Parkinson’s Disease in Tasmania: A Growing Crisis

Incidence and Demographics

Parkinson's disease affects up to 150,000 Australians. Tasmania has some of the highest rates in the country. The disease is the fastest-growing neurological condition worldwide.

Patient Stories

"I stopped working ten years ago, no longer drive or write."

Hayley Milne, from northern Tasmania, was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's at age 41, ten years ago. Symptoms began in her mid-30s and have progressed. She reports tremors in her head and hands, leg freezing, poor balance, and memory loss. She stopped working ten years ago, no longer drives or writes, and experiences difficulty with daily tasks. She experienced anxiety and depression, leading to isolation.

"I have difficulty getting out of a chair and lose my train of thought mid-sentence."

Peter Longman, of Launceston, was diagnosed three years ago after downplaying symptoms for nearly a decade. His symptoms affect simple tasks and mobility. He was previously very active, jogging daily and participating in cycling and bushwalking. He now has difficulty getting out of a chair and loses his train of thought mid-sentence.

Research Initiative

The University of Tasmania has received funding from the Shake It Up Foundation and the Global Parkinson's Genetic Program to collect blood samples from Tasmanians with and without Parkinson's disease. The study aims to expand worldwide genetic research.

Dr. Samantha Bramich, a UTAS researcher leading the initiative, stated that the goal is to better understand genetics to develop better treatments and possibly prevent or cure the disease.

Researcher Michele Callisaya, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in her 40s about four years ago, participated in the study and encourages others to do so.

"We are willing to participate in any study that may help."

Husband Peter Longman's wife, Daphne Longman, expressed a desire for more answers and said they are willing to participate in any study that may help.