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Integrated Neurological Services
82 Hampton Road, Twickenham, TW2 5QS
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  1. Living with a neurological condition
  2. Parkinson's

Parkinsons

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive condition caused by reduced levels of a chemical called dopamine in the brain. This can cause tremor, slowness of movement and rigidity of muscles.

Parkinson’s is a chronic and advancing neurological condition. Clinical presentation is considered to result from the increasing deterioration and death of dopamine-producing neurons located within the basal ganglia situated at the base of the forebrain. The resulting shortage of dopamine is believed to be one of the major factors in the development and progression of Parkinson’s symptoms. The basal ganglia play a key role in well-learnt, voluntary and semi-automatic motor skills and movement. The dopamine they produce also supports cognitive skills such as, attentional and executive abilities, motivation, mood and visual perception. Further changes in associated brain regions and in other neurotransmitters are also believed to be involved in Parkinson’s.


Parkinson’s progresses into a highly complex condition with most people experiencing physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms. The results affect a breadth of activities and limit participation in everyday life.
Currently, no conclusive scan or test can diagnose Parkinson’s. Physical examination and self-reporting would determine, through clinical evaluation, a diagnosis. Typical motor symptoms seen in Parkinson’s are also present in a variety of associated, but distinct, Parkinsonian disorders. These include conditions such as Lewy body dementia, multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). These have a distinct prognosis and therefore require different approaches to those used for Parkinson’s.


‘Parkinson’s is a common neurodegenerative disorder and the average age at diagnosis is older than 60 years. The incidence and prevalence of Parkinson’s in the UK has recently been reviewed and as a result in late 2017 it was estimated that around 145,000 people in the UK have been diagnosed with the condition; that’s about one in 350 adults in the UK. And, Parkinson’s diagnoses are set to rise by nearly a fifth by 2025’ (Parkinson’s UK 2017).

The main motor symptoms of Parkinson’s are:

  • Akinesia: poverty of movement
  • Bradykinesia: slowness of movement
  • Hypokinesia: reduced scaling of movements, affecting many motor activities, including balance, co-ordination, speech, swallowing, handwriting, and facial expression
  • Rigidity: raised and sustained high muscle tone and stiffness
  • Rest tremor: involuntary fine movements, which usually begin in one hand or leg. This symptom only affects about 70 per cent of people with Parkinson’s
  • Postural instability

Non-motor symptoms include:

  • Autonomic failure: for example, a sudden fall in blood pressure on rising from lying or sitting, extreme sweating or episodes of feeling very hot or very cold
  • Continence problems, including, constipation, urine urgency and nocturia
  • Sexual health issues: for example, erectile dysfunction or reduced libido
  • Fatigue
  • Pain
  • Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and/or disturbing dreams
  • Cognitive impairments are seen in approximately 75% of people with Parkinson’s
  • Visual hallucinations
  • Dementia

INS Programme

INS is currently unable to offer normal face-to-face services. However, we are continuing to support our clients and carers by offering virtual group sessions via Zoom videolink - please see below for details of our current programme. Read more

Published: 13th November, 2017

Updated: 1st March, 2021

Author:

Related topics:
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • For professionals
  • Living after stroke
  • For carers
  • Other conditions
  • Parkinsons

Top tips for living well

INS offers a variety of long term and short-term groups. Some of these groups are for people with a specific neurological condition, while others are open to all neurological conditions. Our groups focus on different areas; some are exercise based, others focus on managing symptoms, while others provide you with an opportunity to try out different activities. Read more

Published: 13th November, 2017

Updated: 27th August, 2020

Author:

Related topics:
  • Parkinsons
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Latest

  • Continued suspension of INS face-to-face services

    Following recent developments in efforts to tackle the spread of the COVID-19 virus, a decision has been made to stop INS face-to-face services until further notice.

  • Latest news

    Latest news

    Find out what's been happening at INS in our latest Newsletter... INS face-to-face groups remain suspended but we continue to support our clients through video / phone contact... A hugely positive response to INS online sessions during lockdown... Over 150 people, including then Twickenham MP Sir Vince Cable, and the Mayors of Richmond and Hounslow, joined service users, staff and volunteers at York House for INS 25th Anniversary event on 17 October 2019...

  • INS Newsletter (Winter 2020)

    INS Newsletter (Winter 2020)

    Details of what's been happening at INS in recent months and plans for the coming weeks in our latest Newsletter... Find out how our staff and clients took part in the 2.6 Challenge, raising in excess of £2,000 for INS. Events included a 2.6 mile run, running on the spot for 26 minutes, and a 26-line poem! You can continue to show your support by clicking the Donate button at the top of the page.

  • INS Case for Support

    Find out why INS exists, how we respond to people's needs, and the hugely positive impact that we have.

Most read

  • What is a neurological condition?

    A neurological condition is a disease, illness or trauma that affects the central or peripheral nervous system. Examples of symptoms include paralysis, tremor, cognitive difficulties, muscle weakness, poor coordination, loss of sensation, seizures, confusion, pain and altered levels of consciousness.

  • Where we work

    Integrated Neurological Services (INS) provides support primarily to people who live in the London boroughs of Richmond and Hounslow. However, we may still be able to offer support to people living just outside this area (eg. in Kingston, Wandsworth, Ealing) who are within reach of our base in Twickenham.

  • What difference we make

    INS can be the difference between living and just existing.

  • Donate

    Your donation can make a difference to the lives of people with a neurological condition. Donate, hold an event, take part in a challenge - whatever you can do will make a difference.

  • Working for INS

    Come and join our team.

  • History of INS

    INS is the only organisation in the London area offering long term, professional rehabilitation and support for people with neurological conditions, through its experienced team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and social workers.

  • I wouldn’t be here talking to you today if it wasn't for INS

    I wouldn’t be here talking to you today if it wasn't for INS

  • Partnering with us

    Partnerships - INS cannot do its work alone. The best possible outcomes for our clients can be most effectively achieved from a joined-up approach that utilises the resources from a wide range of providers, both statutory and voluntary.

  • Why we do what we do

    At INS we believe that a long-term neurological condition requires a long-term approach. We believe that this should include support for carers and focus on ability not disability. this with your content

  • How to refer

    INS accepts self-referrals and referrals from GPs, neurologists, therapists, health or social care professionals or a person’s family or friend.

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