Newly diagnosed with Parkinson's
Getting a diagnosis of Parkinson’s affects everyone differently. Some people go through a range of emotions, from feeling overwhelmed to feeling relieved.
Here are some questions lots of people have after diagnosis. You may find this information helpful if you've been recently diagnosed with Parkinson's.
You may also find it helpful if someone you know like your partner, friend or relative has been diagnosed.
Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition. This means that it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time. But everyone's Parkinson's progresses differently.
Find out more about what Parkinson's is.
There are lots of different treatments, therapies and support available to help you manage the condition. You may also see different professionals who can help you live well.
At the moment, there is no cure for Parkinson's.
Parkinson's UK is the largest European charitable funder of Parkinson's research and we've already made enormous strides in our understanding of the condition and developed better treatments and therapies. We've also fast-tracked research to identify the support that people need right now.
We’re working hard to find a cure and are investing in pioneering projects that could slow, stop or reverse Parkinson’s.
Having Parkinson's doesn't necessarily mean that you will have to stop driving.
But there are some things you need to know about staying safe on the road, including telling your licensing agency you have Parkinson’s.
Find out more about driving and Parkinson's.
If you've been diagnosed with Parkinson's, it doesn’t mean you have to stop work.
If your treatment is carefully managed and you have plenty of support, it is possible to continue working for many years. This depends on the type of job you have and how Parkinson's affects you.
Being active is good for you. It's especially good for you if you have Parkinson's.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Being active can help manage your Parkinson’s symptoms and has a positive impact both physically and mentally.
Having Parkinson's may affect your finances. But knowing what financial support is available and planning and managing your finances will help you.
Find out more about money, grants and benefits.
We can help you connect with other people with Parkinson’s or a family member, friend or carer.
Our support services are a helpful way of finding out how other people cope with Parkinson's.
Parkinson's doesn’t just affect older people. But people often think it does, and that can be alienating for younger people who are diagnosed.
Find out more about getting help and support if you're younger.
If you don't know what to do or where to start, check out our practical to-do list for newly diagnosed people.
If your partner, friend or relative has been diagnosed with Parkinson's, it's normal to have a lot of questions too.
Find local groups, support and social activities
There is lots of in-person and online support to help you live well with Parkinson’s. Search to find your nearest local group, emotional and practical support, health and wellbeing services or social activities.
First Steps
First Steps is a free online programme designed for people recently diagnosed with Parkinson's.
Daxa is 55 and lives in Leicester. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019. Here she shares her story.
Jackie shares how she began facing up to her Parkinson’s diagnosis and in the process, has reminded herself what she is still capable of.
After being diagnosed with Parkinson's, Colin decided to focus, not on what he couldn’t do anymore, but on what he could.
Reflecting on all she’s learned in the 8 years since she was diagnosed, Annie has written a letter to herself.
Howard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 2 years ago, aged 43. Stepping back from his career, he's discovered a love for painting. “I’ve never been creative,” he says, “But Parkinson’s means you can still do stuff - and some things you never thought you could do.”
Mel was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 45, which she describes as a ‘monumental moment’. Here she shares her story and explains how her positive outlook is helping her through.
Get printed information
Order our newly diagnosed pack on our online shop.
This pack contains information about Parkinson's UK as well as Parkinson's and you, our print booklet for people newly diagnosed, and our Being active with Parkinson's guide.
You can also download Parkinson's and you or order a seprate print copy on our online shop.
Helpline and Parkinson's advisers
Our helpline and Parkinson's advisers are here to answer any questions you have about your recent diagnosis and life with Parkinson's.
Call us on 0808 800 0303.