About Parkinson’s

The Danish Parkinson’s Association is an NGO focusing on improving life for people with Parkinson’s disease and their relatives. Our goal is to disseminate knowledge about the disease, support research, improve quality of treatment and rehabilitation services and provide a community for everyone who is affected by Parkinson’s disease.

The Danish Parkinson’s Association was founded in 1980 and has now reached over 11.000 members which, in addition to people with Parkinson’s disease and their relatives, also includes professionals in the industry and companies.

The association provides written information, lectures, events, networks etc. to people with Parkinson’s and their caretakers/partners.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disease. The nerve cells in the brain which contain dopamine gradually decrease over the years.

Diagnostic criteria rely on motor symptoms such as slow movements, shaking limbs and muscle stiffness. Besides motor symptoms people with Parkinson’s disease also develop non-motor symptoms. Cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, depression and gastrointestinal symptoms are frequent.

Most people with Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed at 60-62 years of age. At least 12.000 people in Denmark are now diagnosed with the disease and six out of ten are men. There is not one singular cause for Parkinson’s disease, but age, heritage and environmental exposure to pesticides increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

The general practitioner is usually the first to recognize that a person may have to be tested for Parkinson’s disease. The patient is subsequentially referred to a neurologist either at a private clinic or at the hospital for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic disease, fortunately many benefit greatly from treatment with medication and therapy like physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

Treatment depends on the individual symptoms and disease progression. As disease progresses, the effect of the medicine gradually decreases, and medication must be administered more frequently and in higher doses. If fluctuation of motor symptoms, with periods when the medicine wears off or loses effect (off-periods), interferes with quality of life it is time to consider advanced treatment like administration of medicine by pumps or deep brain stimulation surgery.

Physical activity/exercise is essential when having Parkinson’s and helps manage daily symptoms and wellbeing. In Denmark everybody diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease with a social security number is offered physiotherapy free of charge. Besides physiotherapy many people benefit from additional activities like boxing, dancing, playing table tennis etc.

Parkinson’s is a complex neurological disease, and it can be necessary to consult different professionals for treatment of the symptoms. Many benefit from occupational therapy, speech therapy, dietary advice and consultations at a sexologist or optometrist. Contact the local authorities for information about the services and opportunities in your municipality.

It can be demanding being the caretaker and relative to a person with Parkinson’s disease.

Many caretakers experience loneliness and difficulties in sharing their concerns, as the attention often focuses on the person with the disease. As the disease progresses there will be more tasks for the caretaker and relative, which at a certain point can be demanding to manage alone. The change in symptoms can also be a challenge to cope with mentally, and it is advisable to talk with others, either family, friends or a professional.

It will be helpful both for the patient and the caretaker to gain information about Parkinson’s disease and to participate in the appointments with health professionals. Insight and understanding the disease and the person with Parkinsons’s will be a large help to make the right joint decisions. It is important to keep in mind that no person with Parkinson’s is the same, as the disease progresses very differently from individual to individual.

Information about Parkinson’s disease:

www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support

General information about treatments and therapies (Be aware that treatment offers can be different in Denmark):

www.parkinsons.org.uk/treatment-and-therapies

Information about being a carer or supporter:

www.parkinsons.org.uk/supporting-someone-with-parkinsons

Browse our YouTube channel for training videos:

www.youtube.com/videos

If you have further questions do not hesitate to contact us. Our opening hours are Monday – Friday 10 am to 2 pm by telephone 36350230 or email info@parkinson.dk.