What is everyones experiences of long term Parkinson's symptoms? I read a lot about how after 10 years or so, Parkinson's becomes worse and sufferers find that the effects worsen dramatically. My Dad has only had Parkinson's for 5 years and although he has gradually got worse, I wondered if this was likely to continue or if the effects speed up after 10 years? I wondered what everyones experience is?

everyone is unique.
The 10 year mark is 10 years on sinemet. Some people do worse, some do better, however the window of sinemet effectiveness is usually around10 years.

Sinemet still works after 10 years, its side effects, principally dyskinesia gets worse though.

Charlie, Dx'ed in 1990, bi-laterall DBS-STN in 2002

I was diagnosed ten years ago. I am still walking, driving, going up and down steps, and for the most part I am in good shape. My biggest complaint is lower back pain and difficulty lying in bed, turning over in bed, and getting out of bed - a real chore. I have also become slower in doing things when my meds are wearing off. I am certainly not who I was ten years ago, and I get depressed by that, but to the casual observer, I look as though nothing is wrong with me. Only a fellow person with Parkinson's could spot that I have it. My understanding is that the rate you are declining is pretty steady over the years if you have regular Parkinson's. The best predictor of your father's future is based on how he has done so far.

Ann