What is Parkinson's?

Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition. This means that it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time.

Around 145,000 people live with Parkinson’s in the UK. And it's the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.

People with Parkinson's don't have enough of the chemical dopamine because some of the nerve cells that make it have died.

There are lots of different treatments, therapies and support available to help manage the condition.

Our researchers are working hard to develop new and better treatments - and one day a cure.

Watch our short video to find out more about Parkinson's.

We’re the driving force behind 50 years of groundbreaking research. Now, we understand more about the condition than ever before.

Thanks to the Parkinson’s community, we’re close to major breakthroughs. Together we can find new treatments and get closer to a cure.

When will there be a cure?

Parkinson's develops when cells in the brain stop working properly and are lost over time. These brain cells produce a chemical called dopamine.

Symptoms start to appear when the brain can’t make enough dopamine to control movement properly.

There are 3 main symptoms - tremor (shaking), slowness of movement and rigidity (muscle stiffness) - but there are many other symptoms too.

Parkinsonism is a term that covers several conditions, including Parkinson’s and others with similar symptoms.

There are over 40 symptoms of Parkinson’s. But the 3 main symptoms of Parkinson's are a tremor, stiffness and slowness of movement.

Learn more about symptoms