Parkinson's MOOC

The Parkinson’s MOOC is an exceptionally informative and comprehensive program that bridges the gap between complex neuroscience and practical nursing care by providing an in-depth look at the condition's biological, pharmacological, and social dimensions. As a nursing student, I found the course invaluable for its clear explanation of the "balancing act" of dopaminergic medications, the critical role of the basal ganglia, and the significant impact of non-motor symptoms like depression and sleep disturbances that are often overlooked. By emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach, integrating physical therapy cueing, occupational modifications, and patient-centered advocacy, the course moves beyond clinical theory to provide a realistic blueprint for improving a patient's quality of life. It effectively replaces common misconceptions with evidence-based facts, making it an essential resource for any healthcare professional looking to master the complexities of progressive neurological care.

This MOOC is important in that it demonstrates that Parkinson`s disease is not confined to grumpy old white men, but is a global problem that requires more research,education,understanding & awareness by the general public.
It's explainations,discussion & treatments were lucidly explained in an easily digestible format .It gave an opportunity to recapitulate & reinforce key points & demonstrate what could be achieved & how sufferers could still have an enjoyable productive life. Each module was reinforced by a quiz that was presented in a nonthreatening manner
There was extensive input by leading experts in their field & time for reflexion & interactive engagement as well as participating in further volunteering & research options.
the courses are suitable for a wide variety of people. Parkinsons Disease sufferers, their family, friends, support workers, as well as Allied Health & medical professionals.
As the MOOK is free & presented in a user-friendly manner, there are no barriers to participation.

The course is comprehensive and educative. It teaches what parkinson's entails, the different signs and symptoms. Parkinson's disease is a disease that can afflict anybody young or old but more common in old age. The disease has movement and non movement symptoms. There are risk factors of parkinson's disease which include ageing, genetics and environment. Environmental factors like industrial solvents, pesticides and herbicides. The management of parkinson's disease involves medical management and physical management. The medications to improve dopamine level in the brain are very important. The most important medication is levodopa that helps with dopamine boost in the brain. There are other supporting medications like argonist dopamine, inhibitors like MAO -B and COM-T also works with dopamine medications. The other allied health practitioners that are involved in parkinson's management are Physiotherapists, Occupational therapists, Speech and language therapists and other carers. All parkinson's patients must be involved in physical exercises by themselves and they must have right attitudes to their conditions. Right mental attitudes are very important.

I rate this parkinson mooc with great appreciation for sharing this wonderful course. Before taking this parkinson mooc, I new absolutely nothing about parkinsons. As I got further along from module one to five, it got much more interesting while learning. I am now confident that I can discuss with others on the topic of parkinsons while sharing signs, symptoms and much more. I am happy that I pass all the quizes on the first try. This indicated to me that I am gaining the taught knowledge. To all the persons who spoke about their parkinson's diagnosis and how they continue to live their lives moving foward, with therapies, medications, exercise and being supported by a multidisciplinary team, this is a great testimony to encourage others. I salute them and encourage them to continue. I want to thank all the facilitators and persons who made this mooc possible. I look foward to the continuation of learning. I have and will continue to encourage others to enroll in this parkinsons mooc and other mooc to come.

Congratulations to the MOOCH team of developers contributing to this brilliantly planned course and the completeness of content regarding Parkinson's Disease. It has made me reflect not only on my nursing knowledge but also my personal health as I have been struggling with my own health concerns (Sleep apnea and daytime sleepiness) for years. The course highlighted key risk factors that need to be assessed. Getting back to nursing the content of this course is invaluable. The awareness generated in the content information of this course will definitely positively guide my nursing actions for improved management and advocacy for individuals with Parkinsons disease. I would recommend MOOCH courses to my colleagues and Allied Health members of the multidisciplinary team.

This was a fascinating, informative and enjoyable course both from the point of view of the information presented, how it was presented, the level of involvement you wanted to complete and the level of expected understanding of the participant. While being a layperson as such with no medical background I found the information provided / presented to be very topical, informative and learnable but at the same time very understandable and explained in a manner and to a level that I learnt from and which encouraged me to complete the course.
Fantastic contributions from everyone involved and the frankness, honesty and willingness to share especially by those participants who have Parkinsons was highly commendable and made the information so much more "real". All the health care professionals involved also appeared to go out of their way to ensure that the information they provided was done at a level that everyone could / would understand which was very refreshing. The overall length of both the whole course but also the individual modules was very good and did not become a chore to complete. I found the system easy to use and it was very reliable. I have completed two previous MOOCs and thoroughly enjoyed all of them and would highly recommend this and previous Dementia ones. While I completed this course purely as an information gathering exercise to give myself a better understanding of it in general and to try and ensure that I could give myself the best chance of not ending up with Parkinsons, I would recommend it to anyone who wants more information on Parkinsons in general, its effects and how to cope with it and / or care for someone suffering from it and where to start your information gathering process. 10/10

1. Up to date and current medical kowledge and research about my condition was the key that helped me
2. Understanding and then aplying that medical information to my life on a daily basis brought about a better quality of life for me in all aspects. This has helped me, my wife and family better understand my condition and symptoms and has helped us to navigate our way through each stage, helping me to take charge and to lead while I am able. While at the same time helping my family to learn while confidently providing better assistance for me and to manage my condition well. Providing that much needed confidence and assurance during the more difficult times.
3. I found the Parkinson's MOOC course content fascinating I really did enjoy it.
• The content was educational very helpful and well presented, the medical language was broken down so it was easier for me to understand especially with the text version coupled with the medical videos and also the contributions of the allied health professionals and those living with Parkinson’s sharing their lived experience.
4. Having a global reach Parkinson's MOOC has made me aware of the seriousness of the Parkinson's pandemic and the urgent need for continued funding and research for a cure
• My personal journey and Parkinsons MOOC has also made me aware of the need to educate communities on the advancement of Parkinson’s and Parkinson's research
5. Generally I found Parkinson's MOOC an excellent course and thank Tasmanian University and Menzies Institute including the many contributors for making Parkinson's MOOC available for me one living with A typical Parkinsonism and others