Parkinson’s disease is a complex and long-term condition that affects each person differently. Learning that you have Parkinson’s can be frightening but there are lots of things you can do to live well and feel in control of your daily life.
Keep reading to discover more about Parkinson’s disease, including the causes, stages, symptoms, treatments, support and what you can do to manage the disease.
Parkinson's disease is usually diagnosed by a neurologist (a doctor who deals with conditions affecting the brain, nerves and spinal cord), a geriatrician (a doctor who specialises in the care of older adults) or a specialist physician, after a clinical assessment. Your doctor will build a picture of your symptoms using lots of different approaches. Factors such as your age, your symptoms, your medical history and access to healthcare where you live can all impact how quickly you’ll get an accurate diagnosis.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you might probably be wondering what the future holds. Parkinson’s is a progressive disease - meaning that it gets worse over time, but how Parkinson’s disease progresses won’t be the same for everyone. You won’t experience it the same way as someone else with Parkinson’s. So, the outlook varies from one person to another.
We’re not sure exactly why some people get Parkinson’s disease. However, research has found that people with Parkinson’s don’t have enough of a chemical called dopamine in the brain, which helps control movement. We also know certain cells in the brain stop producing dopamine, although we don’t know why. It could be down to a combination of factors that alter your chance of develo
If you’ve just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it can feel like a huge shock. It may trigger a range of emotions including confusion, sadness, anger and fear. You may have lots of questions about the condition and the impact it’s going to have on your life, relationships and work. You may also be concerned about telling your friends, family and employer about your diagnosis. Read on for advice about coping with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and how to move forwards as you process having the condition.
