Nerve cells in the brain use the chemical dopamine to help control muscle movement throughout the body. In Parkinson’s disease, the nerve cells that make dopamine are destroyed, making it impossible for the brain to send proper signals to muscles in the rest of the body.

Living with Parkinson’s disease can be emotionally, socially and physically demanding.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition.

This means that it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time.

The number of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK is about 145,000. That’s around 1 adult in every 350.

What are the symptoms?

Many people will have noticed symptoms for some time prior to their medical diagnosis. These often begin with aching and stiffness or a mild tremor and a general feeling of fatigue and weakness. Although there is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, it is important to get an early diagnosis. This enables you to receive the right treatment, domiciliary care and support in order to continue living as normal life as possible.

Support to you and your family?

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. However treatment, domiciliary care and support can help to manage the symptoms. For example, medicines to increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, physiotherapy and speech therapy. Lifestyle changes can also help, such as regular exercise and good nutrition and hydration.

• Support to continue with the social activities you enjoy.
• Cognitive stimulation such as reading or talking.
• Help with everyday tasks from getting dressed in the morning and having breakfast to taking a shower and getting ready for bed at night.
• Making sure you have the medicines you need.
• Support to maintain a healthy diet and to keep hydrated.
• Assistance with housework, shopping and laundry.
• Help with exercises to strengthen muscles and increase mobility.

To find out more visit
https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/