what are the 40 symptoms of parkinsons disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement but may also have non-motor symptoms. While there are many symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease it is important to note that not all individuals will experience all of these symptoms and the severity and progression of symptoms can vary. Here is a list of some common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease:
Motor Characteristics: –
- Tremors: Resting tremors usually starting in an arm, hand or leg.
- Bradykinesia: slowness of movement which includes difficulty initiating and executing voluntary movements.
- Rigidity: One of the Stiffness or resistance to movement in the limbs or trunk.
- Postural instability: Impaired balance and coordination, leading to difficulty with posture and falling.
- Freezing: Brief episodes where a person feels unable to start or continue activities that are often done while walking.
Motor Symptoms: –
- Bladder control problems (incontinence)
- Impaired fine motor skills
- Difficulty with multitasking
- Impaired attention and concentration
- Difficulty with problem-solving
- Apathy and lack of motivation
- Slowed thinking and reaction time
- Impulsive behavior or compulsive behaviors (gambling, shopping)
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Tremor or stiffness in the legs or feet (referred to as “restless legs syndrome”)
Non-motor Symptoms: –
- Micrographia: Small, tight writing.
- Decreased sense of smell or loss of sense of smell (anosmia).
- Sleep disturbances: insomnia, vivid dreaming, restless leg syndrome or excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Fatigue: General lack of energy or persistent tiredness.
- Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness or loss of interest.
- Anxiety: Excessive worrying, restlessness or feeling on edge.
- Cognitive changes: slow thinking, difficulty multitasking, problems with memory and executive functions.
- Difficulty speaking and swallowing: soft or slurred speech, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
- Drooling: Increased saliva production and difficulty swallowing it.
- Orthostatic hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, causing dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Constipation: Infrequent or difficult bowel movements.
- Urinary problems: urgency, frequency or difficulty urinating.
- Sexual dysfunction: decreased libido, erectile dysfunction or difficulties with arousal.
- Pain: musculoskeletal pain, pain related to dystonia or neuropathic pain.
- Sensory disturbances: restless legs syndrome, tingling or numbness in the extremities.
- Excessive sweating: Increased sweating even without physical exertion.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: An inflammatory skin condition characterized by redness, scaling and itching.
- Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss.
- Hallucinations: seeing or hearing things that are not there (usually in the later stages).
- Dementia: memory loss, confusion and impaired cognitive ability (usually in the later stages).