Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is referred to as a progressive disorder. This means that the symptoms of the disease gradually worsen over time (a period of years). In PD, symptoms usually appear slowly. The main symptoms are related to movement (known as ‘motor’ symptoms), although it is thought that the very earliest signs of PD may not be movement related (so-called ‘pre-motor’ symptoms) – for example, a reduced sense of smell, constipation, depression and sleep disturbances. Research is underway to find out how detection of these symptoms may help in the early diagnosis of PD.

Follow the links to the left of this page to find out more about some of the most common symptoms of PD. It is important to remember that not all of these symptoms are found in all people with PD, and that progression (i.e., the speed of development) can vary considerably from one person to another. Therefore, these variable factors can make PD difficult to recognise in some cases.

Many symptoms of PD are aggravated by stress and situations that cause anxiety, and may be improved by proper rest and sleep, as well as relaxation and stress management strategies. Medications are used to treat the symptoms of PD, although some symptoms, e.g., ankle swelling or postural hypotension (low blood pressure on standing), may be made worse by certain treatments, leading to a need for additional medications. Therefore, it is important that people with PD are carefully monitored for their reaction to medication, which can then be adjusted accordingly.

If PD symptoms are not troubling, some physicians may consider treatment unnecessary, but there is increasing evidence that early treatment can offer advantages – providing prompt relief of symptoms and potential long-term benefits. When treatment is required, symptoms can often be controlled simply with a small amount of medication. As PD progresses, treatments may involve more than one medication to control the symptoms. However, PD is not a terminal condition and, with the right support and advice, those diagnosed with the disease can continue to live full and active lives.