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.
Slice title
About Parkinson's
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.
When will there be a cure?
Thanks to your part in a 50 year research story, we understand more about the condition than ever before.
Funding the right research into the most promising treatments, we get closer to a cure every day. We can do. But we can't do it without you.
Slice title
3 things we know about Parkinson's
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.
Types of Parkinson's
Parkinsonism is a term that covers several conditions, including Parkinson’s and others with similar symptoms.
Parkinson's symptoms
The 3 main symptoms of Parkinson's are tremor, stiffness and slowness of movement. But you may also experience other symptoms including problems with sleep and memory and mental health issues.
When will there be a cure for Parkinson's?
We're close to major breakthroughs. By funding the right research into the most promising treatments, we can get closer to a cure.
Want to find out more about Parkinson's? Join us this October for Par-Con, our free online conference about Parkinson's research, for everyone in the Parkinson's community.
This year’s theme is improving lives through research. We'll hear from researchers, people with Parkinson's and healthcare professionals about the latest Parkinson's research, including practical tips for living with the condition.