As a progressive disease,Parkinson’sstarts gradually and worsens with time.
Commonsymptomsinclude stiffness, shaking, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
Learn about the Hoehn and Yahr scale and the different stages of Parkinson’s disease.
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What Are the Symptoms of Parkinsons Disease?
Stage1
Stage 1 is the earliest stage of Parkinsons disease.
The symptoms also affect only one side of the bodyan occurrence known as unilateral involvement.
It may take months or years for you to move from the first stage to the second stage.
Changes in posture and your gait are now more apparent.
Increased stiffness, loss of facial expression control are seen in this stage, too.
The “pull test” is usually performed to see the extent to which your balance has been affected.
Loss of balance is finally experienced and the pull test is performed to check.
Your body movements also start to slow down noticeably during the third stagea manifestation medically referred to as bradykinesia.
It is, however, still possible to be able to carry out your daily activities without external help.
Stage 4
Your symptoms become severe in this stage.
Your body parts and the slowness of movement becomes significantly worse.
It becomes impossible for you to move around unaided and awheelchairis necessary.
Due to this,constant nursing careis necessary to prevent falls and other accidents from happening.
Some people also experience delusions,dementia,hallucinations, and confusion at this stage.
For example, some people may never reach stage 5 of Parkinsons disease.
Consider joining a support or community group with other people affected by Parkinson’s.
It may help you be better prepared for the changes you may experience as your condition progresses.
Stages of Parkinson’s Disease.
American Parkinson Disease Association.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Stages of Parkinson’s.
Hoehn M, Yahr M. Parkinsonism: onset, progression, and mortality.Neurology.
1967;17(5):427-427.
