I am currently undergoing investigations for resting tremor and cognitive difficulties and am awaiting the results of a DATScan. So I do not yet have a diagnosis. It takes time, and I understand that. My question concerns psychological support. I’ve found it difficult to find the right words and feel more and more that this is becoming a social handicap that’s affecting my relationships. I feel lonely and ‘out of place’. It’s like being back on the rollercoaster of my teenage years. People look at me with concern, which I understand. I sort of lose myself. Thankfully, I can still write, but it’s slow going. Is there any help available that I can ask for when I see my doctor? Perhaps medication or counselling? Do you have any tips to help me stop feeling so alone?

There are various types of support to discuss. Of course, the diagnosis will be crucial, and hopefully Parkinson’s medication will improve both the tremors and cognition. Then perhaps the problem will already be solved. You can also ask for a separate memory assessment – if it turns out that you’re having significant difficulties with cognitive functions (memory and thinking), there are ‘memory-enhancing’ medicines that could be considered. Counselling within the healthcare system can be helpful, but it is organised differently in different hospitals and health centres. In some places, there are Parkinson’s nurses who are good to talk to; a counsellor or psychologist are possible alternatives. It can also be helpful to open up about your problems with people close to you – they may not have medical expertise, but they may feel less worried if you tell them what is difficult and what is working well. /Dag Nyholm