A group of non-profit organisations have banded together in a global approach to fast track Parkinson’s and dementia treatment. Parkinson’s, a degenerative neurological condition that impacts memory, thinking and movement, is one of the fastest growing neurological conditions in the world. People with Parkinson’s are likely to also develop dementia, a brain condition that impacts memory, speech, thinking and behaviour.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia. Will Boag, 77, from Sydney, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 14 years ago. Despite the diagnosis usually resulting in a lack of mobility, Mr Boag has dedicated his time to walking.
He and his wife Corrie have embarked on several 800km walks across the globe since his diagnosis, with the couple still walking an average of 22km per day on big walking trips, He has also raised more than $35,000 for not-for-profit organisation Shake It Up Australia Foundation, which funds Parkinson’s research in partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation. “It’s been a mixed journey – there’s been pain, there’s been things that limit my speed,” Mr Boag said.
“I get dressed very slowly, things take up a bit of time, but that’s OK – I got used to that, and it’s not really a hold up but something to deal with. “I’ve learned that I can deal with things I never thought I could deal with.” Mr Boag hopes to inspire people to realise that “life doesn’t end with a Parkinson’s diagnosis”.
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