About Parkinson's

Unfortunately there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, although some of the movement symptoms can be alleviated for a time. The movement-related symptoms are mild at the start and often appear just on one side of the body. As they progress symptoms become more pronounced and appear in other parts of the body.

The characteristic Parkinson’s disease tremor can begin in the forearms, hands or fingers, especially when the limb is at rest, but the foot, mouth and chin can also be involved. Over time, PD reduces the ability to move and slows voluntary movements such as standing up or sitting down – also known as bradykinesia.

It also becomes difficult to initiate walking and the gait is marked by shuffling feet, lack of arm swing and head down. Muscle stiffness can limit the range of motion and cause pain while posture may become stooped accompanied by balance problems and more frequent falls.

In later stages as the automatic movements of the muscles become slower, people with Parkinson’s may also experience:

• Changes to their speech
• Problems with swallowing and drooling
• Writing difficulties and the handwriting may appear small
• Sleep issues and may act out their dreams.
• Sudden drops in blood pressure, leaving them lightheaded
• Sense of smell loss
• Fatigue and pain in various parts of their bodies
• Depression, anxiety, cognitive difficulties and dementia.

The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown. There may be genetic causes for some patients and environmental causes for others – such as exposure to herbicides and pesticides in farm workers – but with a combination of environment and genes contributing to the disease for most people.

Who can develop Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s disease is usually diagnosed around the age of 65, but one in 10 will be diagnosed before they are 45. Men are slightly more at risk of developing Parkinson’s than women.