Parkinson’s is a progressive brain condition, meaning the disorder worsens the longer you have it. It’s the second most common age-related degenerative brain disease, with an estimated one million people in the U.S. living with Parkinson’s disease. The total number of cases is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030, as records show nearly 90,000 new cases every year.

The condition is a result of neurons dying or becoming impaired, which causes them to produce less dopamine. Dopamine is the chemical messenger that transmits messages between nerves that control muscle movements. This causes the movement-related symptoms associated with the disease, such as:

Tremors

The most well-known symptom of Parkinson’s disease is tremors, a rhythmic shaking of muscles even when not in use. 80% of Parkinson’s disease cases report tremors. The symptom typically begins in a limb, often the hand or fingers, and usually starts on one side of the body but can affect both sides as the disease progresses.

People living with Parkinson’s disease may show subtle signs of tremors when the condition is in its earliest stages. This can include rubbing the thumb and forefinger back and forth. This is known as a pill-rolling tremor. Tremors tend to become more intense as the condition worsens, often most noticeable when the body part is at rest, and less noticeable when the body part is actively used.

Slow Movements

Very often, individuals living with Parkinson’s disease experience slowed movement, known as bradykinesia. This symptom is mistakenly associated with muscle weakness, which is common for aging adults. Instead, it has to do with problems of muscle control.

Slowed movements make simple tasks difficult. If you have Parkinson’s disease, your steps may become short when you walk. You might also drag or shuffle your feet as you move. The physical effects of Parkinson’s disease, including slowed movements, can increase the need for compassionate care.

Muscle Rigidity

Muscle stiffness, or rigidity, is a common movement-related symptom of Parkinson’s disease. It refers to a tightness or stiffness of the limbs or torso. It can be painful and limit your range of motion. Muscle rigidity can occur in any part of the body.

This symptom is often mistaken for arthritis or orthopedic problems, especially in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, people who experience muscle rigidity should seek professional evaluation from a healthcare professional to uncover the exact cause.

Postural Instability

As a result of slowed movements and stiffness associated with Parkinson’s disease, many people with the condition exhibit a hunched-over or stooped stance. Trouble with posture becomes much more noticeable as the condition worsens.

Postural instability can also lead to balance problems. This is especially dangerous for older people as it can lead to accidents. Most falls in Parkinson’s disease cases are attributed to postural instability and trouble with balance.

Voice Changes

Parkinson’s disease can limit muscle control in the throat and chest. This can result in a person speaking softly, slurring, or hesitating before speaking. Typically, others notice this symptom before the person with Parkinson’s disease, as the person’s speech may be more monotone than it was before.

Additionally, in more advanced Parkinson’s cases, speaking may become more rapid. People with severe cases tend to talk with their words crowded together. This can make communication with others challenging.

Changes in Penmanship

Changes in handwriting skills are a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Known as micrographia, this involves written words being crowded together and becoming progressively smaller as the writing continues. Others may find it difficult to translate handwritten messages from people who have Parkinson’s, further increasing the difficulty of communication.

Non-Motor Symptoms

Parkinson’s disease can produce several symptoms that aren’t related to movement and muscle control. Growing evidence suggests these symptoms are common in the earliest stages of the condition, meaning they can be warning signs that begin well before motor symptoms.

Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:

• Depression: Many people with Parkinson’s disease report feelings of depression and anxiety. These feelings can range in severity and may improve with treatment.
• Lost sense of smell: A reduced sensitivity to odors (hyposmia) or a loss of smell (anosmia) is known to be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease. You might experience this symptom months or even years before the traditional motor symptoms emerge.
• Cognitive changes: More commonly seen in more advanced stages of the condition or older people with the disease, cognitive differences may include having trouble thinking, finding the right words, or focusing. Additionally, you might find it difficult to multitask and organize daily activities due to confusion.
• Lightheadedness: Separate from symptoms of postural instability, lightheadedness is that general feeling that you might faint, and it occurs because of the body’s inability to quickly regulate blood pressure.
• Issues sleeping: Difficulties sleeping can result from Parkinson’s disease, including an inability to fall asleep or trouble staying asleep.