Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder resulting from nerve cell damage. Cells in the brain that produce dopamine – necessary for the smooth control of muscles – are damaged in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Symptoms, and the progression of symptoms, vary between people. The disease generally occurs in people over 65; however, may occur earlier. Some symptoms – loss of smell, constipation, sleep disorders – may be evident years before diagnosis.

Motor Symptoms may include:

• muscle rigidity or stiffness
• slowing of movement
• stooped posture
• balance problems (falls in later stage of disease)
• tremor or shaking – usually begins in one arm, hand, foot

Non-Motor Symptoms (not related to movement) may include:

• cognitive changes – dementia, memory difficulties, personality changes, and changes in ability to think and reason
• constipation and gastrointestinal issues
• cramping
• drop in blood pressure – rising from lying or sitting position
• excessive salivation
• fatigue
• handwriting changes (smaller in height and written words may be unclear by end of sentence)
• loss of smell
• mental health issues including hallucinations and delusions
• mood disorders including anxiety, apathy and depression
• sexual issues (including impotence)
• sleep disorders including vivid dreams, excessive daytime sleepiness, REM sleep disorder (person acts out their dreams)
• speech problems (e.g., like stuttering, decreased volume of speech)
• swallowing difficulties
• sweating and increased sensitivity to temperatures
• urinary urgency, frequency and incontinence
• visual disturbances