Atypical Parkinsonism Specialists in London

Atypical Parkinsonism shares some of the same symptoms as Parkinson’s disease (PD), but there are some additional symptoms that don’t align with a traditional Parkinson’s diagnosis and that might not react as well to PD treatment.

At Dementech Neurosciences, we have a team of Atypical Parkinsonism specialists who can diagnose your condition and provide a comprehensive treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms more effectively.

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    Why Choose Dementech for Atypical Parkinsonism Treatement?

    Choosing the right specialist team can make a difference when managing a complex neurological condition. At Dementech Neurosciences, we bring together experienced specialists across neurology and allied healthcare to provide coordinated, personalised care tailored to your symptoms and needs.

    Same week consultations

    Early intervention is vital in Atypical Parkinsonism, which is why we aim to offer same-week consultations.

    Video
    consultations

    We offer video consultations for expert guidance and care from the comfort of your home.

    Consultations starting
    at £485

    Consultations start at £485. Each follow up appointment is £325.

    Atypical Parkinsonism
    Assessment at £2,970

    Includes memory blood test, cognitive assessment, MRI and neurologist consultation.

    Find a Atypical Parkinsonism Specialist

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    Atypical Parkinsonism Diagnosis and Treatment

    At Dementech Neurosciences, our specialist team takes a multidisciplinary approach to managing Atypical Parkinsonism, recognising that symptoms can affect movement, speech, swallowing, cognition and daily life. Our neurologists work alongside therapists and other specialists to provide personalised care based on your symptoms and changing needs. We also provide guidance and support for patients and their caregivers, helping you understand the condition and manage its impact over time.

    Atypical Parkinsonism is a term used to describe a group of neurological conditions that share some similarities with Parkinson’s disease. People with these conditions often experience movement and coordination problems, such as stiffness, slowness, balance difficulties, and tremors. Atypical Parkinsonism is most commonly diagnosed in adults over the age of 50.

    Although the symptoms can look similar to Parkinson’s disease at first, atypical parkinsonism often involves additional features that are less common in Parkinson’s. These differences can affect how the condition progresses and how well symptoms respond to standard Parkinson’s treatments.

    One of the key differences lies in how the brain is affected. In Parkinson’s disease, the brain gradually loses nerve cells that produce a chemical needed for smooth movement, but the receptors that respond to this chemical are largely preserved. In atypical parkinsonism, both the nerve cells and their receptors may be affected. This can lead to more complex symptoms and a reduced response to Parkinson’s treatments.

    There is currently no cure for atypical parkinsonism, and no treatments that can slow its progression. However, targeted therapies and supportive care can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Early assessment is important to ensure the most appropriate care plan is put in place.

    At Dementech Neurosciences, our specialist team has extensive experience in diagnosing atypical parkinsonian conditions and providing personalised treatment approaches to support patients at every stage.

    Atypical Parkinsonism includes several different conditions, each affecting the brain in a slightly different way. The type and severity of symptoms depend on which areas of the brain are involved and how the condition progresses over time.

    Some of the most common forms of atypical parkinsonism include:

    • Multiple system atrophy (MSA) affects several automatic body functions at once. People with MSA may experience difficulties with movement and balance, along with problems controlling blood pressure, bladder function, speech, and coordination. Symptoms often progress more quickly than in Parkinson’s disease.
    • Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) commonly causes early balance problems and frequent falls, often backwards. Stiffness and slowed movement are common, along with changes to vision. Many people with PSP develop difficulty moving their eyes up or down, focusing, or coping with bright light. Speech and swallowing problems may also occur, alongside changes in mood, behaviour, or thinking.
    • Corticobasal degeneration leads to gradually worsening problems with movement and coordination, usually affecting one side of the body more than the other. Speech, memory, and swallowing can also be affected. Some people experience involuntary muscle tightening or abnormal postures in an arm or leg, as well as sudden jerking movements. A common feature is a sensation that a limb does not respond as expected or feels unfamiliar.
    • Vascular Parkinsonism (VP) most often affects movement in the lower body. Walking difficulties, shuffling steps, freezing, and postural instability are common. Some people may also develop problems with bladder control, changes in facial movement, or a more rapid decline in thinking and memory.
    • Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is associated with early changes in thinking, attention, and awareness. People may experience visual hallucinations, disturbed sleep, fluctuations in alertness, and changes in mood or behaviour. Parkinsonian movement symptoms can also be present, alongside difficulties with decision-making and problem-solving.

    Atypical Parkinsonism Diagnosis and Treatment at Dementech

    Diagnosis typically involves a detailed clinical evaluation, including a review of your history and observation of movement and coordination. Neurologists may conduct simple physical tests to assess motor function and identify patterns that differentiate atypical parkinsonism from Parkinson’s disease.

    Imaging studies, such as MRI scans, can help detect changes in the brain that are characteristic of these conditions. Additional tests, including blood work, may be used to rule out other causes. Early and precise diagnosis allows healthcare providers to develop targeted strategies to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

    Standard Parkinson’s treatments may not be effective, so an accurate diagnosis is crucial before creating a management plan.

