Parkinsons ZA hosted the launch of its first Parkinson’s disease weekly support group and rehabilitation workshop on September 21 at The Capital on The Park, bringing patients, families, and healthcare professionals together to talk about what really makes a difference in living with the disease.
Specialist neurologist Dr Marcelle Smith explained that Parkinson’s is a complex condition that affects more than just movement. Muscle weakness, balance issues, speech difficulties, swallowing problems, mood changes, and social isolation are all part of the picture, and they require a team of experts working together.
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“Parkinson’s disease is not only about tremors. It affects strength, balance, speech, swallowing, mood, and even social relationships. A team-based approach gives patients the best chance of maintaining independence and quality of life.”
She highlighted exercise as one of the most important tools available to patients.
Tailored programmes can build muscle strength, support mobility, and help reduce the risk of falls.
According to Smith, falls are among the most dangerous complications.
“A hip fracture can mean months in hospital. If we can strengthen patients and stabilise their movements, we prevent a cycle of complications.”
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Rehabilitation also includes occupational therapy to make homes safer and daily life more manageable, speech therapy to preserve communication and swallowing, psychological support to ease anxiety and depression, and social workers to connect families with resources and community programmes. Importantly, caregivers are not left out of the picture.
“If caregivers burn out, patients suffer too. Supporting caregivers with training and resources is just as important as treating the patient.”
She stressed that no two patients experience Parkinson’s the same way, and medication plans must be tailored to each person. The disease is constantly changing, which means treatment has to adapt.
“Parkinson’s is a dynamic condition. Treatment must evolve with the patient’s needs, not the other way around,” she said.
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This news item came from: https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/news-headlines/2025/09/21/parkinsons-support-group-launched-in-sandton/
