigra.
As dopamine levels decline, individuals with Parkinson's experience a range of motor symptoms related to movement (such as tremors) and non-motor symptoms like depression (not related to movement or balance).
More men than women develop PD, which is most common in people older than 60.
Having said this, up to 20 per cent of Parkinsonās patients notice symptoms before they reach 50. This is called early-onset Parkinsonās.
Regardless of the age of development, PD begins with mild symptoms that often (but not always) worsen over time.
Read the full blog post here: https://specialistclinicpharmacy.com.au/blogs/news/how-to-prevent-parkinson-s-disease-risk-factors
