Parkinson's disease

Overview

Early signs can include loss of smell, constipation, and acting out dreams.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Tremor at rest
• Stiffness or slowness
• Shaking or tremor
• Slow movement or small handwriting

Less common

• Small handwriting
• Soft voice
• Shuffling walk
• Loss of smell

Look up a symptom: Joints stiff after rest or in the morning · Shaking or tremor · Slow movement or small handwriting · Trouble with balance or walking

When to get medical care

Causes

Loss of dopamine nerve cells.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older age
• Men

Possible complications

• Falls

Diagnosis

A neurologist examines.

Questions you may be asked

• Smell, sleep, constipation

The exam

Movement exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• DaTscan: Sometimes.

Treatment

Stay active.

Self-care

• Exercise daily: walking, cycling, boxing classes
• Make the home fall-safe
• Physical and speech therapy

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).

Living with it

• Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
• Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
• Make your home safe from falls: good lighting, no loose rugs, grab bars.
• Ask your doctor whether it's safe to drive.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• Parkinson's Foundation: Helpline 1-800-473-4636 and exercise and support programs.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Many people keep working in the early stages, with changes to their tasks.
• Plan ahead for work, money, and legal choices while you can.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Set up a pill organizer and a simple daily routine.
• Make the home safe from falls.
• Go to visits with them and write down what the doctor says.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Treatment keeps many people active for years.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Which exercise is best?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Parkinson's disease