'Like I'd been ripped off': Life after a Parkinson's diagnosis at 41

Parkinson's disease has often been referred to as an 'old man's disease', but for one northern Tasmanian mum, this could not be further from the truth. Hayley Milne was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease 10 years ago, at just 41 years old.

'Like I'd been ripped off': Life after a Parkinson's diagnosis at 41. Parkinson's disease has often been referred to as an 'old man's disease', but for one northern Tasmanian mum, this could not be further from the truth. Hayley Milne was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease 10 years ago, at just 41 years old. "I was working, had three children who were seven, nine and 11," Ms Milne said. "It was like it'd been ripped off — most people get it in their 60s, 70s, 80s and then I get it in my 40s, where you're still having to do everything, it's the busiest time of your life." Symptoms of the neurological condition began in her mid-30s and have grown progressively worse over time. "I have tremors in my head and my hands, my legs freeze, my balance is terrible, I don't have much of a memory," she said. The disease, which impacts up t...