Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that can cause various symptoms, such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with movement.

The disease results from the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells in the substantia nigra, a region of the brain that controls movement. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate movement and emotional responses. When dopamine levels decrease, it can lead to Parkinson’s disease.

Although Parkinson’s disease is usually diagnosed in older adults, it can affect people of all ages.

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can vary from person to person, and not everyone with Parkinson’s disease will experience all of the symptoms. Here are 30 symptoms of Parkinson’s disease that you need to know:.

: 1. Tremors

The most common symptom of Parkinson’s disease is tremors. Tremors can occur in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face. The tremors typically occur at rest and can disappear during movement.

: 2. Rigidity

Parkinson’s disease can cause stiffness and rigidity in the muscles, making it difficult to move. The rigidity can affect any part of the body and can make daily tasks, such as getting dressed or bathing, challenging.

: 3. Bradykinesia

Bradykinesia refers to slowness of movement. It can make simple tasks, such as getting out of bed or brushing teeth, take much longer than usual.

: 4. Postural Instability

Postural instability is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. It can cause difficulty maintaining balance, leading to falls and injuries.

: 5. Gait Problems

People with Parkinson’s disease often have gait problems, such as shuffling or dragging their feet when they walk. They may also have difficulty starting and stopping movements.

: 6. Masked Face

Masked face, also known as facial masking, is a symptom of Parkinson’s disease that makes it difficult to express emotions. People with Parkinson’s disease may have a blank stare or a mask-like appearance.

: 7. Soft Speech

Soft speech, also known as hypophonia, is a symptom of Parkinson’s disease that makes it difficult to speak loudly or clearly.

People with Parkinson’s disease may speak in a whisper or mumble, making it difficult for others to understand them.

: 8. Difficulty Swallowing

People with Parkinson’s disease may have difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia. This can lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia.

: 9. Constipation

Constipation is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease, affecting up to 80% of people with the disease. The loss of dopamine-producing cells can result in slower bowel movements, making it challenging to pass stools.

: 10. Loss of Sense of Smell

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience a loss of sense of smell, known as hyposmia. This can occur years before the onset of other symptoms.

: 11. Sleep Disorders

People with Parkinson’s disease often experience sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep apnea. They may also experience rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, which causes people to physically act out their dreams while sleeping.

: 12. Fatigue

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience fatigue, even with sufficient sleep. Fatigue can impact their ability to complete daily tasks.

: 13. Depression and Anxiety

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience depression and anxiety, which can negatively impact their quality of life.

The psychological symptoms may be due to the loss of dopamine-producing cells and the stress of living with a chronic illness.

: 14. Cognitive Impairment

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience mild cognitive impairment, such as forgetfulness or difficulty with planning and organization. In some cases, Parkinson’s disease can progress to dementia.

: 15. Speech and Writing Changes

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience changes in their speech and writing. Their handwriting may become smaller and more difficult to read, and their speech may become slurred or monotone.

: 16. Pain

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience pain, such as muscle cramps or joint pain. The pain may be due to rigidity and stiffness in the muscles.

: 17. Vision Problems

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience vision problems, such as blurred vision or difficulty seeing contrast. The vision problems may be due to changes in the brain or side effects of medication.

: 18. Orthostatic Hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure upon standing up. People with Parkinson’s disease may experience this symptom, which can cause fainting or dizziness.

: 19. Urinary Problems

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience urinary problems, such as urgency or frequency. They may also experience incontinence.

: 20. Sexual Dysfunction

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience sexual dysfunction, such as decreased libido or erectile dysfunction. The cause of sexual dysfunction is unclear but may be due to the loss of dopamine or medication side effects.

: 21. Drooling

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience excessive drooling or saliva production, known as sialorrhea. The cause of drooling is unclear but may be due to a decrease in swallowing and excessive production of spit.

: 22. Skin Problems

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience skin problems, such as dry skin or rashes. The cause of skin problems is unclear but may be due to medication side effects or reduced mobility.

: 23. Loss of Balance

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience a loss of balance, making it difficult to stand or walk. The loss of balance can increase the risk of falls and injuries.

: 24. Handwriting Changes

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience changes in their handwriting, such as smaller and harder-to-read letters. The changes in handwriting are due to a decrease in fine motor skills.

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience social withdrawal, choosing to avoid social situations or activities they once enjoyed. The social withdrawal may be due to depression or anxiety.

: 26. Loss of Taste

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience a loss of taste, known as ageusia. The cause of ageusia is unclear but may be due to changes in the brain.

: 27. Memory Loss

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience memory loss, particularly in the early stages of the disease. The memory loss may be due to changes in the brain or medication side effects.

: 28. Slower Digestion

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience slower digestion, leading to bloating, nausea, and constipation. The slower digestion may be due to changes in the muscles of the digestive tract.

: 29. Difficulty Multi-Tasking

People with Parkinson’s disease may have difficulty multi-tasking, making it challenging to complete multiple tasks at once. The difficulty in multi-tasking may be due to slower processing speed.

: 30. Hallucinations and Delusions

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience hallucinations and delusions in the later stages of the disease, particularly if they are taking certain medications.

The hallucinations and delusions may be due to changes in the brain or medication side effects.

Conclusion

Parkinson’s disease is a complex condition that can cause a variety of symptoms. It is important to be aware of these symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, speak to a healthcare professional for further evaluation.