Helpline: 0808 800 0303

Newly diagnosed with Parkinson's

If you have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's you probably have quite a few questions and some worries.

It hasn't always been easy, but now I've learnt to adapt to Parkinson's and to get on with my life.

Person with Parkinson's

This section aims to help you find the answers and information you need, by directing you to the appropriate pages of our website.

Our free Being There DVD is for people who have been newly diagnosed with Parkinson's.

It provides an insight into symptoms and treatments, and includes interviews with carers, healthcare professionals and people with Parkinson's.

Parkinson's symptoms and signs

For information on Parkinson's symptoms, see:

We also have a section on the mental health symptoms of Parkinson's which can occur.

Parkinson's treatment

Drugs are the main treatment used to control the symptoms of Parkinson's while research into finding a cure continues, but there are also other methods of managing and treating the condition.

You'll find lots of information in our free treatments and therapies publications

Or you can take a look at our Parkinson's treatment section for information about drug treatment, surgery and therapies.

Day-to-day life and Parkinson's

Person with Parkinson'sParkinson's can have an affect on many parts of life and there are many ways of coping. Our publications on day-to-day living and Parkinson's cover a whole range of issues, offering help and support.

In our real life stories section people with Parkinson's share their experience of being newly diagnosed

Take a look at our support and information section for help in finding Parkinson's information and support workers, local groups and other support networks.

Talking to your friends and family about Parkinson's

If you have Parkinson's, you may be thinking about the best way to talk to others about the condition, whether it's your family, friends or colleagues, or people you've just met.

You may be naturally open and find it relatively easy to do this, or you may be more private, and find it hard to come up with the right words.

Our Talking to people about Parkinson's information sheet looks into the issues around telling people you have Parkinson's, including when to raise the subject, ways to do it and how to handle people's reactions.

Talking with other people who have been through similar experiences can be a great help. On our discussion forum you can chat, ask questions or just read what others have to say.

We also have illustrated books that help explain Parkinson's to children. Take a look at our carers and family publications to order or preview the free books.

Our pages for carers have practical information for friends, family and partners who care for someone with Parkinson's.

Talking to your GP, specialist or Parkinson's nurse

Information and support worker with clientOur Talking to your GP, specialist or Parkinson's nurse about Parkinson's information sheet can help you get the information you need and ensure that you provide medical staff with the right information.

You may also find our Non-motor symptoms questionnaire helpful. You can complete this before visiting your doctor or Parkinson's nurse to help them assess your non-motor Parkinson's symptoms.

Our health and social care professionals and Parkinson's page helps you find out which health and social care professionals do what, and how they can help people with Parkinson's.

If you need to stay in hospital, our going into hospital publications will help you prepare and help hospital staff understand what you need.

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet and regular exercise is important for everyone. It can be especially beneficial for people with Parkinson's in managing symptoms and easing any discomfort.

Our diet and Parkinson's section offers tips on planning a healthy and balanced diet, and buying, preparing and enjoying food. It also looks at how some foods can affect medication and how to deal with weight gain and weight loss.

In our exercise and Parkinson's section you'll find information on the benefits of exercise for people with Parkinson's and how to find an exercise class. It also gives advice on exercising at home and takes a look at research into Parkinson's and exercise.

Driving and Parkinson's

Parkinson's does not necessarily mean you need to stop driving but you must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Our driving and Parkinson's section and Driving and Parkinson's booklet explains what you are legally required to do if you intend to continue driving. You can also find information on car adaptations, insurance issues and the rights of disabled drivers.

Employment and Parkinson's

If you're currently working, being diagnosed with Parkinson's may make you concerned. But just because you have Parkinson's doesn't mean you have to stop work. Many people with the condition keep working for years after their diagnosis.

You can find out more about work and welfare benefits in our section on working and employment.

How Parkinson's changes and develops

Symptoms vary greatly from person to person and usually begin slowly, develop gradually and in no particular order.

Take a look at how Parkinson's progresses for more information on how the condition can change over time and help to prepare for the future.

Direct and confidential help and support