Starting to fall may be due to a decline in balance over time and a reduced ability to react when, for example, you stumble. It may also be due to a drop in blood pressure, meaning you fall because of dizziness or a feeling of faintness. Both of these problems often, though not always, get worse over time. Balance training can help with impaired balance – ideally carried out in consultation with a physiotherapist. Measuring blood pressure whilst lying down and then whilst standing after 2–3 minutes is an important diagnostic test if a drop in blood pressure is suspected. Such drops can be treated in various ways, for example with medication to raise blood pressure. It is important to take falls seriously, as there is a risk of fractures and other injuries if you fall badly. Furthermore, osteoporosis is more common in people with Parkinson’s disease, so please ask your GP surgery to arrange a bone density scan. /Dag Nyholm
