Parkinson’s is a condition that affects the brain and nervous system. There are around 145,000 people living with Parkinson’s in the UK and it is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. 

Parkinson’s develops when nerve cells in the brain that make the chemical dopamine stop working. The loss of these cells means that parts of the brain are unable to work normally. As levels of dopamine fall, symptoms of Parkinson’s start to appear.

There are 3 main symptoms: tremor (shaking), slowness of movement and rigidity (muscle stiffness) but there are many other symptoms too. Not everybody will have all of the symptoms. Parkinson’s is a progressive condition which means the symptoms get worse over time.

We don’t know exactly why people get Parkinson’s, but researchers think a combination of age, genetic and environmental factors cause the dopamine-producing nerve cells to stop working. There is a large amount of research ongoing looking into why Parkinson’s occurs and whether there are ways to prevent it, as well as for further treatment options for Parkinson’s.

How is Parkinson’s diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Parkinson’s is essentially clinical.  This means that most of the diagnosis comes from the story given to the doctor, coupled with the findings of a face-to-face examination by a specialist.  Some tests may be performed (such as a scan) but these are not always essential and vary from person to person (See Parkinson’s UK website below for further information).

Adapted from Parkinson’s UK

For more information see Parkinson’s UK website:  What is Parkinson’s? | Parkinson’s UK

More information on research can be found here: Research | Parkinson’s UK