13/02/2026
EXPANDING CARE FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE
For people living with Parkinson’s disease, symptoms such as hand tremors can fluctuate throughout the day, making common daily tasks a source of stress.
For Shee Fong Kuang, her shaky hands were affecting her work life.
“I use the laptop eight hours a day at work, so it can be frustrating when I’m in my off period,” she said.
In September last year, Shee Fong became the first patient at Royal North Shore Hospital’s Movement Disorder Clinic to start Vyalev, a new Parkinson’s medication.
A small pump similar to those used by people with diabetes, it delivers medication continuously under the skin throughout the day, helping to keep symptoms more stable and predictable.
“The first thing I noticed when I started on Vyalev was fewer hand tremors and stronger legs,” she said.
“Less hand tremors means I can control the mouse better. The stronger legs make me more sure on my feet, and I’m more confident to get out and about nowadays.”
Since Shee Fong first used the drug, the clinic has seen five other patients successfully start the treatment, including the first nursing home patient in Australia.
Across Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD), more than 5,500 people are living with Parkinson’s — a number expected to rise to over 7,300 by 2035.
Parkinson’s nurse Sue Williams said the new treatment was changing people’s lives. "It’s very rewarding to see people who were living with disabling Parkinson’s symptoms regain control and return to doing the things they love," said Sue.
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