What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a disorder of the nervous system that affects the way the brain controls the body, which can result in tremor, stiffness, slow movement or problems with balance. Some may also develop symptoms that include behavioral changes, like depression or anxiety. Symptoms typically start very slowly and get worse over time. Though there’s currently no cure, there are medications and surgeries that can help reduce symptoms.

Symptoms and early signs of Parkinson's disease

Since early symptoms tend to be mild, they sometimes go unnoticed. They’ll often start on one side of the body before developing on both sides. Over time, symptoms may be worse on one side.

Parkinson’s may include one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Tremor: Rhythmic shaking in hands, fingers, arms legs, jaw or chin
  • Slowed movement: Tasks such as getting up from sitting, getting dressed and getting in and out of the shower may be slowed
  • Speech changes: Changes in volume, rapidness, slurring or monotone speech
  • Change in writing: Smaller handwriting that may appear cramped
  • Rigid muscles: Muscle stiffness in any part of the body, which may or may not include tension, pain or jerky movements
  • Change in posture and balance: Posture may become stooped, increased falling or problems with balancing
  • Loss of automatic movements: Walking becomes less automatic, along with poor balance and regulating movement
  • Constipation: Straining to move bowels not due to diet or medicine
  • Emotional changes: depression or anxiety
  • Sleeping: Difficulty falling asleep or stay sleeping

What causes Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease occurs when neurons in certain areas of the brain are impaired or die off. This results in less dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that impact the movement problems associated with Parkinson’s disease.1 Scientists are still trying to understand what causes neurons to die.

Though the cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, genes and environment seem to play a role. Researchers are still trying to understand the relationship between the changes that happen in the brains of people with Parkinson’s and how they contribute to the disease.2

Risk factors of Parkinson’s disease

There are several factors that put people at risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, including:3

  • Aging is one of the greatest risk factors for developing Parkinson’s disease
  • Having one or more first-degree relatives with Parkinson’s increases your risk
  • Parkinson’s is more common in men than women
  • Exposure to herbicides and pesticides may increase your risk slightly

How is Parkinson’s diagnosed?

Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed by a neurologist, and is typically based on your medical history, symptoms, as well as a neurological and physical exam. Over time, neurologists evaluate your condition and symptoms through regular follow-up appointments. Your provider may also recommend blood and lab tests, imaging tests, genetic testing, or a short, low-dose treatment of medicines to see if symptoms improve.

Can Parkinson’s disease be treated?

Though there’s no cure, Parkinson’s disease can often be treated by medicine to help control symptoms. If medicine isn’t working, sometimes surgery is recommended. Other recommendations might include exercise, physical therapy and speech therapy.

Tips for living with Parkinson’s disease

Although a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis can feel life-altering, there are many resources and strategies to minimize stress and improve quality of life.

  • Set small, achievable steps that will help you feel supported and empowered
  • Connect with others, such as in support groups, and involve family and friends in your goals
  • Find ways to incorporate movement into your daily routines, such as exercises to strengthen muscles and improve balance, flexibility and coordination. Be sure to talk to a doctor before starting exercise.

Caregiving for Parkinson’s

Like any caregiving role, caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease can be a challenging, yet rewarding role. And like most other roles, the first step is to get educated. Read through resources from a provider and from caregiving support groups, and connect with others to learn as much as possible about the disease. Often, the early-stage Parkinson’s disease is more about offering emotional support than hands-on care. Later stages might involve movement assistance, pre-planning for risks and safety concerns, coordinating treatment, and helping with eating and drinking. Like other caregiving roles, it’s important to find a balance and find ways to manage your own well-being.

Finding a doctor for Parkinson’s Disease

If you’re noticing early symptoms of Parkinson's disease, the first step is to have a conversation with a primary care physician. Your doctor may refer you to a neurologist for further evaluation and testing. Your provider may recommend that you see a movement disorder specialist since they’ll be familiar with a large range of treatment options.

Find a doctor