World Parkinson’s Day
11th April, 2011
Many people reading this would have a deep personal knowledge of Parkinson’s Disease (PD).
Parkinson’s Disease is a debilitating illness that impacts the central nervous system impairing motor skills and speech and is estimated to effect around 80,000 Australians.
Parkinson’s Disease is a condition that affects people in very different ways and can be difficult to diagnose accurately as there are no simple blood or laboratory tests. It has no known cure. Research is essential in providing a greater understanding of Parkinson’s Disease and its causes and is the key to better treatment and management of the condition and ultimately improving the quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s Disease.
Understanding the difficulties faced by people with Parkinson’s Disease will raise awareness and help reduce the stigma associated with the condition. For this reason, World Parkinson’s Day and Parkinson’s Awareness Week are crucial to increase the understanding of this challenging illness.
The Australian Government understands this and has committed over $51 million since 2008 including $22 million through the National Health and Medical Research Council for specific Parkinson’s Disease research. Parkinson’s Qld is partially funded through the HACC program.
Organisations such as Parkinson’s Australia, Parkinson’s Queensland Inc and other state affiliates play a critical role, providing support for research, awareness and education. The dedication and goodwill of these organisations’ members in assisting people with Parkinson’s Disease and their families must be commended. Parkinson’s Queensland are doing fine work providing information and services complementary to those from the health professionals to those 12000 or so Queenslanders diagnosed with PD.
The Qld public is also invited to show its support for persons with PD and their family and friends by joining in the Parkinson’s Qld Unity Walk held yearly (August 28th in 2011). I have walked in 2009 and in 2010 and have my certificate displayed. With the proceeds of fundraising events like this, other donations and bequests, PQ are building their network of support groups around Queensland and last year distributed to Queensland researchers nearly $150,000 for research into treatment and management of PD.
I wish Parkinson’s Australia, Parkinson’s Queensland Inc and other state affiliates all the best for a successful World Parkinson’s Day on April 11th this year.
Senator Claire Moore
(Queensland)
