u/Manon84

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Parkinson's disease presents with over 40 distinct symptoms, categorized into motor (movement) and non-motor issues. While tremor, rigidity, and slowness (bradykinesia) are common, many others affect daily life, including sleep disorders, cognitive changes, constipation, and mental health issues. Symptoms vary widely in intensity and progression for each individual. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Key Motor Symptoms (Movement)
Tremor: Involuntary shaking, often at rest.
Bradykinesia: Extreme slowness of movement.
Rigidity: Stiffness of limbs and trunk.
Postural Instability: Poor balance, causing falls.
Freezing of Gait: Temporary inability to move, often in tight spaces.
Micrographia: Abnormally small handwriting.
Masked Face: Reduced facial expression.
Speech Changes: Soft, monotone, or slurred speech.
Dystonia: Involuntary muscle contractions. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Common Non-Motor Symptoms
Constipation: A very common, early symptom.
Sleep Disorders: Including REM sleep behavior disorder (acting out dreams).
Fatigue: Persistent lack of energy.
Loss of Smell: Reduced or total loss of smell.
Mental Health: Depression, anxiety, or apathy.
Cognitive Issues: Memory problems or dementia.
Pain: Muscle or joint pain.
Blood Pressure Changes: Dizziness upon standing (orthostatic hypotension).
Bladder Issues: Urgency or incontinence.
Vision Changes: Dry eyes or blurred vision. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Other Reported Symptoms
Skin Changes: Seborrheic dermatitis (oily/flaky skin).
Drooling: Due to decreased swallowing.
Weight Loss: Mild to moderate.
Impulse Control Disorders: Compulsive behaviors.
Psychosis: Hallucinations or delusions. [1, 2, 3, 4]
For a detailed breakdown of these symptoms, you can refer to resources from Parkinson's Ireland and Parkinson's UK. [1, 2, 3, 4]