Five Central Otago residents with Parkinson’s attended the Living with Parkinson’s Conference recently hosted in Wānaka, gaining valuable insights from global experts on managing the disease.

Those living with the condition who attended from Central were joined by their partners and personal trainer for the one-day conference on August 20, which attracted more than 110 people.

The event allowed them to hear from world renowned experts in their field.

Personal trainer Teresa Noble, who leads the local ‘Perky Parkies’ gym class, said it was an incredible day full of hope and inspiration.

“There was a huge mixture of people that attended, and it was wonderful to have time to mingle and share stories.”

Professor Bas Bloem, of Nijmegen in The Netherlands, and athlete Connie Carpenter-Phinney, of the United States, were guest speakers at the conference, which was held in celebration of Parkinson’s New Zealand’s 40th anniversary.

Bas Bloem has published groundbreaking research into Parkinson’s and won awards for his advocacy and work in relation to the chronic disease. PHOTO: Supplied

Connie Carpenter-Phinney, who is in the US Olympic Hall of Fame, competed as a speed skater in the 1972 Winter Olympics and then won a gold in the cycling road race 12 years later. PHOTO: Supplied 

Connie is still the youngest ever US female Olympian to go to the Winter Olympics at just 14 and went on to win gold at the 1984 Summer Olympics.

She is the co-founder of the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s (USA) which she set up with her husband when he was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s 24 years ago, at the age of 41.

Davis himself is an Olympic bronze medallist and Tour de France stage winner.

The foundation has funded research demonstrating the benefits of exercise, speech therapy, and other behavioural elements, which are critical to quality of life with Parkinson's.

Teresa said the number of people suffering from Parkinsons is due to increase dramatically and the future was “tough but positive”, with a huge amount of research being done. 

“Its not [just] a disease that affects just older people, and exercising everyday is essential,” she said.

“The conference has made us work together as a team to look at new ways to keep exercise fun and to make sure it's accessible for all levels and abilities.”

Members of the Parkinson’s class in the gym. PHOTO: NRG Alexandra

The Central App asked Parksinson’s sufferers and their partners what they got from the day and responses were; the need to puff when you exercise; the value of caregivers both professional and personal; do something active every day and allow time for meditation and the positive results music can play in exercise and movement.

In New Zealand, thousands of people are physically and mentally affected by Parkinson’s, a progressive neurological condition.

According to Parkinson's New Zealand, there are 12,000 people throughout the nation who are currently living with Parkinson’s.

This number is expected to double within the next 20 years.

It becomes more common with older age groups, and it is believed 1 per cent of people above the age of 60 have Parkinson’s.

The average age at diagnosis is 59.

Parkinson’s New Zealand is a charitable trust dedicated to ensuring whānau have the right information, education, and support needed to live positively with Parkinson’s.

While the condition cannot be cured, symptoms can be managed through different methods, including physical therapy.

To find out more about the Perky Parkies class, on Wednesdays at 1-2pm, contact [email protected]