Conditions That Mimic Parkinson’s Disease
Many people across the UK are living with Parkinson’s Disease, but some only share a few of the symptoms and are actually experiencing another type of movement disorder. There are a number of complex conditions that mimic Parkinson’s Disease, making it even more difficult to diagnose and treat successfully. At Dementech, our specialists and state-of-the-art equipment make us well-placed to provide the most accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan for you.
Understanding Parkinson’s & Conditions That Mimic Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is a complex progressive neurological disease involving the loss of neurons in a part of the brain called the “substantia nigra.” This results in a reduction in the amount of dopamine, a chemical messenger or neurotransmitter. When this important chemical in the brain is depleted, the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease develop.
However, Parkinson’s Disease is far from being the only movement disorder that one can develop. Symptoms such as tremors, muscle rigidity, slow movement, impaired balance, and impaired coordination can all be associated with other conditions as well as Parkinson’s. Specialist diagnosis and support is the best route to take if you are struggling with these symptoms. Having a clear view of the specific disease you are experiencing will eventually lead to a more appropriate, and therefore more effective, treatment plan.
Dementech is a private clinic based in London specialising in the treatment of Parkinson’s. If you or a family member needs specialist treatment for Parkinson’s Disease (or another similar disorder) at any stage of its development, please contact us and we will be happy to provide any support you need.
Common Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
There are two types of symptoms: motor (movement) and non-motor (non-movement).
Common motor symptoms include:
- Essential tremor
- Slowness of movement
- Stiffness
- Impairment of balance
Non-motor symptoms vary from person to person, more so than motor symptoms. They can include:
- Low-blood pressure
- Constipation
- Speech difficulties
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Osteoporosis
In most cases, both types of symptoms will worsen over time as the disease progresses. For conditions that mimic Parkinson’s, gradual worsening of the symptoms can vary and will also depend largely on the individual. Dementech can provide support with specialist medical interventions at any stage of symptom development.
Dementia from Parkinson’s Disease
Initially, Parkinson’s disease causes physical symptoms. Problems with cognitive function, including forgetfulness and difficulty with concentration, may arise later. As the disease gets worse with time, many people develop dementia, which causes profound memory loss and makes it difficult to maintain relationships with others.
If you have Parkinson’s Disease and dementia, eventually you will be faced with great difficulty living by yourself. Dementia will likely affect your ability to care for yourself, even if your current experience of Parkinson’s Disease still means you can physically perform daily tasks. In these circumstances, we recommend seeking daily support from loved ones or professional carers who will be able to help you go about each day with less difficulty and confusion.
Why Choose Dementech?
When facing the challenges of Parkinsonian Dementia, making informed decisions about your healthcare becomes paramount. In this endeavour, Dementech stands as a beacon of excellence in the field of neurodegenerative disorders. Our commitment to providing world-class care is underpinned by a team of specialists at the forefront of their field, armed with industry-leading technology that ensures swift and precise diagnoses, often with results available within just 48 hours.
At Dementech, we understand the urgency of your needs, offering same-week consultations and assessments to expedite your journey toward effective treatment. With prices starting at £485, we are dedicated to making our services accessible. What truly sets us apart, however, is our holistic approach, as our Patient Advisors craft unique treatment plans and provide invaluable guidance following your consultation. Our commitment doesn’t end there; we offer ongoing support not only for patients but also for their families, recognizing the vital role they play in the journey towards managing Parkinsonian Dementia. Discover why Dementech is your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of Parkinsonian Dementia, as we stand alongside you every step of the way.
- Home to the UK’s leading Advanced Parkinson’s Disease specialists
- Industry-leading technology provides a fast and accurate diagnosis, with results available in 48 hours
- Same-week consultations and assessments
- Prices start at £485
- Patient Advisors provide unique treatment plans and advice following your consultation
- Ongoing support for patients and their families
Book A Consultation
Speak to a Neurologist Today
0203 848 4500
Dementech Neurosciences are London's leading neurological clinic specialising in advanced neurological conditions such as Vascular Dementia. Book a call with our clinic to speak to a specialist on your condition.
Challenging Cases: Symptoms & Conditions That Mimic Parkinson’s Disease
There are a number of conditions that present some of the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s, but that do not respond in the same way to typical treatments. These diseases are referred to as Atypical Parkinsonisms, and are most likely to affect people in their 50s and 60s, although this can vary.
Many other conditions involving movement-based issues mimic Parkinson’s Disease. A patient therefore may show no signs of developing PD but will experience very similar symptoms. These conditions can be particularly challenging for non-specialists and can sometimes lead to misdiagnosis. Specialist input from the team at Dementech is recommended in such cases.
