Parkinson's Disease
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
Parkinson's disease may cause the following:
muscular stiffness
slowness of voluntary movement, called bradykinesia
tremors, or uncontrolled shaking when not moving
The tremor of Parkinson's disease often starts on one side in the hand or arm. It usually occurs when a person is still. It can worsen with stress. It usually goes away with sleep. The tremor can occur in one or all of the extremities. It is sometimes seen in the face.
People who have Parkinson's disease may have trouble getting out of a bed or chair. People with the disease often have a unique style of walking. They bend forward, take small steps, shuffle the feet, and have problems with turning. Affected people also have a tendency to fall forward or backward. Some people cannot stop a movement once it has started. A wheelchair may be needed in severe cases.
A person with Parkinson's may complain of being weak or tired. Poor muscle movement in the face can cause a blank look. The person can have difficulty swallowing or speaking. The ability to write, button a shirt, and eat can become impaired.
Following are some of the other symptoms of the disease:
bladder and bowel control problems
decreased eye blinking
dementia, which may cause impaired memory and thinking
depression or mood swings
a drop in blood pressure when getting up from a sitting position
excessive sweating
hallucination or psychotic behavior
muscle cramps
sexual dysfunction
sleep disorders
tiny writing
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