Non-motor indicators of Parkinson's discovered

A new study has revealed evidence to suggest people with Parkinson's disease may display indicators of the disease even before the classic motor symptoms.

Researchers at Newcastle University have conducted an investigation that found a large proportion of patients with the condition first demonstrate problems such as anxiety, drooling and constipation.

Dr Tien Khoo, who led the study, said: "Often people don't even mention these symptoms to their doctors and doctors don't ask about them, yet many times they can be treated effectively."

With neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, it is important to achieve a diagnosis as early as possible to provide better treatment and allow improved quality of life for the patient.

The team discovered 56 per cent of patients with Parkinson's disease have a problem with excess drooling, compared to six per cent without.

Similarly, 46 per cent of Parkinson's patients in the study reported constipation, but only seven per cent of those in the control group also did.

The research appears in the latest edition of the Neurology journal.

Find the nearest Barchester nursing home.