We’re having a lovely summer, but I’m finding it hard to enjoy it. I don’t cope well with the heat; I get so tired, sweat a lot and have very little energy. I’ve tried taking an extra dose, reducing or increasing my medication, but nothing helps. I’m on Prodoopa and switch off the pump in the evening. I don’t take any other medication apart from Mirtazapine during the night.

Hot summer weather can be tricky – some people feel better in the heat, whilst others feel worse, regardless of whether they have Parkinson’s. Living with Parkinson’s takes a lot of energy, and sweating can be an ‘off’ symptom in itself. It’s important to replenish fluids and salt when you’re sweating, to keep your blood pressure up. Low blood pressure is, after all, common when, like you, you’ve had Parkinson’s for a while, and it can contribute to tiredness and a lack of energy. Try to stay out of the worst of the heat or try different ways of cooling down. Sleep is also often worse when it’s hot, so try to make it easier to sleep if possible. /Dag Nyholm