Parkinson’s NSW simulates the symptoms of the disease in a ‘No Escape Room’

Parkinson’s NSW created a ‘No Escape Room’ which simulated what life is like for people living with the disease.

Participants that entered the room faced a number of puzzles to retrieve the keys to the exit. Each challenge reflected the symptoms and challenges of the disease. Untying wired shoelaces reflected stiffness and reduced fine motor skills, pouring tea into a shaking cup represented the physical tremors, and a magic eye puzzle conveyed the symptom of reduced vision.

The escape room was created to shift the misconception that Parkinson’s is a disease that only affects the elderly. Participants are confronted with the statistic that five Australians under the age of 40 are diagnosed with Parkinson’s a day.