Hand in Hand to Slow Down Degeneration among People with Parkinson’s Disease

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 61, Alex Cheung once lost control over his movements and balance. He could not even lift a rice bowl. The fear of falling down kept him from leaving his apartment. “I could not even go down the street to buy some bread,” he joked. His doctor encouraged him to sign up for a health management course for people with Parkinson’s disease offered by the Society to learn more about its basic pathology and available community resources for people with Parkinson’s.

Developing a positive life attitude, doing therapeutic exercise, and socialising more have helped Alex slow down the deterioration of his body functions. After taking the course, Alex not only learned how to manage his health, but also made friends with other people suffering from Parkinson’s disease. He started volunteering and teaching to his fellow patients his favourite subject, Psychology. Influenced by his new friends, he cultivated new hobbies, including Chinese calligraphy, which helped him focus more effectively and control his shaking hands.

The Society’s staff member persuaded Alex to sign up for a badminton class to help slow down degeneration. Playing badminton with friends who also have Parkinson’s made him realise that his health was not that bad but that he lacked confidence. Since then, he has played badminton every week for years. This allows his wife to enjoy more freedom, as she does not have to accompany him, lifting the burden from her shoulders as a carer.

The Society firmly believes that mutual support among patients is the key to fostering rehabilitation