How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed?
There is no test that can prove that you have PD. The diagnosis is based on you having the typical symptoms (described above). In the early stage of the disease, when symptoms are mild, it may be difficult for a doctor to say if you definitely have PD. As the symptoms gradually become worse, the diagnosis often becomes more clear.
PD is sometimes confused with other conditions. Some conditions can give 'Parkinsonism' features - that is, symptoms similar to PD, but caused by other conditions. For example, some drugs used to treat other conditions can cause side-effects which resemble symptoms of PD. Some rare brain disorders can also cause similar symptoms.
Therefore, it is normal practice in the UK to be referred to a specialist if PD is suspected. The specialist will be used to diagnosing PD and ruling out other causes of the symptoms.
Does Parkinson's disease cause dementia?
The cells in the brain affected in PD are not in the 'thinking' parts of the brain and dementia is not a typical early feature of PD. However, if you have PD you have an increased risk of developing dementia. About half of people with PD develop dementia at some stage. If dementia occurs, it tends to develop in older people with PD (aged over 70). Early dementia in younger people with PD virtually never develops. It is thought that PD alone does not cause dementia, but other age related factors in addition to PD may increase the chance of dementia developing.
What are the treatments for Parkinson's disease?
There is no cure for PD, and no treatment prevents the disease from progressing. However, treatments can usually ease symptoms.
- At first, you may not need any treatment when the symptoms are mild. A specialist may simply see you every now and then to monitor how the disease is progressing.
- A drug that eases symptoms is usually started when symptoms become troublesome.
- Therapies such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy may also be useful as the disease progresses.
- Surgery may be an option for severe cases.
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peter middleton, over 2 years
Hello Neurologists are highly trained medical guessers when it comes to diagnosing PD. Often aloof and insensitive when dishing out the dreaded words " I think you may have PD " The idea that you may be diagnosed by walking up and down the hospital corridor to demonstrate your poor gait is mind boggling! And if they are not sure, you could be left in financial limbo. No insurance company would dream of coughing up without a neuros diagnosis. Critical Illness cover......don't make me laugh!!!!! Best Wishes to all pwp and their sometimes forgotten carers peter
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