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Parkinson’s FAQs

What is the prognosis for someone with Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition, meaning it gets worse over time. But you can live well for years with Parkinson’s. At the start, symptoms might be very mild; in the longer term they might require medication. While Parkinson’s isn’t directly life-threatening, complications of it like balance issues, cognitive changes or swallowing problems, can impact quality of life and longevity. The truth is the prognosis is variable, since every person’s experience and symptoms of Parkinson’s is different.
What support is available for people with Parkinson’s?
We know it can be a daunting and overwhelming time navigating a diagnosis of Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s UK is the main Parkinson’s support and research charity in the UK and offers a range of support and advice services to help those living with Parkinson’s disease. As well as pointing you in the direction of local support groups, they have a free confidential helpline you can reach them on at: 0808 800 0303 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays).

Your Parkinson’s nurse, local neurologists, and experienced physiotherapists can all provide professional support too, addressing any questions and concerns you have.

Educational resources like blogs, podcasts, webinars; when it comes to Parkinson’s knowledge really is power.

At Reach Your Peak, we offer a range of insights on our website to support those with questions around safe and effective exercise. All our exercise programmes provide access to a community of people with Parkinson’s to help members feel supported.

What is Reach Your Peak?

Reach Your Peak is an online provider of Parkinson’s-specific exercise programmes. It offers structured, evidence-based workouts for people with Parkinson’s. All are available online and developed and delivered by expert physiotherapists. 

  • Get Started (10 weeks) – Our flagship award-winning programme for those new to exercise or Parkinson’s, Get Started provides progressive weekly workouts alongside educational tutorials and in-app support.  
  • Exercise is Medicine – A follow-on to Get Started or for those more familiar to exercise, Exercise is Medicine provides structure and support to maintain your exercise routine.   
  • Exercise for Life – Self-led, flexible, Parkinson’s-specific workouts, Exercise for Life is for more confident exercisers who want to supplement or enhance their exercise routine. 

Find out more about our range of Parkinson’s-specific exercise programmes.  

How can I manage my mental health with Parkinson’s?

It’s really common to experience challenges with mental health when you have Parkinson’s; in some cases anxiety can be more acute than the motor symptoms. Anxiety affects between 30-40% of people with Parkinson’s. We recommend: 

  • Keeping an eye out for symptoms, which can differ to anxiety symptoms in people without Parkinson’s. 
  •  Having a consistent routine for medication, meals, rest and sleep. 
  • Communicating with healthcare providers about changing your medication dosage, if relevant. 
  • Practising mindfulness and breathing techniques. 
  • Using exercise as medicine to reduce anxiety and manage other non-motor and motor symptoms.  
How can I support my loved one with Parkinson’s?
  • Learn about the disease: Parkinson’s is unique to each individual and the specific combination of symptoms varies.   
  • Encourage and exercise together: Exercise is powerful medicine—supporting your loved one in taking part in safe and effective exercise will be incredibly beneficial for you both.   
  • Being present: Parkinson’s can affect feelings and emotional wellbeing as much as movement; be patient, help them stick to routines, and create a supportive environment for open discussion. 
How important is having a sense of community?

Vital, but what constitutes community differs for everyone. Some people may need the in-person proximity and connection that a local Parkinson’s support group can provide. Others might prefer the privacy and convenience of an online community group or even a smaller circle of friends. 

To combat isolation and get the support and encouragement you need, it’s important to have access to the right type of community for you. 

What are the best podcasts for Parkinson’s?

Podcasts can be hugely insightful and provide inspiration and reassurance to help you navigate the world of Parkinson’s. 

We might be biased, but our favourite is Shaking it Up because it’s jointly hosted by Reach Your Peak Founder Maria Lewis and Vicky Rees Davies, a qualified personal trainer, communications professional, and Parkinson’s advocate. 

Other favourites of our members include: 

What’s the most reliable source of information?

Always look for UK-registered physiotherapists or medical professionals when seeking out information about Parkinson’s or exercise with Parkinson’s.  

  • Parkinson’s UK is a member of the PIF TICK scheme – the UK-wide quality mark for trustworthy health information.  
  • Reach Your Peak’s expert-led Get Started Parkinson’s-specific exercise programme for has reviewed and endorsed by Parkinson’s UK. We regularly share the knowledge and latest research into Parkinson’s and exercise in our blogs and podcasts. 
How can I manage my own mental health around my loved one?

As the saying goes, you cannot pour from an empty cup. If you’re around someone who’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s or is awaiting diagnosis, you need to take care of yourself too. 

  • Take breaks: Make sure you balance support with selfcare by scheduling time to yourself. 
  • Seek support: Aside from friends and family, talking to others who have been where you are through community or online caregiver groups can help. 
  • Stay active yourself: exercise will support your physical and emotional wellbeing. 
  • Educate yourself: Understanding how Parkinson’s affects the body and mind will help you understand the changes happening to your loved one.