Hi. I’m Tony. I’ve never posted here before so not sure how this works. I’m 75 and for about 5 years was troubled by increasing mental slowness and muscle weakness which I put down to aging. Also frightening dreams - would flail about and shout. When a hand tremor started 18 months ago I went to the GP who was sure it was PD but told me she could not diagnose or treat without a referral to a specialist for which there was a wait of ‘at least a year’! I saw the same specialist privately which took 3 weeks. He diagnosed PD and started me on Madopar. This helped reduce the tremor and stiffness but not the dreams (RSBD) or mental slowness which has got worse. And I’ve experienced a lot of odd symptoms since which I expect may be related. I’m sure others have experienced and expressed this before, but having worked in the nhs I’m hugely disappointed at the long waits people face for diagnosis, and the lack of support until the next annual consultant appt. I suppose that just reflects current reality of nhs pressures. I did write to my MP who was sympathetic but can’t do much…
Hi, @Tony11. Welcome to the forum - I’m really glad you’ve found your way here. Thank you for sharing your story so openly, especially as this is your first post.
I’m sure that what you describe will sadly feel very familiar to many people here.
The dreams and nighttime movements you mention, along with mental slowness and other changes, are things others in the community may recognise. If it’s helpful, we have information on our website about sleep problems and Parkinson’s which may prove helpful.
If you’d like to talk things through one-to-one, our trained experts and specialist nurses are here to listen and can offer information and emotional support, including around symptoms, medication, and navigating care. You can call them for free on 0808 800 0303.
You’re not alone in this, and you’ve taken a really positive step by posting. We hope this community feels like a supportive place to ask questions, share experiences, or just have a bit of a vent when you need to.
All the best! 
Parkinson’s UK Moderation Team
Hi Tony11,
I cant even try to answer all your questions, however here are a few aspects I do know.
Regarding the muscle weakness, yes that is a definite symptom of PD. As it progresses you will find that you have to do more to get the same result as the “power” of the muscles start easing. The very best thing you can do to delay this is to exercise. Exercise makes an enormous difference. Not only will you find that you may actually not only arrest the muscle weakness but actually make them stronger again.
I go to gym at least three times a week and specifically do some weight lifting to get the muscles ‘working’ again. I also cycle during the week.
Regarding the long wait, my son and daughter live in London and I know they pay an additional amount over and above the standard and are then able to see the doctors fairly quickly.
Regarding mental slowness have you tried ‘mental games’ like chess, bridge etc. You can go onto sites where you can play against robots, beginner to pro, as well as against people. That always helps as well.
I hope that helps a bit.
Hi Tony
I learnt that there are different types of pd with different symptoms.
I find using a AI tool such as parkibot or Grok can answer your questions.
I also use YouTube for discovering natural therapeutic approaches that may benefit pd patients and can be used with normal therapy.
I found some videos that interest me for example red light therapy ( photobiomodulation)
Nicotine patches which are said to slow the progression of pd.
Fasting or intermittent fasting is a powerful tool
There are also some new drugs that are in the pipeline.
Best of luck