Parkinson's disease is a condition where nerve cells in part of the brain are slowly lost. These cells make dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement. Around 153,000 people in the UK have Parkinson's, and it is more common with age.
Main symptoms
- tremor, shaking that usually starts in one hand or arm, often when resting
- slowness of movement, including smaller steps and handwriting getting smaller
- stiff and inflexible muscles
Other symptoms
Parkinson's affects much more than movement:
- problems with balance and falls
- a quieter voice, and problems swallowing
- loss of sense of smell
- constipation and bladder problems
- sleep problems and tiredness
- low mood, anxiety, and changes in memory and thinking
- pain
Symptoms change over the day, and many people notice they get worse as a medicine dose wears off.
Getting diagnosed
There is no single test. A specialist (a neurologist or a doctor who specialises in older people) diagnoses it from your symptoms and an examination. A brain scan called a DaTscan is sometimes used.
Read about Parkinson's treatment.
Medicines used for Parkinson's
These are some of the medicines that may be used. Your doctor will talk to you about what is right for you. Never stop or change a medicine without talking to your GP first.
Common questions
Does everyone with Parkinson's have a tremor?
No. Around 3 in 10 people with Parkinson's do not have a tremor. Slowness and stiffness are more common.
Is Parkinson's inherited?
Most cases are not directly inherited. A small number are linked to genes that run in families.
Sources we used
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