Susannah Hollywood - 800 word condition explainer - created May 2024
Parkinson's Disease
This handout provides information to help you understand Parkinson’s disease and guides you to resources where you can find additional information, advice and support.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition in which your brain stops being able to produce enough of the chemical dopamine.
This can disrupt many of the functions of the brain and body. It can cause changes in your movement, mood, sleep, memory, motivation, mental health, bladder and bowel function and several other areas.
Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, meaning it usually gets worse over time. There is currently no cure. However, treatments can help to relieve symptoms.
What causes Parkinson’s disease?
It is not fully understood what causes Parkinson’s disease.
A small number of people have an inherited form of the condition. For others, a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute. For most people, however, the cause is unknown.
Parkinson’s is more common as you get older. The average age of diagnosis is 60. Younger people can develop it, especially if they have a genetic predisposition.
You can read more about the causes of Parkinson’s disease on the Parkinson’s Europe website.
Follow this link for further details of Parkinson’s
from the charity Parkinson’s Europe
What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s can affect many parts of the body. Symptoms are usually mild at first, coming on gradually. They may worsen over time and new ones may emerge.
Movement (motor) symptoms:
When you have Parkinson’s, it is common to experience changes to the way you move. Your actions may become less fluid, controlled and co-ordinated.
Your muscles may become stiff and inflexible, not easily stretched or relaxed. This is known as rigidity.
You may move more slowly. This is called bradykinesia.
You may experience trembling or shaking of a body part which you cannot control. This is known as tremors.
Here are some of the ways that you may notice these changes:
· Tremor which is worse at rest and improves with movement
· ‘Pill-rolling’ tremor (repeated rubbing together of first finger and thumb)
· Short, shuffling steps
· Reduced arm swing whilst walking
· Episodes of freezing (being unable to move, feeling feet are glued to the ground)
· Loss of balance/falling
· Blank facial expressions
· Eye problems
· Small handwriting
· Difficulties with chewing and swallowing
· Speaking more quietly and with less expression
Non-movement symptoms:
Parkinson’s can affect many other areas of your body too. These include your bladder and bowel function, sense of smell, sexual function, motivation, mental health and your cognitive function.
It can also cause pain, fatigue and sleep problems.
You may not experience symptoms in all these areas, as the condition affects people in different ways.
How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed?
Parkinson’s disease can be difficult to diagnose as there are currently no tests for it.
Additionally, it can cause a diverse range of symptoms, many of which are also found in other conditions, making it difficult to identify.
Diagnosis is usually made by specialist health professionals based on your symptoms and the results of a thorough physical examination. CT and MRI scans are also sometimes used.
If the condition is suspected, you may be started on Parkinson’s drugs to see what effect they have. An improvement in your symptoms due to these medications would further confirm the diagnosis.
If you are concerned that you may have symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, talk to your GP. They will refer you to a specialist for further tests, if appropriate.
What treatments are available for Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s cannot be cured, but treatments are available that can relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.
A treatment plan combining medication, therapy and physical activity is usually recommended. This is personalised to meet your individual needs and adjusted over time, as your symptoms change.
Medication can be very effective at controlling symptoms. There are several different Parkinson’s drugs which may be prescribed on their own in or in combination.
Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and physical exercise can help to:
· keep muscles flexible and strong
· maintain balance and co-ordination
· improve movement
· prevent falls
· reduce freezing
· improve ability to carry out daily activities.
Speech and Language Therapy can be beneficial for swallowing and speech problems.
Lifestyle changes can also help to improve your quality of life in areas such as:
· diet
· sleep
· exercise
· personal relationships
· professional life.
Complementary therapies may help to reduce stress and aid relaxation.
Deep Brain Stimulation is a surgical procedure which may be used to relieve symptoms if medication stops being effective.
Follow this link to the Parkinson’s Europe webpage,
for more information on treatment
Dealing with a Parkinson’s diagnosis
Receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis can create strong emotions and require a period of adjustment for you and your family. Read more about how to cope with a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Resources:
There are many organisations which can provide further advice, information and support for people with Parkinson’s and their families. These include:
Parkinson’s UK website + free confidential helpline: 0808 800 0303
The Parkinson’s Foundation (USA)
References:
Alexander, G. E. (2004). Biology of Parkinson’s disease: Pathogenesis and pathophysiology of a multisystem neurodegenerative disorder. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 6(3), 259–280. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181806/
American parkinson’s disease association. (n.d.). American Parkinson Disease Association. Retrieved 24 April 2024, from https://www.apdaparkinson.org/
Davie, C. A. (2008). A review of Parkinson’s disease. British Medical Bulletin, 86(1), 109–127. https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldn013
Homepage. (n.d.). Parkinson’s UK. Retrieved 23 April 2024, from https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/
Homepage | Parkinson’s foundation. (2024, April 23). https://www.parkinson.org/node/79
Parkinson’s disease: Causes, symptoms, and treatments. (n.d.). National Institute on Aging. Retrieved 24 April 2024, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease/parkinsons-disease-causes-symptoms-and-treatments
Parkinson’s Europe. (n.d.). Parkinson’s Europe. Retrieved 23 April 2024, from https://parkinsonseurope.org/
Recommendations | Parkinson’s disease in adults | Guidance | NICE. (2017, July 19). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng71/chapter/Recommendations#information-and-support