What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson's disease presents a range of symptoms, which can vary significantly between individuals. These symptoms are generally categorized as motor and non-motor.

In addition to early symptoms, such as tremors and stiffness, people may notice that they are taking smaller steps or shuffling, or feel like they are “freezing,” temporarily unable to move at all. The symptoms typically appear gradually on one side of the body and eventually affect both sides. This disease can sometimes take up to 20 years (or more) to progress, or, it can develop very quickly.

There are four primary Parkinson’s motor symptoms, although they can vary from one person to another. They include:

• Tremors: As many as 80% of people with Parkinson’s develop a tremor, an involuntary twitching that usually occurs at rest. It can also affect the jaw area. This usually starts on one side of the body and may or may not progress to the other side.

• Rigidity: Stiffness in the arms and legs or torso beyond that of normal aging.

• Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement. This can include a decrease in blinking, as well as in smiling and other facial expressions.

• Postural instability: This includes gait and balance problems that are associated with a tendency to fall backwards.

Other symptoms are not movement-related. Among these are changes in the voice such as a decrease in volume, drooling and swallowing problems, depression and anxiety, hallucinations, constipation, sleep disorders, and cognitive impairment.

Here's a summary of the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease:  

Motor Symptoms:

• Tremor:

  • Often the first noticeable symptom.  

  • Typically a "resting tremor," meaning it occurs when the limb is relaxed.  

  • Often described as "pill-rolling."

• Bradykinesia (Slowness of Movement):

  • Makes everyday tasks difficult.  

  • Can result in a shuffling gait with small steps.  

  • Reduced facial expression.  

• Rigidity (Muscle Stiffness):

  • Stiffness and tension in the muscles.  

  • Can cause pain and discomfort.  

  • Can affect posture and movement.  

• Postural Instability (Impaired Balance and Coordination):

  • Can lead to falls.  

  • Stooped posture.  

• Gait Changes:

  • shuffling of feet.  

  • reduced arm swing.  

Non-Motor Symptoms:

• Sleep Disturbances:

  • Insomnia.  

  • Restless legs syndrome.  

  • REM sleep behavior disorder.

• Mood Changes:

  • Depression.  

  • Anxiety.  

• Cognitive Changes:

  • Memory problems.  

  • Difficulty with concentration.  

  • In later stages, dementia.  

• Loss of Smell (Anosmia):

  • May occur years before other symptoms.  

• Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction:

  • Constipation.  

  • Urinary problems.  

  • Blood pressure changes.  

  • excessive sweating.  

• Other symptoms:

  • Pain.

  • Fatigue.  

  • Speech changes.  

  • Swallowing difficulties.  

It's important to remember that:

• Symptoms vary from person to person.

• The progression of the disease also varies.  

• Early detection and diagnosis are crucial for effective management.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional.