What Parkinson’s looks like differs a bit from person to person, but symptoms always worsen over time.
What Are the Symptoms of Parkinsons Disease?
Frequent Symptoms
Symptoms of Parkinson’stypically start subtly and progress over years.
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Tremors
Thetremorsof Parkinsons disease, often described as pill-rolling, are slow frequency tremors with varying amplitude.
The tremors usually affect the hands and arms, although they can also involve the chin or the legs.
Parkinson’s disease tremors areresting tremors.
Stiffness
Parkinson’s disease commonly causes stiffness (postural rigidity) throughout the body.
Slow Movements
Most people with Parkinson’s disease move slowlywhat’s known asbradykinesia.
The speech can be slow in some patients, but fast in others.
Handwriting Changes
Dysgraphiarefers to changes in handwriting seen in Parkinson’s disease.
These include changes in the speed and fluency of writing, as well asmicrographia.
Masked Face
One of the telltale signs of Parkinson’s disease is alack of animated facial expression.
In fact, apathy may be one of the earliest effects of the disease.
Decreased Blinking
One of the common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is decreased blinking.
This can make someone look as if they are staring at someone or something.
The reduced blinking may also make eyes dry.
The sleep problems resulting from Parkinsons disease ultimately result in a sense of fatigue.
Rare Symptoms
There are other, less common effects of Parkinson’s disease.
Unexplained Crying
Parkinson’s disease can produce bouts of tearfulness.
These are usually mild and unexplained episodes of weeping that come on unexpectedly.
OH causes fluctuations in blood pressure, predominantly causing unexpected and sudden episodes of low blood pressure.
Symptoms include lightheadedness, dizziness, and loss of balance.
Forgetfulness
Parkinsons disease can be associated with a punch in of dementia calledsubcortical dementia.
Dementia tends to occur late in the course of the disease.
Stooped Posture
A trademark hunched-over posture can eventually develop with Parkinsons disease.
Balance Problems
Parkinson’s disease can interfere with balance.
As the disease progresses, it becomes a challenge to remain standing without leaning on something for support.
Sadness is the emotion most prevalent among people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Dyskinesia
As the condition advances, involuntary twisting or writhing movements can develop.
Dyskinesias can be painful and may be treated with medication or with specialized neurosurgical procedures.
Hallucinations
The medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease may trigger hallucinations.
These hallucinations are typically visual.
Auditory (hearing voices), olfactory, and tactile hallucinations also can occur but are less common.
These symptoms may or may not be Parkinsons disease, but they should be assessed.
That, and trepidation about being diagnosed, often prevents people from seeking an evaluation.
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American Parkinsons Disease Association.Tremors in Parkinsons.
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