Parkinson's disease affects approximately 100,000 Australians — and incidence is rising as the population ages. A progressive neurological condition affecting movement, cognition, and many non-motor functions, Parkinson's is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's. There is no cure, but treatment has improved significantly, and exercise has emerged as one of the most powerful interventions. Grant funding supports research into better treatments and ultimately a cure, as well as the community services and exercise programmes that help people with Parkinson's live well.
Scale
Symptoms
Motor symptoms (the classic features):
- Tremor (resting tremor — often the most visible symptom)
- Rigidity (muscle stiffness)
- Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
- Postural instability (balance impairment, falls risk)
Non-motor symptoms (often underrecognised and undertreated):
- Cognitive impairment and dementia (in later stages)
- Depression and anxiety
- Sleep disorders (REM behaviour disorder, insomnia)
- Autonomic dysfunction (blood pressure, constipation, urinary)
- Hyposmia (reduced sense of smell — often an early symptom)
- Fatigue
- Psychosis (particularly on dopaminergic medications)
- Pain
Disease course
Parkinson's is progressive — symptoms worsen over time. The rate of progression is highly variable. Most people live for many years with Parkinson's, often decades. Late-stage Parkinson's can be severely disabling.
NHMRC
Research grants for Parkinson's neurobiology, biomarkers, and treatment.
Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)
Translational research including deep brain stimulation, gene therapy, and precision medicine for Parkinson's.
NDIS
People with advanced Parkinson's may access NDIS support for daily living, equipment, and community access.
Aged Care
Many people with Parkinson's in aged care — CHSP and residential aged care funding.
PBS
Levodopa and other dopaminergic medications are PBS-listed; DBS devices are funded through hospital system.
Parkinson's Australia
National peak body:
- Research grants programme
- Advocacy
- Information and resources
- State-based service delivery through member organisations
Parkinson's Victoria / NSW / QLD / WA / SA / TAS
State-based support organisations:
- Information and helplines
- Exercise programmes (Rock Steady Boxing, LSVT BIG, PWR!)
- Support groups
- Allied health
Shake It Up Australia Foundation
Dedicated Parkinson's research funder:
- Research grants
- Clinical trials support
- Advocacy for research investment
Foundation for Parkinson's Research
Research funding.
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
US-based global funder — some Australian research supported.
Research
Clinical trials
Australia participates in major international Parkinson's trials — access is important for patients.
Exercise programmes
Exercise is one of the most powerful interventions for Parkinson's — evidence for multiple modalities:
- Boxing for Parkinson's (Rock Steady Boxing, non-contact)
- LSVT BIG (amplitude-based physiotherapy)
- Dance for Parkinson's (improving balance, coordination, social connection)
- Cycling (forced-rate cycling has strong evidence)
- Tai chi (balance and fall prevention)
- Hydrotherapy
- Parkinson's-specific group exercise classes
Grant funding for exercise programmes is high-impact and well-aligned with evidence.
Allied health services
Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
Young Onset Parkinson's (YOPD)
Parkinson's diagnosed under 50 has different implications:
- Employment impacts (most YOPD patients are still working)
- Family impacts (young children, relationship strain)
- Long disease course ahead
- Different medication management considerations (avoid excessive levodopa early)
- Specific support needs (peer groups for younger people)
Carer support
Caring for someone with advancing Parkinson's is demanding:
- Carer education
- Respite
- Peer support for carers
- End-of-life care preparation
Dementia and Parkinson's
Cognitive impairment occurs in many people with Parkinson's over time:
- Cognitive rehabilitation
- Dementia care integration
- Behavioural support
End-of-life care
Advanced Parkinson's requires specialist palliative care:
- Symptom management (dyskinesia, dysphagia, psychosis)
- Advance care planning
- Hospice access for Parkinson's patients
Exercise: the evidence-based imperative
Exercise has stronger evidence for Parkinson's than most pharmaceutical interventions for non-motor symptom management and quality of life. Community exercise programmes (boxing, dance, cycling) are high-impact, cost-effective, and community-building.
YOPD: the underserved subgroup
Young Onset Parkinson's patients have dramatically different needs from typical older-onset patients. Employment, family, and long disease course are the defining challenges — specialist YOPD programmes are underserved.
Rural and remote access
Specialist neurology and allied health is concentrated in major cities. Telehealth for Parkinson's (remote physiotherapy, DBS programming, clinical review) is an expanding and underserved area.
Neuroprotection: the research frontier
No neuroprotective therapy currently exists for Parkinson's — it's the highest-priority research question. Applications contributing to this search are well-positioned with research funders.
Tahua's grants management platform supports neurological disease funders and Parkinson's organisations — with programme participant tracking, exercise outcome measurement, research grant administration, and the reporting tools that help Parkinson's funders demonstrate their investment in better lives for Australians living with Parkinson's disease.