FOR people living with Parkinson's disease in regional areas, support can sometimes feel hard to reach.
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It's the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease, and in the New England North West around 700 people live with the disease.
A seminar run by Parkinson's NSW in Tamworth on Wednesday brought together more than 50 Parkinson's sufferers, their carers and families, to remind them even though there is no cure, there is support.
Sydney-based neurologist, Dr Stephen Duma, said it's important people living with the disease in regional areas like Tamworth are aware of available treatments, given the difficulties of accessing quality care in the bush.
"It's important for everyone to be educated about Parkinson's and all neurological disorders, but particularly Parkinson's given it's extremely prevalent in the community," he said.
"It affects one per cent of the population aged over 50 and it increases as we get older.
"Especially here in Hunter New England, particularly in this area where there may not be as many neurologists available, often there is a long wait time to get treatment."
He said while there are treatments readily available in Tamworth, certain device assisted therapies - which can be effective in regaining consistent control of Parkinson's symptoms - are only available in the city.
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"There are movement disorder centres in Sydney, and that multidisciplinary care with the nursing staff, neurologists and technicians is extremely important to get the best outcome for that person," he said.
"If that can be replicated in Tamworth and other regional centres, then there's no reason it can't occur here, but at the moment those centres are in Sydney."
However, one pilot program is making real change, through a dedicated on-the-ground movement disorder nurse for the north west funded by the Hunter New England Primary Health Network.
Rural Fit nurse Jo Lavelle supports locals with Parkinson's through the benefits of movement, and connects them with support options.
"We all know that exercise is imperative to management for Parkinson's and Rural Fit offers exercises specific to helping Parkinson's symptoms," she said.
Ms Lavelle said in Tamworth alone there are estimated to be 223 people living with Parkinson's disease, and the aim of the program has been to work with doctors, specialists and allied health staff to get the best outcomes for them.
So far, she's helped upwards of 56 people with aged care options, NDIS and advanced care directives, as well as clinical monitoring, carer support and allied health.
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