It often starts with something small. A slight tremor in one hand. Handwriting that has slowly become smaller and harder to read. A feeling of stiffness in the morning that takes a little longer to shake off than it used to. For many people, these subtle changes are easy to dismiss — after all, don't we all slow down a little as we age? But sometimes, these early signals are the body's way of telling us something more significant is happening. Parkinson's disease is one of Australia's most common neurological conditions, and the sooner it is identified, the sooner people can access the support, treatment and lifestyle strategies that can genuinely improve their quality of life.
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain's ability to produce dopamine — a chemical messenger that helps coordinate smooth, controlled movement. Without enough dopamine, the messages between the brain and the body become disrupted, leading to the movement difficulties most people associate with Parkinson's. However, Parkinson's is far more than a movement disorder. It can affect sleep, mood, memory, digestion and many other aspects of daily life. It most commonly develops in people over the age of 60, though younger-onset Parkinson's does occur. In Australia, Parkinson's NSW estimates that around 38 people are diagnosed every single day.
Early warning signs to be aware of
Because Parkinson's develops gradually, the early signs can be easy to overlook or attribute to something else entirely. Some of the more well-known symptoms — like a resting tremor — may not appear until later in the condition's progression. Being aware of a broader range of early signs can help prompt a timely conversation with your GP.
- A tremor or slight shaking, often in one hand, finger or foot while at rest
- Muscle stiffness or rigidity, particularly in the arms, legs or neck
- Slowness of movement (known medically as bradykinesia) — everyday tasks begin to take noticeably longer
- Changes in handwriting, such as writing becoming smaller or more cramped (micrographia)
- A reduced sense of smell that has no other obvious cause
- Changes in sleep, including acting out dreams, restless legs or excessive daytime tiredness
- Constipation that is new or persistent without a dietary explanation
- A softer or more monotone voice, or difficulty swallowing
- Facial masking — a reduction in natural facial expression
- Mood changes, including depression or anxiety, that appear without a clear trigger
- Dizziness or fainting when standing up
No single symptom on its own confirms a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. If you or someone you care about has noticed one or more of these changes, the most important step is to speak with your GP. Many of these symptoms have other possible causes, and a thorough assessment is the best way to understand what's going on.
The role of exercise in managing Parkinson's
One of the most encouraging areas of Parkinson's research in recent years is the evidence supporting exercise as a meaningful part of managing the condition. Regular physical activity has been shown to help maintain mobility, improve balance, reduce the risk of falls and support mental wellbeing in people living with Parkinson's. It won't stop the condition from progressing, but it can make a significant difference to how people feel day to day and how long they can maintain their independence.
The types of exercise that tend to be particularly helpful include activities that challenge balance and coordination — things like tai chi, dancing, cycling and swimming. Boxing-based exercise programs designed specifically for people with Parkinson's have also grown in popularity across Australia and have shown promising benefits for both physical and cognitive function. Even regular walking, done consistently, can be valuable. The key is finding something enjoyable and sustainable, ideally with guidance from a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist who has experience working with neurological conditions.
Social connection and community: why they matter
Living with a chronic condition like Parkinson's can be isolating, particularly as symptoms progress and daily routines become more challenging. Depression and anxiety are recognised non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's, and social withdrawal can compound these feelings significantly. This is why staying connected — to friends, family and the broader community — is not just a nice idea, it's an important part of living well with Parkinson's.
Fortunately, there are many ways to stay engaged. Parkinson's NSW offers a range of support services across the state, including peer support groups, educational programs and connections to local community activities. Their awareness campaign, detailed at parkinsonsnsw.org.au/parkinsons-awareness, highlights the value of community involvement and provides practical resources for people living with Parkinson's and their carers. Here in the Sutherland Shire, there are local groups and allied health providers experienced in supporting people with neurological conditions, and your GP can help connect you with the right services.
- Connect with a local Parkinson's support group — meeting others who understand your experience can be enormously helpful
- Talk to your GP about a referral to a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or speech pathologist as appropriate
- Explore community exercise programs such as seated yoga, tai chi or hydrotherapy classes
- Ask about a Care Plan (previously known as a GP Management Plan) which may allow you to access allied health services at a reduced cost
- Visit Parkinson's NSW at parkinsonsnsw.org.au for resources, events and carer support
- Don't underestimate the value of staying socially active — regular contact with friends and family supports mental health and overall wellbeing
Supporting the people who provide care
Parkinson's doesn't only affect the person who is diagnosed — it also has a profound impact on partners, family members and friends who take on caring roles. Carers often experience their own physical and emotional strain, and it's important that they also receive support. If you are caring for someone with Parkinson's, please don't wait until you're exhausted to ask for help. Speaking with your own GP, accessing respite care or connecting with Carers NSW are all meaningful steps you can take to protect your own health while continuing to support someone you love.
April is Parkinson's Awareness Month in Australia. It's a good reminder that early conversations — with your GP, your family and your community — can make a real difference. If something has been niggling at you, now is the time to bring it up.
At Cronulla Medical Practice, our GPs are here to listen, to help you make sense of changes you may be experiencing and to support you in navigating a diagnosis and the steps that follow. If you have noticed any early signs of Parkinson's in yourself or someone close to you, or if you simply have questions about your neurological health, we'd encourage you to book an appointment with one of our doctors. Early assessment means earlier access to support — and that can make a genuine difference to life with Parkinson's.