What to Do if You Notice Signs of a Neurological Condition in a Friend or Family Member

Main Symptoms:

• Face weakness: one side of the face may fall, and it might be hard to smile
• Arm weakness: may not be able to fully lift both arms and keep them up due to weakness or numbness in one arm
• Speech problems: may slur words or sound confused

Other Symptoms:

• Weakness or numbness down one side of the body
• Blurred or lost vision in one or both eyes
• Difficulty speaking or thinking of words
• Confusion and memory loss
• Dizziness or falling over
• Severe headache
• Feeling or being sick

If these symptoms are occurring call local emergency services immediately. Sometimes symptoms can stop after a short time, even if this happens, seek medical health immediately.

Symptoms usually develop gradually and are mild at first. They are different for each person and the order in which they develop, and the severity differs from person to person. It is unlikely for people with Parkinson’s to experience all of these symptoms.

Main Symptoms:

• Tremor
• Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
• Muscle stiffness (rigidity)

Other Symptoms:

• Balance problems
• Loss of sense of smell
• Nerve pain
• Problems urinating
• Constipation
• Dizziness, blurred vision or fainting when moving from a sitting or lying position to a standing one
• Excessive sweating
• Excessive production of saliva Insomnia
• Depression & anxiety
• Mild cognitive impairment
• Dementia

It is important to remain as calm as possible in situations where you notice symptoms of the above diseases. In the case of a stroke, you must call an ambulance or emergency services immediately, it is a medical emergency. If you notice symptoms do not give them anything to eat or drink and call emergency services immediately.

With the other diseases, it is essential that you act with compassion and empathy. Choose the right moment to bring it up, ensure they are calm and comfortable in a familiar setting, and bring it up privately. Avoid suggesting a specific condition, try to talk about the symptoms you’ve noticed. Express that you are concerned for them and want them to take care of themselves. E.g., “I’ve noticed that you have been forgetting things lately, I’m concerned about you, would you consider going to your doctor to discuss it with them?”.

When a loved one tells you about a diagnosis, try to remain calm. Ask them questions if they seem comfortable so you can understand their thoughts and feelings. Ask how you can support them through it.

Offer them your support whether or not they choose to seek help. Ensure you give yourself time to process. You cannot help others without helping yourself, if you are in a good headspace, you will be better able to support your friend/family.

We understand that it can feel overwhelming when you suddenly feel yourself into a situation when looking after a friend or family member (LINK NEW TO CAREGIVING BLOG). Emotions such as worry, confusion and even guilt are all normal. Follow these first steps to support them while seeking support.

• Learn urgent red flags and when to call emergency (e.g., sudden face droop, new weakness on one side, severe sudden headache, seizure, sudden confusion or vision loss).
• Start a calm, private conversation and focus on what you’ve noticed, listen without judgement, and ask for consent to help.
• Keep simple notes of symptoms (what, when, how long, impact, triggers) or use a symptom tracker to share with the doctor.
• Encourage a GP check-in and offer practical help: booking, transport, accessibility needs, and joining the appointment if they agree.
• Support with small home safety changes (lighting, remove trip hazards, grab bars)

Not sure what to say? Here are three helpful phrases to say:

• “This must be all very overwhelming and worrying for you I hear you. I am here by your side to support you. We could start by  noting symptoms this week and check in on the following week?”
• “How can I best support you? I could book an appointment, come with you, or help keep notes?”
• “If anything changes suddenly, is it okay if I call for help right away?” With calm conversations, simple safety steps, and shared support, you can make this process easier for both of you.

We understand that supporting a loved one can be demanding. Sometimes, people simply do not want to go to a doctor or think that they may have one of these conditions. In this case, once you have raised your concerns and they are in denial, you can support them by:

• Running errands
• Taking them out
• Tidying up

Always keep a close eye, if symptoms progress, they may become a risk to themselves or others. You will need to be ready to make the call to emergency services if they are in an urgent health crisis.  If looking after a loved one is new to you, this blog gives you practical help on how to care for them while also looking after yourself.