How does Parkinson's progress?
There are over 40 symptoms of Parkinson’s. But the symptoms someone might have and how quickly they develop will be different for everyone.
On this page we've listed some of the most common questions people have about how Parkinson's progresses.
How do Parkinson's symptoms progress?
Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, meaning it gets worse over time.
But Parkinson’s affects everyone differently. The symptoms you experience, the order they appear, and how they progress will be personal to you. No two journeys with Parkinson’s are the same.
How Parkinson’s affects someone can change from day to day, and even from hour to hour. Symptoms that may be noticeable one day may not be a problem the next.
The most common symptoms of Parkinson's are:
But many people also have other symptoms, called non-motor symptoms. These include:
How can I manage the progression of my Parkinson's symptoms?
Although it’s not possible to stop your symptoms from progressing, there are many ways to manage your symptoms and live well with the condition.
- Your specialist or Parkinson’s nurse can work with you to make sure your medication is tailored to give you the best results with the fewest side effects. They can also provide advice and support on other ways to manage your symptoms.
- Therapies such as speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy can make a big difference in helping you stay active and independent. Speak to your Parkinson’s nurse or specialist about getting a referral. Read more about treatments and therapies for Parkinson's.
- Regular physical activity and exercise are important for managing your symptoms and can make living with Parkinson’s easier. The key is to find something you enjoy, whether that’s walking, dancing, swimming, or anything else that keeps you moving. Read more about physical activity and exercise.
- Other health professionals like pharmacists, mental health professionals, and dietitians, can also offer expert support. Read more about the health professionals you might see.
- There are lots of practical steps you can take yourself too. Our magazine is full of helpful tips, real-life stories, and Q&As to guide you, inspire you and help you better understand your condition. Read our magazine.
What is advanced Parkinson's?
Advanced Parkinson's means a time when symptoms may be more complex and have a bigger impact on your daily life.
This might happen if your Parkinson’s medication becomes less effective at controlling your symptoms, or if the side effects of the drugs start to outweigh their benefits.
Planning ahead and learning about what to expect during this stage can help you feel more prepared and in control. Support is available to help you navigate this time.
Can I die from Parkinson's?
Having advanced or complex symptoms of Parkinson’s can make you more vulnerable to serious health problems. This means that people with Parkinson’s generally have a shorter life expectancy than people without the condition.
Why does this happen?
When someone dies due to Parkinson's, it is often as a result of complications linked to the condition, rather than Parkinson's itself.
Complications related to Parkinson’s which can increase the risk of dying include:
- aspiration pneumonia (an infection caused by breathing in food or liquid and not being able to cough it back up)
- falls and bone fractures
- chest infections, including pneumonia
- weight loss.
Getting the right support to help you manage your symptoms is very important. It can help you reduce the risk of having one of these complications or help you recover if you do have one.
We know this information might feel upsetting or overwhelming, but please remember that you’re not alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Get support today
Our free, confidential helpline is available to offer practical and emotional support. They can talk to you or people close to you about all aspects of living with the condition - from how to manage symptoms, to getting a referral to the right health professional.
- Call: 0808 800 0303
- Email: [email protected].
Related content
Everyone's Parkinson's is different. If you think you may have Parkinson's, it's important that you speak to a health professional about your symptoms.
This information explains what healthcare you should be getting, how to access it and your options if you are struggling.
There are over 40 symptoms of Parkinson’s. From a tremor or stiffness, to problems with sleep and mental health. Everyone’s experience is different.
If you'd like to find out more about how we put our information together, including references and the sources of evidence we use, please contact us at [email protected]