Living with Parkinson’s Disease
The first in-depth study into the economic and social burdens of Parkinson’s Disease, the report titled, ‘Living with Parkinson’s Disease: Challenges and Positive Steps for the Future’, written by Access Economics for Parkinson’s Australia, has been released.
The report finds that some 55,000 Australians are affected by Parkinson’s Disease. It is the second most common neurological condition; second only to dementia.
Parkinson’s Australia Chief Executive Officer, Mr Norman Marshall, said one the starkest findings from the Access Economics report is the financial cost to the Australian economy which is estimated to be $527.8 million. In addition, there is the cost of the reduced quality of life due to disability experienced from the disease, the dollar cost of which is estimated to be $6.3 billion.
“This report highlights why chronic illness management is so important, not only to save money but also to improve early detection and to provide medical and care services that enable patients to continue to work as long as possible”, said Mr Marshall.
The report also puts forward five recommendations which will result in greater public awareness of Parkinson’s Disease, reduce disadvantage, improve community participation by people with Parkinson’s Disease and their families and encourage cost-effective solutions to improve quality of life for people with Parkinson’s Disease, as well as delaying institutionalisation and slow growth in the total cost of caring for people with Parkinson’s Disease.
www.parkinsons.org.au or www.accesseconomics.com.au
