Parkinson's Awareness

Dr Soumit Singhai, Parkinson's Disease / Movement Disorder Specialist here at Spire Harpenden Hospital explains:

Parkinson's disease is a very common condition affecting 1 in 500 people in the UK and it usually affects people over 50 years of age. It is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain which happens because certain nerve cells in the brain die at an accelerated rate in people with this condition.

The main symptoms are tremor, slowness of movements,muscle stiffness, problems with balance and walking. Parkinson's disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose, particularly as these symptoms are often attributed to ageing. The importance of early correct diagnosis cannot be overemphasised as the condition is highly treatable with the main aim of treatment to correct the chemical imbalance and therefore improve quality of life.

Also after diagnosis, specialists in the condition can identify and address a whole range of other symptoms from the ones mentioned above which are collectively known as "Non-Motor Symptoms" with examples being sleep problems such as insomnia, memory and mood problems, constipation, passing urine frequently and rest less legs.Even in patients with diagnosed Parkinson's disease these Non-Motor Symptoms are often not recognised and therefore left untreated.

It is important to mention people with Parkinson's should have good holistic care not only with drug treatments but with other things such as physiotherapy, exercise (including dancing and Tai Chi)  and education.

Dr Singhai is a Parkinson's specialist who holds clinics at the Spire in Harpenden.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms similar to the above, book in today to kick start a better life or if you already have Parkinson's or have a family member who does and would want optimisation of treatment and better management of non motor problems then book into today.

By Dr Soumit Singhai.