Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEarly Signs & SymptomsCausesDiagnosisPreventionTreatment & ManagementComplicationsResourcesOutlookNext in Parkinson’s Disease GuideTypes of Parkinson’s Disease

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Early Signs & Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Prevention

Treatment & Management

Complications

Resources

Outlook

Next in Parkinson’s Disease Guide

Learn about the early signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s and the causes, diagnosis, and disease progression.

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Caregiver holding the hand of an older adult

Early Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Oneearly symptom of Parkinson’sistremors, which begin mild but progress over time to include rigid muscles and mobility challenges.Tremors can affect the fingers, hands, arms, legs, jaw, and head, occurring in a rolling motion rather than shaking.

Other early signs of the disease are walking slower than usual and having constipation.Up to 60% of people with Parkinson’s also experiencedementia.

Additional Parkinson’s disease symptoms include:

What Causes Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s diseaseoccurs when brain cells (neurons) in the part of the brain responsible for movement are damaged or die. When this happens the brain cannot makedopamine, a chemical messenger linked to attention and movement.

Researchers don’t completely understand why this happens to some people. Still, they theorize that it is partially due to genetics and external factors such as pollution and harmful substances used in farming.

Causes and Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s Disease

Risk Factors for Parkinson’s

Age is the primary risk factor for Parkinson’s disease, with 60 being the average age at diagnosis. It occurs more often in people assigned male at birth than those assigned female.Geneticsis another concern, so people who have a family member with Parkinson’s disease are at an increased risk.Other risk factors include:

How Is Parkinson’s Diagnosed?

Getting a Parkinson’s diagnosis typically begins with an office visit in which a healthcare provider or specialist, like a neurologist, will ask questions about your symptoms and take a personal medical and family history. They may also perform tests to evaluate your movement, speech, and other tasks.

Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis

Age of Diagnosis

Theaverage ageof diagnosis is 60, with up to 90% of people with Parkinson’s disease diagnosed after they turn 50.When people experience symptoms earlier, it is generally linked to genetics.

Accepting a Parkinson’s Diagnosis

Can You Prevent Parkinson’s Disease?

While some people may be at a greater risk for Parkinson’s disease through genetic or environmental factors, some things can be done toprevent the progression of it. Adopting a healthy diet and regularexerciseroutine can help reduce the risk.Additionally, early diagnosis may help with treatments to prevent disease progression.

Treatment and Management of Parkinson’s Disease

Thetreatment for Parkinson’s diseasedepends on individual needs, symptoms, and preferences.Some possible treatment options include the following:

Complications in Parkinson’s Patients

Parkinson’s disease can lead to complications and health challenges. For example, severe rigidity, tremors, or balance issues can lead to falls.People with Parkinson’s may also experience mental challenges like psychosis andhallucinations.Additional conditions often occur in conjunction with Parkinson’s disease, includingdepression, sleep disorders, or cognitive difficulties.

Co-Occurring Conditions

Nearly 70% of people with Parkinson’s disease also havehigh blood pressure.Many people with Parkinson’s disease, especially older patients, also experience depression,anxiety, or both.Sleep disorders are also associated with Parkinson’s disease, such ascircadian rhythmdisruptions,insomnia, andREM (rapid eye movement) sleep behavior disorder.

Parkinson’s Resources, Coping, and Support

Many resources are available for people with Parkinson’s, and there are many ways to cope.The support strategies you choose depend on your experience with the disease. For example, many people experience stress that makes their symptoms worse. Stress management practices such as exercise andmindfulnessmay help relieve symptoms.Additional support options include:

Outlook for Parkinson’s Disease

Advancements intreatmentoptions for Parkinson’s have increased longevity for people with the disease. People with Parkinson’s disease tend to live as long or close to as long as people without the disease. However, it puts a strain on the body and mind, which can contribute to co-occurring conditions that lead to worse health outcomes.Even though symptoms typically progress slowly, seeking care early and regularly is important.

Worsening Parkinson’s Disease and Associated Triggers

Summary

Parkinson’s disease is a medical condition that causes tremors, difficulty with mobility, and cognitive challenges. It is typically diagnosed later in life, with 60 being the average age of diagnosis. There is no definitive cause. Men are more likely to be affected than women, and genetic and environmental factors such as exposure to pollution may contribute to disease development. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly may help reduce your risk. Treatments include medications and therapy.

