LPA for Parkinson's Disease: Planning Ahead

LPA for Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease affects over 145,000 people in the UK. While it primarily affects movement, it can also impact cognitive function over time—making LPA planning essential.

Why Parkinson's Patients Need an LPA

Parkinson's disease:

• Is progressive—symptoms worsen over time
• Can affect cognitive function in later stages
• May lead to Parkinson's dementia
• Requires ongoing care decisions
• Often involves complex medication management

Key statistic: Up to 80% of people with Parkinson's develop some cognitive impairment over time.

When to Create an LPA

The Best Time: Soon After Diagnosis

Create your LPA while you:

• Have full mental capacity
• Can express your wishes clearly
• Have time to consider your choices
• Can plan without urgency

Don't Wait For

• Symptoms to worsen
• Cognitive changes to appear
• A crisis to force decisions
• Someone else to decide for you

Parkinson's-Specific Considerations

Movement & Communication Challenges

As Parkinson's progresses:

• Writing may become difficult (micrographia)
• Speech may be affected
• Signing documents may be harder

Solution: Create your LPA while signing is still easy. If you have difficulty signing, the OPG can accommodate alternative methods.

Cognitive Fluctuations

Parkinson's can cause:

• Good days and bad days
• Fluctuating capacity
• "On" and "off" periods

For LPA: Capacity must be present when signing. Plan to sign on a "good" day.

Medication Management

Consider including preferences about:

• Medication decisions
• Timing of treatments
• Side effect management
• Drug trials or new treatments

What to Include in Your LPA

Health & Welfare

Preferences about:

• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) decisions
• Care home vs home care
• Physiotherapy and speech therapy priorities
• Palliative care wishes
• Life-sustaining treatment views

Property & Financial

Considerations for:

• Funding ongoing care
• Home adaptations
• Care costs management
• Benefits and allowances claims

Choosing Your Attorney

For Parkinson's patients, consider:

• Someone who understands your condition
• A person available for increasing involvement
• Someone comfortable with medical decisions
• Multiple attorneys as the condition progresses

Having the Conversation

Talk to your attorney about:

• How you want to live as symptoms progress
• Your priorities for treatment vs quality of life
• What independence means to you
• When you'd want care home support
• Your views on experimental treatments

Resources for Parkinson's Patients

• Parkinson's UK: 0808 800 0303
• Your Parkinson's nurse
• Support groups
• myLPA for creating your documents

Start Your LPA Now →