KEEP (Kickstart Exercise and Empower Parkinson's)

More than 10,000 people are estimated to live with Parkinson’s Disease in Singapore

KEEP to be rolled out across 13 Day Rehab Centres islandwide

2,000 PD Warriors to benefit from the programme over five years

Regular exercise is as important as medication in managing Parkinson's disease, yet most Parkinson Warriors are held back from staying active.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) damages the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, causing tremors, rigidity and slowness, along with non-motor symptoms like fatigue, apathy and depression. Not knowing what exercises are safe, fear of falling, and lack of motivation keep many PD Warriors from the activity that could slow disease progression.

To address this, Lien Foundation in partnership with Parkinson Society Singapore (PSS), NHG Health’s Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) and other SingHealth institutions, have launched a Parkinson’s Disease community rehabilitation programme called KEEP (Kickstart Exercise and Empower Parkinson’s).

This is a five-year, S$4.48 million community rehabilitation programme. Co-designed by a multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, medical social workers and PD movement disorder specialists, it brings structured, stage-appropriate rehabilitation into the community — supporting both PD Warriors and their caregivers, and using group sessions to tackle social isolation.

More than 2,000 Warriors in early to mid stages of PD will benefit through three components: KEEP Fit, group exercise for neuroprotection and neurorestoration; KEEP Active, occupational and physiotherapy to maintain independence and prevent falls; and KEEP Well, cognitive rehabilitation, mental health support and caregiver training.

The programme will be progressively rolled out across 13 Day Rehabilitation Centres run by six community providers, with PSS serving as master trainer and the primary training site to raise PD rehabilitation standards.