Tipperary Parkinson's Association encourages people to attend their weekly groups

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder.

It primarily affects both motor (movement related) and non-movement related) symptoms.

The progression of Parkinson’s varies from one person to the next, it can progress more slowly in some people and the symptoms may be effectively controlled with medication for many years. Parkinson’s has no boundaries and is the second most common neuro degenerative condition after Alzheimer’s.

It is most commonly diagnosed in people aged over 60 but it can also affect younger people; early onset Parkinson’s age between 40 and 60, young onset Parkinson’s age 21 to 40, and juvenile Parkinson's age before 20.

Balance and posture can deteriorate as Parkinson’s progresses and this can lead to problems walking, turning around and moving out of a chair or bed. It can sometimes also lead to falls as slowness of movement means it is difficult correct an overbalance to one side.

Many people with Parkinson’s will experience freezing at some point- it is the experience of stopping suddenly when walking or starting to walk. The feet are unable to move forward and feels like they are stuck to the ground.

Receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease takes time for both you and your loved ones to come to terms with as there's no doubt that the condition will have a effect on many areas of your lives.

However it is a case of living with Parkinson’s rather that letting Parkinson’s define you or your life.

The way that you approach the condition will have a huge impact on how it affects your life both now and in the future.

Keeping active is good for your physical well being and your mental health too. Moving regularly is important for people with Parkinson’s in managing symptoms and keeping muscles moving.

At times it may take a little effort especially if you are feeling tired. It is worth the effort though because otherwise you fall into a vicious circle and this can lead to further mobility problems as muscles and joints become stiffer and weaker, like we say at Nenagh Monday Club if you don’t use it you lose it.

Eating a well-balanced diet is important for everyone including people who has Parkinson’s. There is no special diet to follow but you should follow the general advice given for a healthy eating.

It is most important to drink plenty of fluids aim for 8 to 10 glasses of fluid per day including tea/coffee. Keep tea and coffee to a maximum of 4/5 cups per day as the caffeine in these lead to dehydration.

Build a good relationship with your doctor and neurologist. make a list of what you want to discuss and if the doctor says something that you don’t understand ask them again to explain it to you.

Make sure you understand any changes in medication why you are taking it and how and when to take it. It is very important to take your medication as directed and you will begin to feel the benefits of taking them.

Being able to talk to other people who are going through similar things can help you to feel your not alone with the condition.

This is why coming to our Support Meetings in Nenagh, Thurles and Clonmel are so important.

Nenagh Support Group runs an exercise class with physiotherapist Cian McDonnell every Monday from 2pm until 4pm In the Pastoral Centre, Church Road, followed by an hour of singing 3pm to 4pm with Sheelagh Chadwick to use the vocal chords. Contact Marion on 087-2967296.

In Thurles information meetings in the Order of Malta Centre, contact our secretary Mary Carey on 086-3916726.

On Thursday, April 6, we hold our AGM in the Anner Hotel at 2pm. All are welcome to attend.

Clonmel Support Group meet in Hotel Minella on the first Tuesday of the month. Please come along and attend some of these support groups if you have been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.