Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by the death of dopamine producing cells in the substantia nigra in the brain. There is no diagnostic test for PD and a diagnosis is based on the presenting signs and symptoms and the history of onset.

The current NICE Clinical Guideline 35 (2006) states that people who have PD present with symptoms including hypokinesia (movement that is lessened in power and strength) along with bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity and a resting tremor.

PD potentially affects all muscle groups to an extent where it limits daily activities and also encompasses autonomic dysfunction (constipation, erectile and urinary dysfunction, hypotension and dizziness); neuropsychiatric conditions (depression, dementia, hallucinations and psychosis); pain; lethargy/fatigue, and impacts majorly on quality of life for the individual and their carer and families.