Condition
Overview
In plain language
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nervous system. It primarily affects movement, causing tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. While Parkinson's disease can affect people of all ages, it is most common in older adults.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. It develops when nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine—a chemical that helps control movement—become damaged or die.
Symptoms typically develop slowly and worsen over time. They include tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and balance difficulties. In later stages, cognitive and emotional changes may also occur.
Parkinson’s is more common in older adults, especially those over 60. Although there is no cure, various treatments can help manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.
Key Information
Review the most relevant symptoms, risk factors, and common care approaches in one place.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, including:
Age: The risk of Parkinson's disease increases with age.
Genetics: A family history of Parkinson's disease can increase your risk.
Environmental factors: Exposure to certain toxins or environmental pollutants may increase the risk.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Parkinson's disease can vary widely from person to person and progress at different rates. Common symptoms include:
Tremor: Shaking, usually in the hands, arms, legs, or head.
Stiffness: Stiff muscles that make it difficult to move normally.
Slowed movement (bradykinesia): Difficulty initiating movement and slowness of movement.
Postural instability: Impaired balance and coordination, leading to falls.
Non-motor symptoms: Depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, constipation, and difficulty thinking and reasoning.
Coping Strategies
Coping with Parkinson's disease can be challenging, but there are strategies to manage symptoms and improve quality of life:
Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and balance.
Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help with daily living activities and assistive device training.
Speech therapy: Speech therapy can help with speech and swallowing difficulties.
Medication: Medications can help manage symptoms, such as tremors and stiffness.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be an option to alleviate symptoms.
Common Treatments
Treatment for Parkinson's disease focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Common treatments include:
Medication: Medications such as levodopa-carbidopa and dopamine agonists can help control symptoms.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS): A surgical procedure that involves implanting a device to stimulate specific areas of the brain.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and balance.
Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help with daily living activities and assistive device training.
Speech therapy: Speech therapy can help with speech and swallowing difficulties.
Treatments That May Help
Start with the options that have more supporting research and then review the details with your care team.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) is an amino-acid-derived nutrient that helps the body convert fat into energy. It supports healthy nerve function and may enhance memory and alertness in older adults experiencing fatigue or mild cognitive changes.
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa monnieri is an Ayurvedic herb known for improving memory, focus, and information retention. It may enhance learning capacity and reduce mental fatigue in older adults.
Research on This Condition
Browse the evidence base by quality score or recency to understand what is strongest today.
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Heavy cannabis use is linked to lower brain activity in some tasks.
Herbal Remedies Show Promise for Dementia Symptoms in Seniors
Herbal treatments may offer symptom relief for dementia patients who struggle with standard medications, though more research is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parkinson's Disease
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