1. Take Control of Your Long-Term Health: The Crucial Role of Autonomic Function
Recent studies highlight that changes in your body’s automatic systems, like heart and gut function, can actually precede the classic motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) by years. This knowledge is a game-changer for early, proactive preventative action.
Heart Health as a Predictor
A blunted (slower) heart rate decrease immediately after exercise, known as Heart Rate Recovery (HR-recovery), is independently associated with a significantly higher risk of developing PD. This blunting is thought to suggest early involvement of the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which may start decades before a clinical diagnosis.
Your Action Plan:
Since HR-recovery is a modifiable parameter, often improved by exercise and training, you can potentially target and improve this important aspect of your health right now. An exercise physiologist can develop a tailored program to keep your cardiovascular system as healthy as possible and provide a quantitative indicator of your progress.
The Gut-Brain Connection
Constipation is a common, non-motor feature that can predate the onset of PD motor symptoms by 10–16 years. Moreover, greater severity of constipation at diagnosis predicts a faster progression to dementia in PD patients.
Your Action Plan:
Don’t dismiss constipation as an uncomfortable but minor symptom. A dietitian focuses on managing non-motor symptoms like gut dysfunction and developing strategies to mitigate their impact on your overall health and disease progression.
The takeaway? These new insights mean proactive prevention is your defense.
2. Comprehensive Care, Delivered in Your Community
Community-based neurological therapy is considered the gold standard of care for maximizing functional ability and quality of life for people with a neurological condition. Our service provides:
A Multidisciplinary Team Focused on You
We offer goal-oriented, person-centered care through a holistic model. Our expert, coordinated workforce includes Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Exercise physiologist, Podiatrist, Social Workers, and nurses.
Focus on Real-Life Independence
We believe progress is best made when you practice real-life tasks in your natural environment. Our therapists offer services that go beyond the clinic, including home-based therapy, community reintegration for leisure activities, public transport training, and assistance with returning to work or volunteering.
Targeted Symptom Management
Mobility & Falls
We provide balance training, gait training, and personalized strength and flexibility programs, all crucial for reducing your high risk of falls.
Cognition and Mood
Our cognitive therapies help with managing memory, attention, and problem-solving skills to enhance your quality of life.
Communication & Swallowing
Speech therapy is essential for addressing vocal strength, articulation, and safe swallowing techniques, which helps you maintain social engagement and proper nutrition.
Don’t wait until complications arise and the window for proactive intervention has narrowed. If you or a loved one are living with a neurological condition, contact us today to book your initial, comprehensive assessment.
Contact us on 1300 469 734 or info@myrehabteam.com.au for more information.
Parkinson’s disease can affect more than movement. Discover how the SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program helps people with Parkinson’s find their voice and improve daily communication.
References:
- Camacho, M., Macleod, A.D., Maple-Grodem, J., Evans, J.R., Breen, D.P., Wijeyekoon, R.S., Greenland, J.C., Alves, G., Tysnes, O.B., Lawson, R.A., Barker, R.A., and Williams-Gray, C.H., 2021. Early Constipation predicts faster dementia onset in Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s Disease. 7, 45. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-021-00191-w
- Van Duijvenboden, S, Ramirez, J., Scheurin, J., Darweesh, S.K.L., Orini, M., Tinker, A., Munroe, P.B., Thannhauser, J., Evers, L., IntHout, J., Lambiase, P.D., Bloem, B.R., Doherty, A., and Brouwer, M.A., 2025. Annals of Neurology. 00, pp.1-10. DOI: 10.1002/ana.70010
