Parkinson's Disease Symptoms

Parkinson's disease is a neurological condition that affects the part of the brain that controls movement. Symptoms of Parkinson's include tremors, muscle stiffness, and difficulty with balance, coordination, and movement. Over time, walking and talking may become difficult.

The onset of Parkinson's is usually gradual, and its progression is variable. The symptoms are often subtle at first and can be mistaken for normal signs of aging. Family and friends may notice the symptoms before the person affected does.

Signs and Symptoms

Parkinson's affects neurons (nerve cells) in the brain that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. People with Parkinson's experience movement difficulties due to lower dopamine levels.

The movement-related symptoms of Parkinson's are collectively referred to as "parkinsonism." Parkinson's is sometimes misdiagnosed because other health conditions can cause similar movement difficulties.

The following are some movement-related difficulties associated with Parkinson's:

• Tremors: Parkinson's can cause tremors in various body parts, including fingers, hands, arms, legs, feet, jaw, and head. You are more likely to experience tremors when stressed or at rest and less likely when sleeping or moving your limbs.
• Bradykinesia (slow movements): Slowed movements can range from sudden to gradual onset, making daily tasks difficult. Affected individuals may struggle with showering, getting dressed, and rising from a chair.
• Muscle stiffness: Muscles in any part of the body may become rigid and difficult to relax, causing pain, limited range of motion, and movement difficulties.
• Speech changes: Speech may become softer, have fewer inflections, and sound monotonous. It may also be slurred or have hesitation.
• Difficulty writing: Writing may become difficult, and handwriting may become smaller and harder to read.
• Lack of facial expressions: Facial movements and expressions, like smiling and blinking, may decrease.
• Difficulty walking: Parkinson's can cause walking difficulties. Individuals may feel their feet are glued to the ground, take shorter, shuffling steps, have trouble moving their arms naturally while walking, and drag their feet on the floor.
• Poor posture and balance: Hunching and a forward lean may develop, impairing balance and increasing the likelihood of falls.
• Dystonia (muscle spasms and cramps): Muscle spasms and cramps can occur in various body parts, including severe cramps in the feet and painful toe curling or clenching.

Non-Movement Symptoms

In addition to the movement-related symptoms described above, Parkinson's disease can also cause a variety of non-movement symptoms, including:

• Blood pressure irregularities: Low blood pressure, causing dizziness or fainting when standing up
• Digestive difficulties: Constipation
• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and loss of energy
• Mood changes: Depression, anxiety, and apathy
• Cognitive changes: Impaired memory and thinking, hallucinations, and delusions
• Sleep disruptions: Restless leg syndrome and acting out dreams
• Weight changes: Unintentional weight loss or gain
• Vision changes: Blurred vision, difficulty seeing colors, and impaired depth perception
• Drooling: Excessive saliva production and difficulty swallowing
• Skin problems: Increased sweating and oily skin

Frequently Asked Questions

If you suspect you have Parkinson's or have been recently diagnosed, you may have questions about your symptoms.

The following are some frequently asked questions about Parkinson's symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider for more specific information regarding your health.

Will I Have All These Symptoms?

The experience of Parkinson's varies for each individual. Not everyone with Parkinson's has all the symptoms, and the order of symptom onset can differ. The intensity of symptoms can also vary from mild to severe.

How Quickly Do the Symptoms Progress?

The progression of Parkinson's can vary from person to person. The rate of progression is often classified into the following stages:

1. Early stage: Symptoms are mild and may only be noticeable to you or those close to you.
2. Mid-stage: Symptoms become more pronounced and may interfere with daily activities.
3. Advanced stage: Symptoms are severe and may require assistance with daily activities.