Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive and chronic neurodegenerative disease of the brain that leads to abnormalities in movement and muscle tone. The classic signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are tremors at rest, slowing of movement, instability, and motor stiffness or weakness. This movement disorder can affect the performance of daily activities and lead to sleep problems, anxiety, fatigue, and depression. There are an estimated 10 million people worldwide who suffer from Parkinson’s disease with 1 million diagnosed in the United States alone. It usually strikes people after the age of 65, but much younger people have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. While the disease can be very difficult to live with, many people with PD live healthy and fulfilling lives with a supportive social network, medications, and a strong relationship with their healthcare team.
Motor symptoms:
- Rigidity or stiffness of the muscles
- Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
- Tremor (rhythmic shaking)
- Trouble with balance, posture, and coordination
- Trouble walking
- Difficulty in initiating movements
Non-motor symptoms:
- Sleep problems
- Depression
- Difficulty in thinking
- Constipation
- Anxiety