Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain and is caused by a loss of nerve cells in parts of the brain.
Although Parkinson's is mainly characterised by shaking (also known as tremors), slow movements, and stiffness, people with the condition may also experience changes with cognition including, problems with memory, attention, and the ability to plan and accomplish tasks.
The content on this page is provided solely for information purposes and provides an overview of the subject matter covered. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you have parkinson's, please seek further information. The information on this page is subject to change without notice.
Parkinson's is an invisible disability
Around 10 million people are estimated to be affected by Parkinson's globally
1 in 37 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s
No Cure There is no known cure for Parkinson’s
23.9% rise is the yearly expected prevalence of the condition-
1 in 20 people with Parkinson’s experience symptoms when they are under 40
Most people with Parkinson’s start to develop symptoms when they are over 50
Symptoms of Parkinson's
The main symptoms of Parkinson's are:
- Tremor and involuntary shaking of parts of the body
- Slow movement
- Stiffness and inflexible muscles
A person with Parkinson's can also experience a wide range of other physical and psychological symptoms, such as:
Physical symptoms
- Balance problems – these can mean someone with Parkinson’s is more likely to have a fall and injure themselves
- Nerve pain – can cause unpleasant sensations, such as burning, coldness or numbness
- Excessive production of saliva (drooling)
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Dizziness, blurred vision or fainting when moving from a sitting or lying position to a standing one – caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure
- Bladder and bowel problems – such as frequently needing to urinate during the night, urinary incontinence, or constipation
- Problems sleeping (insomnia)
- Difficulty eating and swallowing
- Speech and communication challenges
Psychological symptoms
- Thinking and memory problems
- Anxiety
- Dementia
- Depression
- Hallucinations and delusions
Living with Parkinson's and challenges faced in daily life
People living with Parkinson’s are faced with various challenges in their daily lives. However, one person's experience with Parkinson’s may differ significantly from another.
Living with Parkinson’s can overwhelm and have an impact on and cause strain to the physical, emotional, and financial state of the person with the condition as well as the people around them. Here are some challenges that people with Parkinson’s may face:
- Stigma and discrimination due to inadequate knowledge and understanding of Parkinson’s
- Acknowledging and coming to terms with Parkinson’s especially at the early stages of the condition
- Feeling sorry for oneself or self-pity
- Decrease interest in passion and hobbies
- Changes in relationships such personal relationships, relationships with others and working life
- Planning and organising
- Executing day to day personal tasks
- Social life is affected as fatigue and tiredness can hinder active participation in social activities
- May need to change and adjust plans based on symptoms
- Myths – such as Parkinson’s is a contagious illness or that it is a normal part of ageing
Assistance and support you can offer
Parkinson’s like other non-visible disabilities is different for everyone, and it is impossible to generalise the below recommendations for all.
The symptoms of Parkinson’s can present differently for each person living with the condition. Parkinson's can change from day to day and even hour to hour. Symptoms that may be noticeable one day may not be a problem the next. To offer your support, it is recommended that you do not make general assumptions but find out about the condition and the individual needs. Here are ways to adjust and offer your support:
- Learn about Parkinson’s and its progressive nature - understand that not everyone with the condition will have same symptoms and the support you can offer may vary
- Be patient when it comes to communication, it can sometimes take time for a person with Parkinson’s to respond to a question
- Try not to ask multiple questions and pre-empt with a reply
- In the case of advanced condition, ask questions that the person one can respond with a "yes" or "no."
- Ask how you can help: this helps to show that you respect their freedom and assist them only when needed
- Avoid saying to someone that they don’t look sick: you’ll be reducing Parkinson’s to its outward manifestations and minimising the array of symptoms someone could be feeling at any given moment
- When you plan events or activities, include the person with Parkinson’s
- Offer support necessary to help meet the challenges faced daily
Look out for these Sunflower icons
I may need more time
I have a carer/personal assistant
I may need urgent access to the closest toilet facility
I cannot stand for long periods of time
I may need a place to sit down and rest
I have a hidden disability
The content on this page is provided solely for information purposes and provides an overview of the subject matter covered. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you have parkinson's, please seek further information. The information on this page is subject to change without notice.