A note on Parkinson’s Disease By Emma Bines, Consultant Pharmacist for Older People, C&P ICS.
World Parkinson’s Day is on 11 April 2026, this commemorates the birthday of Dr James Parkinson who wrote the famous ‘Essay on the Shaking Palsy’. Since the pandemic, there has been a reduction in referrals and diagnosis of Parkinson’s despite evidence demonstrating a rapid rise in prevalence.
When to suspect Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s has four cardinal motor symptoms:
Bradykinesia: most common feature but difficult for patients to describe (often recalled as “Weakness,” “incoordination,” and “tiredness”)
Tremor pill rolling, present in 70% at diagnosis
Rigidity present in 75-90%, often asymmetrical, cogwheeling, pain and stiffness, loss of arm swing, stooped posture
Postural instability usually seen later, feeling of imbalance and tendency to fall
Common non-motor symptoms: loss of sense of smell, constipation, over active bladder, hypotension, sleep problems including restless legs
Useful links:
Parkinson’s UK – For clinician and patient resources
Parkinson’s disease: initial assessment and referral Online course | BMJ Learning