PARKINSON'S DISEASE

What is it?

Parkinson's disease is a condition of the brain. It affects three main areas - making you stiff, affecting your ability to make certain movements and giving you the shakes - a 'tremor'.

Who gets it?

You are more likely to suffer from Parkinson's disease as you get older - about one in 100 people aged over 60 has symptoms. You are unlikely to get Parkinson's disease under the age of 50. Some medicines - especially those used in serious psychiatric illnesses - can give symptoms similar to those of Parkinson's disease. So can problems with the blood supply to your brain.

What causes it?

No one knows what causes Parkinson's disease.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of Parkinson's disease often come on gradually over some years. You may notice tremor first affecting your fingers, and later the rest of your arms, or your legs or tongue. This tremor is there when you are resting and often gets less marked when you make movements. It can get worse when you are stressed or embarrassed. You may also notice quite early that your body gets stiff. As time goes on you may find it more difficult to do things, especially to make small fine movements. The first sign of this is often your handwriting which gets smaller and more difficult to read. You may find it difficult to do up your buttons or to get up from a chair. Gradually you may find that your walking is affected, becoming shuffling slow and unsteady. At this stage you may become more likely to have fails. You may also find your speech becomes softer and less clear. People may notice that you do not smile or make facial expressions as much as you used to.

When should I go to my GP?

If you have any of these symptoms for any length of time you should make an appointment to see your GP. There are lots of causes for trembling but most of them are more, rather than less, noticeable when you go to do something. If you have been taking medicine for a long time, especially one for a psychiatric problem, you should also tell your GP about your symptoms.

What is the short-term treatment?

If your symptoms are due to medicine you are already taking your GP may want to change or reduce your tablets. Otherwise he will either start you on tablets or refer you to the specialist at the hospital to start you on tablets.

Will I need long-term treatment?

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease and some of the medicines you may be given can, after a while, start to become less effective or to have side-effects of their own. This makes it especially important for you to go for regular follow-ups. As new problems arise, or you get less mobile, other members of the medical team can offer help. You may need regular physiotherapy to help keep you active. An occupational therapist may be able to provide adaptations around the home to help with certain tasks. If you are being cared for by your family, it may be possible to arrange for you to be admitted to a hospital or nursing home for a few days from time to time to give them a break.

How can I help?

It is extremely important to take your medicines regularly. If your symptoms get worse again or you develop new symptoms, you should talk to your GP about them.