Glossary

bradykinesia

Slow movements – one of the three main symptoms of Parkinson’s.

bradyphrenia

Slowness of thought.

cues

A way to help someone complete a task by offering prompts.

deep brain stimulation

A form of surgery that is used to treat some of the symptoms of Parkinson's.

delusions

When a person has thoughts and beliefs that aren’t based on reality.

dyskinesia

Involuntary movements, often a side effect of taking Parkinson’s medication for a long period of time.

dysphagia

Swallowing difficulties.

dystonia

A sustained, involuntary muscle contraction that can affect different parts of the body.

freezing

A symptom of Parkinson’s where someone will stop suddenly while walking or when starting a movement.

hallucinations

When a person sees, hears, feels, smells or even tastes something that doesn’t exist.

hypotension

Low blood pressure.

impaction

When the bowel is loaded with hard stools causing obstruction and overflow. Caused by constipation.

levodopa

The most effective drug treatment for Parkinson’s. A drug replaces dopamine, the chemical that is lost, causing the development of Parkinson’s.

motor symptoms

Symptoms that interrupt the ability to complete learned sequences of movements.

multidisciplinary

A group of healthcare professionals with different areas of expertise who can unite and treat complex medical conditions. Essential for people with Parkinson’s.

nocturnal akinesia

When a person is unable to turn in bed because of movement problems caused by Parkinson’s.

non-motor symptoms

Symptoms associated with Parkinson’s that aren’t associated with movement difficulties.

‘on/off’

If a person's symptoms are well controlled, this is known as the 'on' period, which means that medication is working well. When symptoms return, this is known as the 'off' period. 'Off' periods usually come on gradually, but occasionally can be more sudden. When they come on suddenly, some people have compared this 'on/off' effect to that of a light switch being turned on and off.

parkinsonism

An umbrella term that describes conditions which share some of the symptoms of Parkinson's (slowness of movement, stiffness and tremor).

shuffling gait

When a person doesn’t have a smooth walking motion when they are trying to walk.

silent aspiration

When food enters the windpipe and goes into the lungs without a person coughing or choking. Caused by difficulties swallowing.

wearing off

This is where a Parkinson’s drug becomes less effective before it is time for a person’s next dose. This may cause you to go ‘off’.