Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease assessment in Sheffield
I’m Dr Pravin Jha, a consultant geriatrician. I assess older adults with tremor, stiffness, slowing down, walking problems or falls, and people with Parkinson’s disease whose symptoms, medicines or memory are becoming harder to manage. My assessment covers diagnosis, mobility, falls, memory and overall health. No GP referral is needed, and I can usually see you within 24–48 hours. A new clinic assessment is £400 for 60 minutes, including a written report.
Worried about symptoms?
Worried about Parkinson’s disease symptoms?
If you or a relative has developed tremor, stiffness, slowing down, a shuffling walk, falls or dizziness, or you are unsure about a Parkinson’s diagnosis, a detailed assessment can clarify what is happening and what to do next.
You may benefit if
- symptoms suggest possible Parkinson’s disease
- walking or balance is getting worse
- falls have started
- the diagnosis is unclear
- memory problems are also present
- you want a whole-person assessment, not a narrow symptom review
A broader view
Why see a geriatrician for Parkinson’s disease?
In older adults, Parkinson’s disease is often complicated by frailty, multiple medicines, changes in memory, vascular disease, arthritis, dizziness and falls. Other conditions can also look like Parkinson’s disease.
A geriatrician brings a broad, practical and medically detailed approach. This matters in later life, when diagnosis, symptoms and risk are closely linked.
The assessment aims to answer
- whether the symptoms truly fit Parkinson’s disease or another condition
- whether treatable problems are making symptoms worse
- how walking, balance, confidence and daily life are affected
- whether memory, mood, sleep or blood pressure are also involved
- whether medicines need to change
- what can realistically improve quality of life
When to seek help
When should you seek an assessment?
Consider an assessment if you or a relative has developed:
- Tremor, especially at rest
- Slowness of movement
- Stiffness or reduced arm swing
- Shuffling walk, freezing, or difficulty turning
- Falls, near-falls, or dizziness on standing
- Softer speech or less facial expression
- Sleep disturbance, vivid dreams or acting out dreams
Some people come because the diagnosis is unclear. Others already have Parkinson’s disease and need a more detailed review of function, falls, memory, how well they tolerate their medicines, or planning ahead.
A structured process
What happens in my private Parkinson’s assessment?
The clinic is designed for a detailed review, not a rushed symptom check.
Information before we meet
Where helpful, I ask you and your family to complete information about symptoms, daily function, falls, memory and mood before the appointment, so consultation time is used well.
The consultation
- how symptoms started and have progressed
- tremor, stiffness, slowness and walking
- falls, mobility and freezing
- blood pressure, including on standing
- memory, confusion and hallucinations, where relevant
- bladder, bowel and sleep
- medicines, their benefits and side effects
- frailty, other illnesses and daily function
Alternative diagnoses
I consider whether the symptoms could reflect another condition, or more than one, and whether any tests are needed.
Plan
I explain what I have found and agree a practical plan with you. You and your GP receive a written report.
Diagnosis
Conditions that can look like Parkinson’s disease
Not everyone with tremor or slowness has Parkinson’s disease, and uncertainty is common early on. Depending on the history and examination, I may consider:
- essential tremor
- vascular parkinsonism
- drug-induced parkinsonism
- Lewy body disease
- atypical parkinsonian syndromes
- normal pressure hydrocephalus
- gait problems after stroke
- neuropathy or spinal disease
- frailty and deconditioning
Working out what fits, what does not, and what needs further investigation is a large part of the value of a specialist assessment.
Beyond diagnosis alone
A good consultation answers more than “is it Parkinson’s?” Families often need help with questions like:
- Why is walking getting worse?
- Why are falls happening?
- What is causing faintness on standing?
- Is the memory change part of Parkinson’s or something else?
- Are the medicines helping enough?
- What support will make day-to-day life easier?
Questions about Parkinson’s assessment
How do I book a Parkinson's assessment?
Use the booking form or call. You can also book clinic appointments directly with Spire Claremont, Circle Thornbury or LivingCare. A GP referral can help but is not required.
How quickly can I be seen privately?
Usually within 24–48 hours for a clinic appointment, and often the same day for a home visit.
What are the early signs of Parkinson's disease?
Early signs can include tremor, stiffness, slowness of movement, reduced arm swing, a shuffling walk, poor balance, a softer voice, constipation, disturbed sleep and less facial expression. Not everyone has the same symptoms.
Does tremor always mean Parkinson's disease?
No. Tremor has several causes, including essential tremor, medicine side effects, anxiety and other neurological conditions. A clinical assessment is needed to decide the likely cause.
Can Parkinson's disease affect memory?
Yes. Some people with Parkinson’s disease develop problems with memory, attention and planning, especially later in the condition. Sometimes another diagnosis also needs to be considered.
Will I get a diagnosis at the first appointment?
Often I can give a clear opinion at the first 60-minute consultation. Some people need tests, or a period of observation, before the diagnosis is certain.
How much does a Parkinson's assessment cost in Sheffield?
A new clinic assessment is £400 for 60 minutes, including a report to your GP. A new home visit is £500 plus travel. See all fees.
Do you offer home visits in Sheffield?
Yes. Home visits are particularly helpful for people who are frail or housebound.
Appointments
Book a Parkinson’s assessment
Most people are seen within 24–48 hours, and home visits can often be arranged the same day. Choose the place that suits you, or send the booking form and I’ll arrange it.
Spire Claremont Hospital
401 Sandygate Road, Sheffield
S10 5UBCircle Thornbury Hospital
312 Fulwood Road, Sheffield
S10 3BRLivingCare
Canon Medical Arena, Sheffield Medical Diagnostic Centre, Olympic Legacy Park, Worksop Road, Sheffield S9 3TL
S9 3TL
Home visits
Within 50 miles of Sheffield, often the same day.
New visit £500 (60 minutes). Travel included up to 10 miles.
Video consultations
By secure video link, UK-wide.
New consultation £300 (30 minutes). Includes a written report to you and your GP.
This is a planned, non-emergency service. If you think someone is having a stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech problems), call 999. For other urgent problems, call NHS 111 or your GP.
If someone with Parkinson’s becomes suddenly confused or very drowsy, cannot swallow their medicines, or has a fall with injury, get help the same day: call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
Related information
Sources and further reading
Written and reviewed by Dr Pravin Jha, Consultant Geriatrician & Memory Specialist. Last reviewed: September 2026.