A monthly review of the top five issues raised in calls to the Parkinson’s NSW InfoLine team (call 1800 727 567).
- Bone Health and Parkinson’s
Falls and bone health often go hand-in-hand in Parkinson’s. People living with Parkinson’s have a higher risk of falls and are more likely to develop osteoporosis, increasing the risk of fractures. Reduced mobility, balance difficulties, and changes in posture can all increase the likelihood of fractures.
There are several ways to support bone health, including regular weight-bearing exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and discussing bone density scans with your GP. Strength and balance exercises can also help reduce falls risk. If you’re concerned about your bone health, speak with your healthcare team about prevention strategies before problems arise.
- Alcohol and Parkinson’s
Many people ask whether they need to give up alcohol completely after a Parkinson’s diagnosis. For most people, moderation is the key rather than complete avoidance.
Alcohol can sometimes worsen symptoms such as balance difficulties, sleep disturbances, dizziness, and low blood pressure. It may also interact with certain medications. If you choose to drink, it’s worth discussing what is appropriate for your individual circumstances with your GP or neurologist. The goal is to make informed choices while still enjoying life’s pleasures where possible.
- Word Finding Difficulties and Communication
Difficulty finding the right word can be a frustrating symptom for some people living with Parkinson’s. It may lead to pauses in conversation, losing track of thoughts, or difficulty expressing ideas clearly.
Family and friends can help by allowing extra time for responses, avoiding finishing sentences unless asked, and reducing distractions during conversations. Speech pathologists can also provide practical strategies to support communication and confidence. Early intervention can make a real difference.
- When Eating Becomes Messy
Eating should be enjoyable, but Parkinson’s can sometimes make mealtimes challenging. Tremor, reduced dexterity, swallowing difficulties, excess saliva, changes in posture, and slower movements can all contribute to messy eating and make people feel self-conscious, particularly in social situations.
The good news is that there are practical strategies and supports available. Adaptive cutlery, non-slip plates, specialised cups, and seating adjustments can make eating easier. Speech pathologists can assist with swallowing difficulties and saliva management, while occupational therapists can recommend equipment and techniques to support independence and confidence at mealtimes.
If eating is becoming frustrating or you’re avoiding social situations because of it, speak with your healthcare team or contact the Parkinson’s NSW InfoLine for advice and referral options.
- Waking Early and Fragmented Sleep
Many callers report waking in the early hours of the morning and struggling to get back to sleep. Sleep disturbances are common in Parkinson’s and can leave people feeling exhausted during the day.
Helpful strategies may include maintaining a consistent sleep routine, limiting caffeine later in the day, reducing screen time before bed, and keeping the bedroom comfortable and dark. It’s also important to discuss sleep issues with your medical team, as medication timing, anxiety, pain, or overnight Parkinson’s symptoms may be contributing factors. Good sleep is an important part of overall wellbeing and symptom management.
If any of these topics sound familiar, our Parkinson’s NSW InfoLine team is here to provide further information, support, and referrals to help you live well with Parkinson’s.