Atypical Parkinsonism includes disorders such as:
Second only to Alzheimer’s disease as a degenerative cause of dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies mimics Parkinson’s, but with more cognitive decline and visual hallucinations rather than movement-based problems.
A brain disorder that affects balance. Walking becomes difficult for these patients and it may also cause problems with vision over time.
This condition involves the autonomic nervous system (the part of the nervous system that controls internal functions such as digestion, the heartbeat, and breathing) and can affect coordination.
A rare atypical Parkinsonian disorder in which symptoms often involve one side of the body more than the other.
A neurological disorder that causes excessive shaking of the hands, voice, and sometimes the head.
A condition caused by severe or frequent head injuries. Post-traumatic parkinsonism can also be associated with dementia.
Anonymous
Patient Success Stories
Dementech Neurosciences prides itself on delivering exceptional patient care. Here are just some of our patient testimonials.
P Allen
“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
“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
“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.”
Living with Parkinson’s Disease
Coping with Parkinson’s Disease can be difficult and frustrating thanks to its common, debilitating symptoms. Many patients experience mild to severe bouts of trembling, stiffness (often called rigidity), slow movements, and loss of balance and coordination. As well as these physical symptoms, people with Parkinson’s and other similar conditions may face difficulty with the following:
- Speaking and communicating with others
- Being able to solve problems
- Understanding abstract concepts
- Remembering things
- Paying attention
In many cases, the frustration that comes with symptom management stems from the loss of control. It can also be emotionally overwhelming to know that there is currently no cure for the disease. Nonetheless, patients have a number of tools at their disposal for better managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease and living a healthy, enjoyable life.
At the Dementech Neurosciences London clinic, we offer different levels of care to treat patients with Parkinson’s. Because it is far more effective to prevent a disease, our approach involves risk assessments, prevention strategies, and tools to manage symptoms, treat the condition, and lessen its impact.
However, in cases where a diagnosis of a disease has been established, our multidisciplinary team will do everything possible to treat symptoms and prevent them from progressing further, improving the patient’s quality of life, emotional health, and well-being.
J Adams
A pleasure to have the expertise, vision & support of Dementech, most especially the care and trust of Dr. D’Anna, Anca and the team!
Meet Our Specialists
London is home to a distinguished group of leading specialists in Parkinson’s, who enjoy global recognition for their expertise in this field. These specialists are at the forefront of pioneering research, diagnosis, and treatment of Parkinson’s, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of patients. Their extensive clinical experience, coupled with access to state-of-the-art medical facilities and resources here at Dementech, enables them to deliver comprehensive care and innovative therapies tailored to the unique needs of each patient. Whether it’s advancing our understanding of neurological conditions through groundbreaking research or providing personalised treatment plans that improve the quality of life for patients, London’s Neurology specialists are renowned for their dedication to tackling this intricate neurological condition.
Prof. K. Ray Chaudhuri – Parkinson’s Specialist in London
Medical & Scientific Advisory Board
Neurologist
Parkinson's Disease
Dr Lucio D’Anna – Consultant Neurologist in London
Lead Specialist
Memory Clinic
Neurologist
Private Neurology
Stroke Treatment
Dr Nikolay Dimitrov – Consultant Neurologist in London
Movement Disorders
Neurologist
Parkinson's Disease
Private Neurology
Dietician
Dr Kish Mankad MRCP FRCR – Paediatric Neuroradiology Specialist
Neuro Radiologist
Dr Gayatri Vadlamani – Consultant Paediatric Neurologist
Paediatric Neurodisability
Dr Tahira Choudry – Consultant Neurologist
Epilepsy
Movement Disorders
Neurologist
Parkinson's Disease
Private Neurology
Aleksandra Podlewska – Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychologist
Dr. Maria Papachatzaki – Consultant Neurologist, MS Specialist
Epilepsy
Multiple Sclerosis
Neurologist
Private Neurology
Dr. Stylianos Arseniou – Consultant Clinical Neurophysiologist
Neuropsychologist
Dr Catherine Anosike – Consultant Psychiatrist
Psychologist
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About Dementech
At our core, we are dedicated to enhancing your quality of life and overall well-being by delivering the highest standard of care. Recognising the need for a private centre that offers a holistic, multidisciplinary approach, we’ve embarked on a mission to transform the lives of individuals facing neurological disorders.
Our commitment to this mission is fueled by the integration of cutting-edge technologies and advanced diagnostic methods, some of which are considered the best in the world. Although many of the neurological disorders we specialise in remain incurable, our focus on medication and other therapeutic modalities can effectively slow down disease progression and bring about substantial improvements in the patient’s quality of life.
Contact Dementech
Take the first step towards a better quality of life – contact our clinic today.
Call us on 0203 848 4500