BBC’s Dr Punam Krishan reveals a little-known Parkinson’s symptom to watch for...

When we think about Parkinson’s Disease, most of us picture the more widely known symptoms - tremors, stiffness, or slow movement. But there’s one early warning sign that often goes unnoticed, and it could make all the difference when it comes to safety and independence at home.

TV doctor and BBC Morning Live regular Dr Punam Krishan has teamed up with Stannah, experts in stairlifts and home accessibility, to raise awareness of this overlooked symptom - depth perception issues - and how spotting it early could help protect your loved ones.

Why depth perception matters

“Depth perception is a fairly common challenge for people with Parkinson’s,” explains Dr Punam. “It poses a real risk when it comes to mobility - especially around the home, where hazards like stairs and bathtubs are often taken for granted.”

For the 150,000+ people in the UK already living with Parkinson’s, and the many more who may yet be undiagnosed, understanding how the condition affects vision is key. Dr Punam points out that people with Parkinson’s may experience:

• Double vision
• Hallucinations
• Dry eyes
• And most notably, difficulty with depth perception

What does depth perception look like?

If you’ve never experienced this kind of vision challenge yourself, it can be difficult to imagine. That’s why Stannah’s accessibility experts have created a visual guide to help families better understand how depth perception issues can impact day-to-day life - particularly when climbing stairs or navigating a bathroom.

“The bathroom is a big one,” says Dr Punam. “Stepping into a slippery bath when your footing or vision is uncertain is incredibly risky. If you notice hesitation or unsteadiness in an older loved one, it might be time to consider safer options like a walk-in bath or shower.”

Why the stairs are a telltale clue

Stairs are another place where depth perception challenges can cause real danger. Misjudging the distance between steps can lead to trips or falls - something that’s already a heightened risk for those with Parkinson’s.

“Check whether the stairs are becoming harder to manage for your parents or older friends,” advises Dr Punam. “A stairlift, grab rails or even brighter lighting can dramatically improve safety and independence.”

Early signs save lives

With Parkinson’s diagnoses expected to rise to 172,000 by 2030, being aware of all the signs - including lesser-known ones like vision changes - is more important than ever.

“Spotting symptoms like depth perception issues early can lead to a faster diagnosis, better treatment, and smarter home adaptations,” says Dr Punam. “There’s no cure for Parkinson’s yet, but with medication, physiotherapy, and home support, people can continue living full and independent lives.”

How you can help a loved one

If you’ve noticed a friend or family member:

• Struggling with the stairs
• Hesitating before stepping into the bath or shower
• Reaching out for walls or furniture to steady themselves
• Complaining of double vision or general unsteadiness

…it could be time to gently suggest they speak to a GP. Early intervention and thoughtful changes to the home can make a world of difference.

For more support, guidance, and resources, visit the Parkinson’s UK website: www.parkinsons.org.uk 

Because everyone deserves to age with dignity and safety

At Stannah, we believe that the right knowledge - and the right adaptations - can keep people in the homes they love for longer. By raising awareness of hidden signs like depth perception challenges, we can help protect those most at risk.