Shocking revelation at Australian PGA Championship: John Senden battles Parkinson's
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Australian golfing legend John Senden has recently revealed a diagnosis that has left fans and fellow athletes alike in shock.
The 52-year-old veteran golfer has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement.
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain.
Symptoms generally develop slowly over years and can include tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), limb rigidity, and gait and balance problems.
Senden has been grappling with the symptoms of this debilitating disease for the past 18 months, all while continuing to play the sport he loves.
He made the announcement at the Professional Golfers Association of Australia (PGA) Championship, held in his hometown of Brisbane.
Despite the diagnosis, he narrowly missed the cut by just one stroke, demonstrating his unwavering determination and resilience.
Senden, who won the 2006 Australian Open and has two PGA Tour titles to his name, is currently on medication to manage his symptoms.
He believes that staying active, both physically and mentally, is crucial in his battle against Parkinson's.
'I've got to stay in the gym, stay fit and stay open because Parkinson's wants to close you down, wants to make you feel a bit more depressed,' he shared.
'I've got to stay playing, stay light-hearted about everything. It doesn't actually undermine my strength, it just sort of makes me feel a bit weird sometimes,’ he added.
The golfer can manage the tremors, but he knows the disease will present more physical challenges as it progresses. He has noticed that adrenaline, like that experienced during big tournaments, can trigger episodes in his right arm.
‘I can be on the range warming up and feeling really good, but as soon as the anticipation of hitting the first shot or a difficult shot or even the name called on the first tee, all of a sudden, my right arm starts shaking and I can't control that sometimes,’ he explained.
Despite these challenges, Senden remains optimistic and continues to enjoy golf. His courage and determination are an inspiration to many, including those who may be facing similar health challenges.
Senden's revelation follows the recent disclosure by Australian cricket legend Allan Border, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2016.
Senden expressed his intention to connect with Border, highlighting the importance of shared experiences and support in dealing with such a diagnosis.
‘Next time I see him, I'll have a quiet chat with him and just ask the question: “How're you feeling?”,’ he said. ‘We've got something to share.’
Senden previously won US PGA Tour titles at the 2006 John Deere Classic and Valspar Championship in 20144. At the Royal Queensland Golf Club, Senden was caddied by his son, Jacob, who is recovering from multiple brain tumours.
Senden expressed admiration for his son's resilience, stating, 'It's really something else to see him out there thriving. He's our only son, so we've got to try and get it right.’
Parkinson's Disease: What You Need to Know
While there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, there are treatment options such as medication and surgery to manage its symptoms. Lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise and a healthy diet, can also help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Risk factors for Parkinson's disease include age (with the disease typically developing in middle or late life), heredity (having a close relative with Parkinson's increases chances of developing the disease), sex (men are more likely to develop Parkinson's than women), and exposure to toxins.
The Australian Academy of Science briefly discussed this disease in this video:
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms such as tremors, slowed movement, rigid muscles, impaired posture and balance, loss of automatic movements, or changes in speech or writing, it's important to seek medical advice. Early diagnosis and management can significantly improve quality of life.
As Senden continues his battle with Parkinson's, his courage and determination serve as an inspiration to us all.
Have you or a loved one been affected by Parkinson's disease, members? Share your experiences and advice with our community in the comments below.
The 52-year-old veteran golfer has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement.
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain.
Symptoms generally develop slowly over years and can include tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), limb rigidity, and gait and balance problems.
Senden has been grappling with the symptoms of this debilitating disease for the past 18 months, all while continuing to play the sport he loves.
Veteran golfer John Senden revealed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Credit: PGA of Austalia/ Youtube
He made the announcement at the Professional Golfers Association of Australia (PGA) Championship, held in his hometown of Brisbane.
Despite the diagnosis, he narrowly missed the cut by just one stroke, demonstrating his unwavering determination and resilience.
Senden, who won the 2006 Australian Open and has two PGA Tour titles to his name, is currently on medication to manage his symptoms.
He believes that staying active, both physically and mentally, is crucial in his battle against Parkinson's.
'I've got to stay in the gym, stay fit and stay open because Parkinson's wants to close you down, wants to make you feel a bit more depressed,' he shared.
'I've got to stay playing, stay light-hearted about everything. It doesn't actually undermine my strength, it just sort of makes me feel a bit weird sometimes,’ he added.
The golfer can manage the tremors, but he knows the disease will present more physical challenges as it progresses. He has noticed that adrenaline, like that experienced during big tournaments, can trigger episodes in his right arm.
‘I can be on the range warming up and feeling really good, but as soon as the anticipation of hitting the first shot or a difficult shot or even the name called on the first tee, all of a sudden, my right arm starts shaking and I can't control that sometimes,’ he explained.
Despite these challenges, Senden remains optimistic and continues to enjoy golf. His courage and determination are an inspiration to many, including those who may be facing similar health challenges.
Senden's revelation follows the recent disclosure by Australian cricket legend Allan Border, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2016.
Senden expressed his intention to connect with Border, highlighting the importance of shared experiences and support in dealing with such a diagnosis.
‘Next time I see him, I'll have a quiet chat with him and just ask the question: “How're you feeling?”,’ he said. ‘We've got something to share.’
Senden previously won US PGA Tour titles at the 2006 John Deere Classic and Valspar Championship in 20144. At the Royal Queensland Golf Club, Senden was caddied by his son, Jacob, who is recovering from multiple brain tumours.
Senden expressed admiration for his son's resilience, stating, 'It's really something else to see him out there thriving. He's our only son, so we've got to try and get it right.’
Parkinson's Disease: What You Need to Know
While there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, there are treatment options such as medication and surgery to manage its symptoms. Lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise and a healthy diet, can also help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Risk factors for Parkinson's disease include age (with the disease typically developing in middle or late life), heredity (having a close relative with Parkinson's increases chances of developing the disease), sex (men are more likely to develop Parkinson's than women), and exposure to toxins.
The Australian Academy of Science briefly discussed this disease in this video:
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms such as tremors, slowed movement, rigid muscles, impaired posture and balance, loss of automatic movements, or changes in speech or writing, it's important to seek medical advice. Early diagnosis and management can significantly improve quality of life.
As Senden continues his battle with Parkinson's, his courage and determination serve as an inspiration to us all.
Have you or a loved one been affected by Parkinson's disease, members? Share your experiences and advice with our community in the comments below.
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