New $4.48m rehab initiative to help 2,000 people with Parkinson’s disease

Singapore has launched a $4.5 million rehabilitation initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for 2,000 individuals living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The program, known as Kickstart Exercise and Empower Parkinson’s (KEEP), was officially unveiled on August 17 by the Lien Foundation in collaboration with Parkinson Society Singapore (PSS), Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), and other SingHealth institutions. The initiative focuses on providing structured group exercises, occupational therapy, and mental health support to patients in the early to middle stages of the condition. Lim Mui Huang, a 61-year-old diagnosed with PD two years ago, has participated in the program since July. She described the tailored fitness sessions as crucial to maintaining her mobility and independence. Diagnosed in 2026 after experiencing severe stiffness that affected her posture, Lim emphasized the importance of the program in helping her manage both motor and non-motor symptoms. “I can’t imagine I have to relearn getting in and out of the car,” she said, reflecting on her previous career in senior human resources. “KEEP brings back the confidence.” KEEP provides participants with 24 hours of group rehabilitation sessions, each lasting an hour, designed to enhance fitness and address movement challenges. It also includes occupational therapy and physiotherapy sessions to assist individuals in maintaining independence in daily tasks, preventing falls, and staying socially engaged. The program is currently available at five day rehabilitation centers, three managed by NTUC Health, one at St Luke’s Hospital, and another at PSS. By 2027, the initiative plans to expand its reach to eight additional day rehabilitation centers operated by six community care providers, including NTUC Health, AWWA, Care Corner, St Luke’s, and PSS. The initiative aims to redefine what it means to live well with PD. According to Lien Foundation chief executive Lee Poh Wah, the goal is to provide early and sustained rehabilitation, which he noted is often underrecognized despite its critical role in managing the condition. He highlighted the challenges faced by those living with PD, particularly the difficulty in staying physically active due to symptoms. “Imagine living in a body that gradually stops obeying us,” he said, underscoring the need for accessible and effective rehabilitation services. Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, results from the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. Symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, and non-motor issues such as fatigue and mood changes. In Singapore, the condition affects approximately three in every 1,000 people aged 50 and older. As of 2026, it is estimated that over 10,000 residents live with PD, driven by the country’s aging population. Clinical associate professor Tay Kay Yaw, head and senior consultant at NNI’s Regional Department of Neurology (North), stressed the importance of both medication and regular physical activity in managing PD. Physical exercise has been linked to improved mobility, greater independence in daily activities, and a slower decline in balance and walking ability. However, many individuals with PD find it difficult to remain active independently. “It is not just about knowing what exercises are safe to do, but also how much is enough,” Tay explained, highlighting the complexity of designing effective rehabilitation programs. KEEP was developed by a multidisciplinary team comprising physiotherapists, occupational therapists, medical social workers, and PD movement disorder specialists from NNI and TTSH. The program is designed to offer comprehensive support, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of living with PD. As part of the initiative, participants also receive three weeks of cognitive rehabilitation training to help manage depression, a common issue among those living with the condition.