Parkinson's progression
The symptoms of Parkinson's usually begin slowly, develop
gradually and in no particular order.
The help, information and support we offer reflects the different ways each individual experiences Parkinson's.
Dr Kieran Breen, Director of Research
Early Parkinson's symptoms often include feeling tired and
weak. Other early symptoms can include poor hand co-ordination,
problems with handwriting, and a sensation of tremor (shaking) in
the arm.
Symptoms vary greatly from person to person and can sometimes
take years to progress to a point where they cause problems.
How Parkinson's changes over time will also mean that drug treatment and other forms of Parkinson's treatment will also
change.
Our signs and symptoms of
Parkinson's section can tell you more.
We also have a range of free
publications about motor and non-motor symptoms.
Living with Parkinson's
The symptoms of Parkinson's
alter as the condition develops. Drug prescriptions and therapies
also change to reflect these developments.
Existing symptoms can become worse, with new symptoms and
complications occurring over time.
You may also need to take more medication, which could lead to a
lot of pills to manage.
There are various types of pill dispensers, timers and reminders
available. Our Drug treatments for
Parkinson's booklet contains a section about pill timers.
As symptoms develop, problems with movement may increase,
affecting day-to-day living and independence.
If you experience any difficulties getting around in your home
or outside, the following can help you find support and
services:
Parkinson's symptoms that do not affect movement, often called
non-motor symptoms, may also become
worse over time.
These symptoms may include sleep difficulties, depression,
anxiety, excessive sweating, bladder and bowel problems, saliva
control difficulties and memory problems.
The non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's are sometimes not
identified and treated because people with Parkinson's don't
realise they are related to the condition.
Our non-motor symptoms questionaire
can help ensure that doctors, Parkinson's specialists and nurses
are aware of all your symptoms.
Looking to the future
As advances in the treatment of Parkinson's continue, the
quality of life for people with the condition also improves.
Many people with Parkinson's lead active and fulfilling lives.
An important part of coping with Parkinson's is understanding how
it affects you and how to work around it.
It may not always be easy to maintain a positive outlook,
especially immediately after diagnosis, but we can give you
help and support.
We operate throughout the
UK, offering support, advice, events and activities for people with
Parkinson's and their families and carers.
Our regional and country teams
can tell you about support and services available local to you, or
you can call our helpline 0808 800
0303.
You can chat, share experiences and ask questions on our
online discussion
forum.
And if you need more information on any Parkinson's-related
subject, we have an extensive range of free
publications and resources.
Parkinson's and mortality
Most doctors and researchers believe that Parkinson's does not
directly cause people to die and that none of the drugs used to
treat Parkinson's can cause death.
In rare cases, people who are seriously disabled may find their
general physical and mental condition can either cause other
illnesses or make them worse. This could contribute to the final
cause of death.
With the treatment that is now available, life expectancy for
someone with Parkinson's is slightly lower than the national
average. Many doctors estimate this difference to be no more than 5
years.
Also in this section
Looking for local support?
Our local branches and support groups
around the UK offer friendship and support to anybody affected by
Parkinson's.
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