Parkinson’s in the workplace: What you need to know

28/01/26 – Blog, Community, Mental Health, Occupational Health, Wellbeing, Workplace Health & Safety

Parkinson’s disease is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, currently affecting over 145,000 people in the UK alone. As the condition becomes increasingly common, it’s more important than ever for employers to understand how to recognise the signs, support affected employees, and create inclusive working environments.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that occurs when nerve cells in the brain become damaged over time. These cells are responsible for producing dopamine – a chemical that helps control movement. When dopamine levels drop, it can result in a range of physical, cognitive and psychological symptoms that gradually affect daily life.

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Key facts for HR and occupational health teams

Parkinson’s affects around 1 in 500 people.
It’s more commonly diagnosed in people over 50, but around 1 in 20 experience symptoms before the age of 40.
Men are slightly more likely than women to develop the condition.
Symptoms often begin subtly and can vary greatly between individuals.
Although there’s no cure, a combination of treatments – including medication, physiotherapy and occupational therapy – can help manage the condition and support quality of life.
Parkinson’s is covered by the Equality Act 2010, meaning reasonable adjustments may be needed in the workplace.
An occupational health referral can provide tailored, expert guidance to support both the employee and the employer.

Understanding the condition

Parkinson’s is caused by the gradual loss of nerve cells in the brain’s substantia nigra, which leads to a decline in dopamine levels. Dopamine is key to coordinating movement – so when it decreases, it can result in:

Involuntary shaking (tremors)
Slowness of movement
Muscle stiffness

Other symptoms may include:

Depression and anxiety
Difficulty with balance and coordination (increasing fall risk)
Sleep problems
Loss of sense of smell
Cognitive changes (e.g. memory or thinking difficulties)

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a mix of genetic and environmental factors.

Diagnosis and treatment

People who are concerned about possible symptoms should first speak to their GP, who may refer them to a specialist for further assessment.

While there is currently no cure, many people manage their condition effectively with support from healthcare professionals. Treatment options include:

Medication

The main aim of medication is to increase dopamine or mimic its effect. Common types include:

Levodopa
Dopamine agonists
MAO-B inhibitors

These can help reduce movement-related symptoms but may come with side effects and need to be tailored to each person.

Physiotherapy

A physiotherapist can help maintain flexibility, mobility and strength, supporting independence and reducing the risk of falls.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapists support individuals in managing everyday tasks, from personal care to shopping, and may suggest adaptations to make tasks easier and safer.

Surgery

In some cases, deep brain stimulation may be considered. This involves implanting a device that sends electrical signals to specific areas of the brain, helping to manage symptoms when medication isn’t effective.