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What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?
The main symptoms of Parkin
"What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the nervous system. It results from damage to the nerve cells that produce dopamine, a chemical that is vital for the smooth control of muscles and movement.
Parkinson's disease mainly affects people aged over 65, but it can come on earlie
- tremor or shaking, often when resting or tired. It usually begins in one arm or hand
- muscle rigidity or stiffness, which can limit movement and may be painful
- slowing of movement, which may lead to periods of freezing (inability to start moving) and small shuffling steps
- stooped posture and balance problems
The symptoms of Parkinson's disease vary from person to person as well as over time. Some people also experience:
- loss of unconscious movements, such as blinking and smiling
- difficulties with handwriting
- changes to speech, such as soft, quick or slurred speech
- anxiety or depression
- loss of smell
- constipation
- lack of urinary control
- sleep disturbance
- fatigue
- impotence
- drop in blood pressure leading to dizziness
- difficulty swallowing
- sweating
Many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease could be caused by other conditions. For example, stooped posture could be caused by osteoporosis. But if you are worried by your symptoms, it is a good idea to see your doctor.
What causes Parkinson's disease?
Doctors do not yet know the cause of the disorder, and it's thought to be inherited in only a small proportion of cases. Exposure to certain toxins in the environment is also thought to play a small role."
