Parkinson’s lesser-known symptoms get spotlight

Healthcare workers attuned to the hidden bladder and bowel symptoms of Parkinsonās are better able to help mitigate their added burden, andĀ peak bodies areĀ working to raise awareness.
Ahead of World Parkinsonās Day, on April 11, the Continence Foundation of Australia is shining a light on the disease'sĀ often unseen and distressing symptoms.
Nearly 70,000 people in Australia are living with Parkinsonās, according to a 2014 report from Deloitte Access Economics. This is an increase of 27 percent in nine years.
Parkinsonās Victoria clinical nurse consultant Victor McConvey said continence management is one of the most confronting and difficult problems for people living with Parkinsonās.
He said reduced peripheral dopamine production in the gut causes it to slow down, and added thatĀ constipation, which is further exacerbated by the personās reduced mobility, is the most common difficulty experienced in Parkinsonās.
McConvey said: āProblems with constipation are a frequent subject for calls to the Parkinsonās Information Line, and the second-most common reason someone with Parkinsonās will present to a hospital emergency department.ā
With good management, these difficulties can be overcome and the impact of the symptoms can be effectively reduced, he said.
The Continence Foundation of Australia and Parkinsonās Australia produced an online video about the management of bladder and bowel difficulties for people with Parkinsonās. View it below.
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