If you or someone you know has received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s you may be looking to find out everything you can about the disease. This blog is an educational resource which covers all the latest research, discoveries and information related to Parkinson’s.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease which affects nerve cells in the brain and leads to a number of problems related to movement and cognition. It usually affects people over 60 and is more common in men than women.

The disease causes nerve cells in the brain to be lost. This results in damage to parts of the brain and a reduction in the amount of dopamine produced.

Dopamine is a hormone which regulates movement of the body, so the lack of dopamine is what causes many of the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

The most common symptoms are tremors, stiff muscles, slow movement and loss of facial expression, but there are a wide range of possible symptoms and Parkinson’s can affect people in different ways. Although motor symptoms are most common in the early stages, Parkinson’s can also cause dementia.

There is no cure for Parkinson’s, but there are medications available which can help patients manage their symptoms and live with the disease.

What we cover in the blog

If you have a loved one with Parkinson’s, we offer advice on how to provide the support and care they need. We have a guide to understanding how Parkinson’s progresses and the various stages of the disease, so you know what to expect.

We look at the most effective treatment options for Parkinson’s. As well as medicines, there are exercises you can do and other less conventional therapies and lifestyle changes that can relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Experts are still trying to understand exactly what causes Parkinson’s. Many believe that it’s likely to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. We review current evidence on the many possible causes of Parkinson’s.