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22 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Parkinson’s Foundation.What is Parkinson’s?American Psychological Association.Parkinson’s disease (PD).National Institute on Aging.Parkinson’s disease: Causes, symptoms, and treatments.Parkinson’s Foundation.Tremor.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Parkinson’s symptoms.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Parkinson’s disease risk factors and causes.National Health Service.Parkinson’s disease causes.Parkinson’s Foundation.Getting diagnosed.Johns Hopkins Medicine.How Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease: 7 things to do now.University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center.The two best ways to prevent Parkinson’s disease.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Parkinson’s disease: Challenges, progress, and progress.Parkinson’s Foundation.Treatment.Simonet C, Tolosa E, Camara A, Valldeoriola F.Emergencies and critical issues in Parkinson’s disease.Practical Neurology. 2020;20(1):15-25. doi:10.1136/practneurol-2018-002075Minar M, Dragasek J, Valkovic P.Comorbidities in Parkinson’s disease – The results from national epidemiological study cosmos.Journal of the Neurological Sciences. 2019;405:211. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2019.10.1193Sleep Foundation.Parkinson’s disease and sleep.Parkinson’s Foundation.Coping with a diagnosis.van der Heide A, Speckens AEM, Meinders MJ, Rosenthal LS, Bloem BR, Helmich RC.Stress and mindfulness in Parkinson’s disease - a survey in 5000 patients.NPJ Parkinsons Dis. 2021;7(1):7. doi:10.1038/s41531-020-00152-9Parkinson’s Foundation.Emotional and mental health.Johns Hopkins Medicine.6 Medication-free ways to feel better with Parkinson’s disease.Johns Hopkins Medicine.The Parkinson’s caregiver: 7 ways to help your loved one.National Health Service.Parkinson’s disease overview.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Parkinson’s Foundation.What is Parkinson’s?American Psychological Association.Parkinson’s disease (PD).National Institute on Aging.Parkinson’s disease: Causes, symptoms, and treatments.Parkinson’s Foundation.Tremor.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Parkinson’s symptoms.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Parkinson’s disease risk factors and causes.National Health Service.Parkinson’s disease causes.Parkinson’s Foundation.Getting diagnosed.Johns Hopkins Medicine.How Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease: 7 things to do now.University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center.The two best ways to prevent Parkinson’s disease.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Parkinson’s disease: Challenges, progress, and progress.Parkinson’s Foundation.Treatment.Simonet C, Tolosa E, Camara A, Valldeoriola F.Emergencies and critical issues in Parkinson’s disease.Practical Neurology. 2020;20(1):15-25. doi:10.1136/practneurol-2018-002075Minar M, Dragasek J, Valkovic P.Comorbidities in Parkinson’s disease – The results from national epidemiological study cosmos.Journal of the Neurological Sciences. 2019;405:211. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2019.10.1193Sleep Foundation.Parkinson’s disease and sleep.Parkinson’s Foundation.Coping with a diagnosis.van der Heide A, Speckens AEM, Meinders MJ, Rosenthal LS, Bloem BR, Helmich RC.Stress and mindfulness in Parkinson’s disease - a survey in 5000 patients.NPJ Parkinsons Dis. 2021;7(1):7. doi:10.1038/s41531-020-00152-9Parkinson’s Foundation.Emotional and mental health.Johns Hopkins Medicine.6 Medication-free ways to feel better with Parkinson’s disease.Johns Hopkins Medicine.The Parkinson’s caregiver: 7 ways to help your loved one.National Health Service.Parkinson’s disease overview.

Parkinson’s Foundation.What is Parkinson’s?

American Psychological Association.Parkinson’s disease (PD).

National Institute on Aging.Parkinson’s disease: Causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Parkinson’s Foundation.Tremor.

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Parkinson’s symptoms.

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Parkinson’s disease risk factors and causes.

National Health Service.Parkinson’s disease causes.

Parkinson’s Foundation.Getting diagnosed.

Johns Hopkins Medicine.How Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed.

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease: 7 things to do now.

University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center.The two best ways to prevent Parkinson’s disease.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Parkinson’s disease: Challenges, progress, and progress.

Parkinson’s Foundation.Treatment.

Simonet C, Tolosa E, Camara A, Valldeoriola F.Emergencies and critical issues in Parkinson’s disease.Practical Neurology. 2020;20(1):15-25. doi:10.1136/practneurol-2018-002075

Minar M, Dragasek J, Valkovic P.Comorbidities in Parkinson’s disease – The results from national epidemiological study cosmos.Journal of the Neurological Sciences. 2019;405:211. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2019.10.1193

Sleep Foundation.Parkinson’s disease and sleep.

Parkinson’s Foundation.Coping with a diagnosis.

van der Heide A, Speckens AEM, Meinders MJ, Rosenthal LS, Bloem BR, Helmich RC.Stress and mindfulness in Parkinson’s disease - a survey in 5000 patients.NPJ Parkinsons Dis. 2021;7(1):7. doi:10.1038/s41531-020-00152-9

Parkinson’s Foundation.Emotional and mental health.

Johns Hopkins Medicine.6 Medication-free ways to feel better with Parkinson’s disease.

Johns Hopkins Medicine.The Parkinson’s caregiver: 7 ways to help your loved one.

National Health Service.Parkinson’s disease overview.

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