    How to Treat Atypical Parkinsonism

    Currently, there is no cure for atypical parkinsonism, and no treatments can stop its progression. The main goal of care is to manage symptoms effectively, maintain independence, and improve quality of life.

    Treatment plans are tailored to the individual, depending on the type and symptoms experienced. Common approaches include:

    • Physiotherapy: Helps maintain balance, mobility, and strength, making daily activities safer and easier.
    • Treatment for mood or anxiety: Some patients may experience depression or anxiety, and appropriate treatment can help stabilise mood and improve wellbeing.
    • Speech therapy: Targeted exercises can strengthen the muscles used for speaking and swallowing, reducing the risk of difficulties
    • Diet changes: Changes to diet and food texture can support safe swallowing and adequate nutrition.

    Early intervention and consistent support across these areas can help people manage multiple symptoms more effectively and maintain a higher level of independence for longer.

    Clinical Trials & Other Support

    At Dementech Neurosciences, our specialist team has extensive experience in diagnosing atypical parkinsonian conditions and providing personalised treatment approaches to support patients at every stage.

    Support and guidance for patients and caregivers are part of the treatment at Dementech. We understand the toll an Atypical Parkinsonism diagnosis can have, so we make every effort to answer all your questions and get caregivers involved in treatment so they have a better understanding of the situation.

    Meet Our Atypical Parkinsonism Specialists

    Our team of Atypical Parkinsonism experts in London provide expert care to diagnose, manage and treat Atypical Parkinsonism symptoms.

    FAQs About Atypical Parkinsonism

    Atypical Parkinson’s disease refers to Parkinsonian disorders that do not fit the typical clinical profile of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Some common examples of atypical Parkinson’s include Parkinson’s plus syndrome, multiple system atrophy (MSA), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and Lewy body disease.

    Typical Parkinson’s disease is a well-known movement disorder that usually starts gradually, often affecting one side of the body first. It causes tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and balance difficulties, and most people respond to standard Parkinson’s medications, which can improve these symptoms.

    Atypical Parkinsonism refers to a group of less common neurological conditions that share some of the same features as Parkinson’s disease but behave differently. Symptoms may appear on both sides of the body at the same time, progress more quickly, or include early problems with thinking, balance, speech, or eye movements. People with atypical Parkinsonism generally do not respond as well to traditional Parkinson’s treatments, and care focuses on managing symptoms rather than reversing or slowing the condition.

    In short, the main differences are how symptoms appear, how quickly the condition progresses, and how well medications work. Understanding these distinctions helps doctors identify the right diagnosis and develop a personalised care plan.

    The symptoms of atypical Parkinson’s can vary depending on the specific condition, but some common ones include: difficulty with balance and coordination, stiffness, tremors, changes in speech and swallowing, and behavioral and cognitive changes.

    The prognosis for atypical Parkinson’s disease can vary depending on the specific condition and the individual. Some forms of atypical Parkinson’s disease can progress more rapidly than others, and the symptoms can be more severe for individuals. Regular medical follow-up and symptom management are essential for maintaining a good quality of life.

    There is currently no cure for atypical Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments available to manage the symptoms. These may include physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. In some cases, deep brain stimulation may also be recommended.

    We carry out tests within two days of them being requested, and we will get the results back within 48 hours.

    During a consultation, we will carry out an assessment and go through your medical history with a view to getting a diagnosis. From there, you will receive a full consultation report and treatment plan for Atypical Parkinsonism.

    Hear what our patients have to say

    P Allen

    Group 180822

    “My family and I experienced one of the hardest times of our lives having to deal with my wife’s deteriorating condition. I would like to personally thank the lovely young lady Zobiaa from Dementech, for showering us with compassion, empathy and genuine care and concern. Her professionalism, high-level customer service and communication, eye for detail, and willingness to go the extra mile to accommodate our needs and make not only my wife, but our whole family, feel as comfortable and supported as possible, is something we will always be grateful for. Thank you so much for your friendly and polite presence Zobiaa and taking the time and effort to build a relationship with us. You really made our visits to the clinic a positive, 5 star experience.”

    Anonymous

    Group 180822

    “Dementech Neurosciences is a relatively new clinic specialising in the scientific assessment and treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. It represents a significant development in the treatment of Parkinson’s and has done a great job of establishing itself and its reputation in a short period of time. The premises are extremely well situated in central London, the consultant neurologists are all at the top of their field in their specialisation of the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease, and the clinical and administrative staff are of a similar standard. The atmosphere of the clinic is positive and the results, in the short period of time I have been able to assess, have been similarly positive.”

    N Mohammed

    Group 180822

    “Have had nothing but kindness and professionalism from Dementech and all their staff. From their initial guidance by Shakeela, through to staff conducting the MRI tests and Dr. Lucio D’Anna for his expertise clarity of explanation, compassion and consideration. Special mention to Zobia, who saved the day with her quick thinking that helped my mother-in-law to obtain extended care. Overall a perfect experience. Cannot recommend them enough.”

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    Contact Details

    Opening hours: Monday – Sunday:
    08:00 – 20:00

    0203 848 4500

    Lister House
    11 Wimpole Street
    W1G 9ST
    Harley Street area
    London, UK

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