Laois locals have been asked to support Parkinson's Ireland's 'Meds on Time, Every Time' campaign ahead of the upcoming fundraising event.

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, with an estimated 18,000 people living with the condition in Ireland.

The 'Meds on Time, Every Time' campaign will run alongside the charity’s nationwide fundraising event, ‘A Walk in the Park for Parkinson’s’, taking place in Colt GAA Club grounds, Raheen on Saturday April 11.

Laois branch committee member Martina Sinnott spoke ahead of the event.

 “It is so important to take medication at the same time every time because otherwise dopamine levels get too low, and it takes too long to build them back up again," she said.

"This can leave the person with Parkinson’s unable to do anything. Events like A Walk in the Park for Parkinson’s are so important because they create awareness of the disease, but also because they remind us in the Parkinson’s community that exercise is just as important as medication in our treatment routine," Ms Sinnott stressed.

For people with Parkinson’s, timing is everything when it comes to medication. The “Meds on Time, Every Time" campaign highlights how crucial this is and aims to raise awareness and educate people living with Parkinson’s, their care partners and healthcare professionals.

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As part of the campaign, Parkinson’s Ireland has developed a range of tools, resources and educational materials to support people with Parkinson’s and their care partners.

The “Meds on Time, Every Time” programme has been developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals and partners to improve awareness of medication timing for people living with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s Disease is an incurable progressive neurological disorder with more than 40 associated symptoms that can vary from person to person.

The Laois walk will bring together members of the local Parkinson’s community, their families, friends and supporters to raise vital funds and awareness. This year, the event is sponsored by Ireland’s leading home care provider, Dovida.

Parkinson's Ireland CEO Shane O’Brien highlighted the events importance.

 “Key campaigns and fundraising events for Parkinson’s Ireland allow us to continuously support those living with Parkinson's Disease, their families and care partners, and improve the services we provide," he said.

"It’s important that we work together to raise awareness of the condition, as well as vital funds. We encourage people of all ages to join us this April for Parkinson’s Awareness Month and show their support.”

Lorraine McLaughlin, Dovida Ireland Parkinson’s Ambassador expressed the importance of medication timing.

“We are delighted to once again sponsor this important event to raise awareness and vital funds for people with Parkinson’s all over Ireland," Ms McLaughlin.

"We are equally proud to endorse this new campaign. As an organisation that supports people with Parkinson’s, we know medication timing matters.

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"Our caregiver training and scheduling reflect this to ensure our clients are supported to get their medication on time, every time," she finished.

Parkinson’s Ireland continues to offer essential services, support and information to those affected by the condition. Campaigns such as “Meds on Time, Every Time” aim to educate people living with Parkinson’s, their care partners and healthcare professionals about the importance of medication timing and the support available to them.

The charity encourages healthcare providers, caregivers and people living with Parkinson’s to learn more about the campaign and access resources at parkinsons.ie/meds-on-time. 

Parkinson’s Ireland also encourages the public to show their support and register online for ‘A Walk in the Park for Parkinson’s’. For more information and to find a walk near you, visit walkinthepark.ie