There are four stages to PD:

• Establishing the diagnosis
• Early or maintenance of PD
• Complex or later PD
• Palliation.

Treatments do not cure or halt the progression of PD, but they do improve quality of life.

Non-pharmacological treatments and support services are extremely important for people with PD at any stage of their disease. There is a need for multidisciplinary teamwork with the person with PD and their carer at the centre.

There is no one package that fits all €“ pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are tailored to the individual need. For example, physiotherapy aids retention of muscle strength and mobility; occupational therapy supports maintenance of daily activities (washing, dressing, tips for un-freezing); speech and language therapy enables communication, swallowing (eating and drinking), and social services are necessary for access to disability and financial support.

There are numerous others such as community psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists, chiropodists and you, the pharmacy technician.