Parkinson’s Disease

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    What is Parkinson’s Disease?

    Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition affecting movements such as walking, talking and writing. About 120,000 people in the UK are affected; usually people over the age of 50 years old.

    Parkinson’s UK produce a range of publications which cover all issues relating to the condition. You can browse all of their factsheets on their website.

    Symptoms

    The three main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are:

    • tremors
    • muscle stiffness
    • slowness of movement

    These symptoms usually begin slowly. The rate at which they progress is different for each person. It’s not possible to prevent Parkinson’s disease and the disease is not yet curable. However, symptoms can be controlled with medication. Physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy can help with movement, speech and overcoming difficulties in performing everyday tasks.

    Your quality of life could also be improved by using equipment and adaptations such as a stairlift, wheelchair or smaller aids, such as a grab rail or walking stick. You can visit Your Equipment Newcastle to learn more about types of equipment and adaptations that may help in the home.

    The Disabled Living Foundation can provide you with further details, or you can contact Community Health & Social Care Direct (formerly Adult Social Care Direct) at Newcastle City Council.

    Local Help and Support

    The local NHS Trust Parkinson’s Disease service is run by neurologists and specialist nurses. Their clinics are the CRESTA clinics at the Campus for Ageing and Vitality (CAV), and also at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle. They treat patients from young-onset Parkinson’s Disease through to more advanced, complex stages of the disease. They also have a daily nurse helpline clinic. The service also provides access to a physiotherapist and speech and language therapists.

    The Parkinson’s Disease service have a large clinical trials and research unit with links to Newcastle University  and Northumbria University.  This means that patients may have access to innovative treatments, research, technology and equipment .

    Parkinson’s UK is a charity which provides support, advice and information to people with Parkinson’s disease, their carers, families and friends. They have a Local Adviser for the North East region. There is also a Newcastle Parkinson’s UK support group which offers you the chance to meet other people in the Newcastle area and find support. For more information please visit Parkinson’s website – Newcastle Support Groups.

    There are several other Parkinson’s groups and activities for people in Newcastle:

    Get Moving – Movement to music at Dance City. Suitable for those living with a neurological condition, each session will get you moving in a relaxed and supportive environment.

    Accesible Yoga at Tyneside Badminton Centre. Suitable for all abilities. You can use a chair for balance, sit in a chair, be on a mat or stand, it’s up to you! This friendly and welcoming class supports balance, flexibility and strength in a way that is suitable for you.

    Speech Confidence sessions by Parkinsons UK (online). Friendly informal sessions with student speech therapists, to help people maintain and gain the most from their voice and be heard. They use LOUD exercises and practical exercises to help you speak more clearly, slowly and louder.

    Badminton for people with Parkinsons at Tyneside Badminton Centre. Everyone is welcome, including family and carers, even if you don’t want to play badminton and would just like to meet with others for a chat/catch up.

    Other Useful Information

    Please note – The content on this website is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you are feeling unwell, make an appointment to see your GP or contact NHS 111. In an emergency, dial 999.

    Last updated: April 18, 2023