Parkinson’s Tasmania

08/11/2025

❤️ The ISLAND project is something very close to our hearts here at Parkinson’s Tasmania. Head along and chat to Prof James Vickers in Deloraine.

Craft, community, and cutting-edge science — all in one place!

If you're heading to the Deloraine Craft Fair this weekend, make sure to swing by Venue 4, site 414 to meet the brilliant Professor James Vickers, Director of the Wicking Dementia Centre!

Professor Vickers will share information about dementia research and education and the ISLAND Project.

07/11/2025

I recently met with The Hon. Ruth Forrest together with key members of our Tasmanian Parkinson’s cohort - Professor Michele Callisaya and Associate Professor Barbara de Graaff to discuss the urgent need for seed funding to ensure Parkinson’s Tasmania continues to provide vital support, advocacy and education for our Parkinson’s Community.

This week, Ruth tabled a Notice of Motion in the Legislative Council to highlight the important issues we raised and call for government action.

07/11/2025

Super special session in Launceston on Monday 10 November with Prof Jane Alty and Prof Michele Callisaya.

Join us for an inspiring evening showcasing how research and innovation are transforming Parkinson’s care in Tasmania.

05/11/2025

I recently met with David O'Byrne MP to highlight the prevalence of Parkinson’s in Tasmania especially in our farming communities in the Channel and North West. We are passionate about preventing Parkinson’s here in Tassie and ways we can work together to support people living with Parkinson’s.

28/10/2025

Q: What does Parkinson’s Tasmania have in common with a Mixed-Martial Arts gym?

A: We both know how critical physical exercise is to assist people living with Parkinson’s.

🥊 Led by experienced Personal Trainer and MMA fighter, Chris Drummond, at Hobart’s Hybrid Training Centre conducts two weekly “Boxing for Parkinson’s” classes. Chris is also supported by Ruth Musgrove, a licensed physiotherapist who has a strong research background in Parkinson’s at the Menzies Institute.

We recently attended a class to see what all the fuss was about…

“Lower body strength, balance, coordination and footwork are all so important for people living with Parkinson’s” Chris said.

“The footwork we do in here is designed to make day to day activities that much easier. Participants like to joke that I’m a ‘bit of a taskmaster’, but in reality, we get together, have a laugh and a lot of fun, but we give it our all.”

“All people at all stages with Parkinson’s are welcome, and the benefits are profound, regardless where people are at in their journey.” Chris said.

These guys are doing some incredibly important work, and having a great time doing it. We strongly recommend you check these classes out, and embrace the benefits that exercise can provide, wherever you’re at in your Parkinson’s Journey.

Classes are held every Monday (1pm-2pm) and Wednesday (12pm-1pm) at their Argyle street premises. If you are interested or would like to find out more, please contact Chris on 0416 950 777.

18/10/2025

📻 Make sure you tune in …

Join us for an inspiring evening showcasing how research and innovation are transforming Parkinson’s care in Tasmania.

15/10/2025

🖐️ Great tips from PD Warrior Global Tribe

15/10/2025

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Another fantastic webinar from Tasmania Parkinson’s Project Wicking Dementia Centre

Discover the powerful link between vision and Parkinson’s disease in this eye-opening webinar featuring Associate Professor Christine Nguyen, a leading exper...

13/10/2025

There isn’t a specific Parkinson’s test that can conclusively diagnose the condition. Instead, diagnosing Parkinson’s is usually a complex, multistep process that involves reviewing a patient’s history, assessing symptoms, and medical tests. Check out this article that steps through some of the tests.

Did you know diagnosing Parkinson’s disease isn’t as straightforward as a lab test? https://bit.ly/4mSvHJb

Instead, it relies on a complex combination of symptom review, medical history, and neurological exams by specialists.

Read the full breakdown in the article above to see why getting a diagnosis often takes time and expertise.

13/10/2025

⛳️ what has golf got to do with Parkinson’s? Join Bastiaan Bloem as he discusses the role of environmental factors and the opportunity we have here in Tasmania to take preventative action to reduce the risk⛳️

What does living next door to a golf course have to do with Parkinson's disease? Well, maybe more than you think … In this episode 4 of Parkinson Weekly, I discuss a provocative new finding, namely that living close to golf course may convey a higher risk of developing Parkinson disease. Original ...

13/10/2025

🎵A big shout out to the Launceston Ladies Choir for their generous donation. Donations and gifts in wills are our lifeblood. We rely on them to deliver our volunteer-led initiatives, support groups and our advocacy efforts for the Tasmanian Parkinson’s community 🎵

13/10/2025

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This MOOC has been a game changer for Parkinson’s awareness in Tassie, Australia and across the world 🌍

The Parkinson's MOOC is reopening on 27 October 2025!

Whether you're a healthcare professional, caregiver, student, or simply curious to learn more about Parkinson's disease, this free online course is your chance to deepen your understanding and make a real impact.

📅 Mark your calendar 📝 Enrol early 🌍 Join a global community of learners

Don't miss this opportunity to explore the science, care, and lived experience of Parkinson's. Let's learn together and make a difference!

🔗Enrol Here: https://mooc.utas.edu.au/course/20392