Campaign during Parkinson’s Awareness Month aims to shine a light on significance of taking medication exactly as prescribed, at the right time, every time

When Annmarie O’Connor was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in December 2021, one of the first changes she encountered was in her daily activity.

“My life changed in terms of my everyday routines and habits,” she said. “With Parkinson’s you need to have a lot of structure. I felt that my life suddenly had military precision.”

Ms O’Connor recounts this transformation in a new social media series by Parkinson’s Ireland which aims to shed light on the importance of keeping on top of regular medication needs.

Led by Parkinson’s Ireland, the ‘Meds on Time, Every Time’ campaign emphasises the key role that taking medication exactly as prescribed, at the right time, every time, has on the health of someone with Parkinson’s.

“I have to mind what I eat, make sure I’m well-hydrated, take my medication on time, make sure that I sleep well and go to bed on time and all the things that we’re supposed to do but we maybe don’t always,” added Ms O’Connor, who is an ambassador for Parkinson’s Ireland. “But it takes time to learn how to manage your new life.

“‘Every Minute Matters’ means to me personally that I can get the best out of my life with Parkinson’s by taking my medication on time and by being very mindful of what’s expected from me in terms of lifestyle adjustments.”

Parkinson’s medications are carefully prescribed to help manage symptoms such as tremor, stiffness and slowness of movement. When taken consistently and on schedule, they can help people maintain greater control over their symptoms and support a better quality of life.

However, if medication is delayed, missed or taken at irregular times, it may worsen symptoms and reduce overall symptom control. For many people, even a short delay can make a noticeable difference.

As part of this campaign, Parkinson’s Ireland is sharing a series of seven videos featuring its ambassadors, people living with Parkinson’s who understand first-hand the impact of medication timing. These videos will be released across the charity’s social media feeds throughout Parkinson’s Awareness Month, which takes place this April.

The organisation will also mark World Parkinson’s Day, which takes place this Saturday, April 11, by hosting a series of walks in 20 locations around the country.

‘A Walk in the Park for Parkinson’s’ aims to raise vital funds for the charity’s services, which include a freephone Parkinson’s nurse helpline, online advice webinars and local in-person exercise classes and support groups. To view where the walks will take place and register to take part, see www.walkinthepark.ie.