DAY TO DAY

APPOINTMENTS WITH NEUROLOGIST

It is a good idea to keep a diary to record information regarding your Parkinson's.  Keep a note of any changes that you notice in your symptoms - what the changes are and when you first noticed them. Let your neurologist know of anything that concerns you regarding your condition.  It helps to write down any questions you have as it is very easy to forget things when you enter the consulting room.

DRIVING AND PARKINSON'S

If you have a driving licence you need to notify your insurance and D.V.L.A. that you have Parkinson's disease.  Parkinson's may affect your ability to drive because of problems with balance, perception, mental clarity and tremor.  Many medications may reduce your ability to drive safely.  As Parkinson's disease

progresses it gets more difficult to react quickly and to think of several things at once.  Vision problems can arise from Parkinson's.  Blurred vision and double vision can be experienced by people with Parkinson's.  Driver assessments tests are carried out by Disability Action personnel.  These assessments consist of oral questions and supervised driving.  Sometimes a simulator is used to test reactions to various road conditions. D.V.L.A. usually notifies the person with Parkinson's to undertake a driver assessment.  You must surrender your licence if your doctor tells you to stop driving or if you do not meet the required standards.

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Always err on the safe side. 

Let someone else drive if possible.

Do not drive at the time of day when you are most tired or sleepy.

Try not to drive after dark or during rush hour.

Take public transport.