Parkinson's Disease: The Silent Killer in Your Home - How You Can Fight Back Now!
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Parkinson's disease, a condition that stealthily invades the lives of many, particularly as they age, has been branded the world's fastest-growing neurological disorder. It's a disease that doesn't discriminate, affecting the young and old alike, and it's one that Australians are being called upon to help fight in a very simple yet profound way.
The battle against Parkinson's disease has reached a critical point, with researchers urgently seeking the assistance of everyday Aussies. A groundbreaking study is underway, aiming to crack the genetic code of Parkinson's, but there's a catch: the study requires the help of 7,000 Australians with no family history of the disease to provide a saliva sample. This simple act could be the key to unlocking new treatments and potentially a cure for this debilitating condition.
Parkinson's disease is a degenerative neurological condition that slowly strips away a person's control over their own body. It affects memory, thinking, and movement, and often leads to dementia, the second leading cause of death in Australia. The symptoms can be as subtle as an unusual smell or as overt as physical rigidity, affecting even the simplest of daily tasks.
Kristine Maiorana, diagnosed at just 53, knows the reality of living with Parkinson's all too well. Her journey began with the persistent smell of cigarette smoke and a gradual loss of control over her right side. Now, her life is a series of appointments and therapies, all aimed at managing the disease while she continues to work full-time. Parkinson's, as she puts it, is indeed a full-time job in itself.
Despite the challenges, Kristine has found solace in the Young Onset Support Group set up by Parkinson's Queensland. The group provides a space for those affected to share experiences, advice, and support, proving that no one has to face this journey alone. The support of loved ones, too, is invaluable. Kristine's partner, Kim, has stood by her side, offering strength and companionship through the toughest of times.
Currently, Kristine is managing her symptoms with the medication Sifrol, and for the moment, she feels in control. But she knows that the fight against Parkinson's is far from over, which is why she's advocating for participation in the Australian Parkinson's Genetics Study (APGS). The study, funded by Shake It Up Australia and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, has already made significant strides, identifying a new gene linked to Parkinson's.
The importance of the study cannot be overstated. By understanding the genetics of Parkinson's, researchers can develop targeted treatments and move closer to a cure. But they need the help of the community to do so. The study requires a 'control group' – individuals over the age of 45 with no family connection to Parkinson's – to provide a point of comparison for the genetic data collected from those with the disease.
Participation is straightforward and can be done from the comfort of your home. Interested individuals can register via the Shake It Up Australia website, fill out a questionnaire, and receive a saliva test by mail. After providing a sample, it's simply a matter of posting it back. This small act of spitting in a tube could contribute to a monumental leap forward in Parkinson's research.
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the value of community and the power of collective action. We've seen how small gestures can lead to significant changes, and this is an opportunity for us to make a real difference. Whether you or someone you love has been touched by Parkinson's or you're just willing to lend a hand (or saliva) to a worthy cause, your contribution could be part of the solution.
So, let's rally together and support this vital research. It's time to fight back against the silent killer that is Parkinson's disease – because while it may be a condition that people live with and ultimately die with, it doesn't have to be a battle faced alone.
The battle against Parkinson's disease has reached a critical point, with researchers urgently seeking the assistance of everyday Aussies. A groundbreaking study is underway, aiming to crack the genetic code of Parkinson's, but there's a catch: the study requires the help of 7,000 Australians with no family history of the disease to provide a saliva sample. This simple act could be the key to unlocking new treatments and potentially a cure for this debilitating condition.
Kristine Maiorana likened having Parkinson's disease as to having a full-time job that she has to commit to. Image Credit: Pexels/Liza Summer
Parkinson's disease is a degenerative neurological condition that slowly strips away a person's control over their own body. It affects memory, thinking, and movement, and often leads to dementia, the second leading cause of death in Australia. The symptoms can be as subtle as an unusual smell or as overt as physical rigidity, affecting even the simplest of daily tasks.
Kristine Maiorana, diagnosed at just 53, knows the reality of living with Parkinson's all too well. Her journey began with the persistent smell of cigarette smoke and a gradual loss of control over her right side. Now, her life is a series of appointments and therapies, all aimed at managing the disease while she continues to work full-time. Parkinson's, as she puts it, is indeed a full-time job in itself.
Despite the challenges, Kristine has found solace in the Young Onset Support Group set up by Parkinson's Queensland. The group provides a space for those affected to share experiences, advice, and support, proving that no one has to face this journey alone. The support of loved ones, too, is invaluable. Kristine's partner, Kim, has stood by her side, offering strength and companionship through the toughest of times.
Currently, Kristine is managing her symptoms with the medication Sifrol, and for the moment, she feels in control. But she knows that the fight against Parkinson's is far from over, which is why she's advocating for participation in the Australian Parkinson's Genetics Study (APGS). The study, funded by Shake It Up Australia and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, has already made significant strides, identifying a new gene linked to Parkinson's.
The importance of the study cannot be overstated. By understanding the genetics of Parkinson's, researchers can develop targeted treatments and move closer to a cure. But they need the help of the community to do so. The study requires a 'control group' – individuals over the age of 45 with no family connection to Parkinson's – to provide a point of comparison for the genetic data collected from those with the disease.
Participation is straightforward and can be done from the comfort of your home. Interested individuals can register via the Shake It Up Australia website, fill out a questionnaire, and receive a saliva test by mail. After providing a sample, it's simply a matter of posting it back. This small act of spitting in a tube could contribute to a monumental leap forward in Parkinson's research.
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the value of community and the power of collective action. We've seen how small gestures can lead to significant changes, and this is an opportunity for us to make a real difference. Whether you or someone you love has been touched by Parkinson's or you're just willing to lend a hand (or saliva) to a worthy cause, your contribution could be part of the solution.
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