Overview
Parkinson disease is a progressive condition in which certain brain cells that produce a chemical called dopamine are gradually lost, affecting movement. It typically causes tremor, slowness, and stiffness that worsen slowly over years. While there is no cure, treatment can manage symptoms well for a long time.
Symptoms
- Tremor, often starting in one hand at rest
- Slowness of movement
- Muscle stiffness
- Problems with balance and posture
- Small or cramped handwriting
- Reduced facial expression
- Soft or slurred speech
- Changes in sleep, mood, or sense of smell
Causes & risk factors
- Loss of dopamine-producing brain cells
- Genetic factors in some people
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Possible environmental exposures
- Often no single identifiable cause
Treatment & self-care
Care is led by a neurologist and centers on treatments that replace or support dopamine activity to ease movement symptoms, combined with physiotherapy, exercise, and support for non-movement symptoms. As the condition changes over time, plans are adjusted. A clinician will personalize and monitor treatment.
See a doctor urgently if
- A new persistent tremor or stiffness
- Frequent falls or sudden worsening of balance
- Difficulty swallowing or choking on food
- Sudden confusion or hallucinations
- Marked changes in mood or new depression