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.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson's?
Common symptoms include tremor, rigidity (stiffness), slowness of movement, sleep problems and pain.
But not everyone gets the same symptoms. People have different experiences of how their condition changes or progresses. How Parkinson’s affects someone can change from day to day, and even from hour to hour.
You may hear Parkinson’s symptoms referred to as motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms.
Motor symptoms
Motor symptoms affect your movement and balance. They include tremor, stiffness and slowness of movement.
Non-motor symptoms
Non-motor symptoms affect you in other ways that may not be easily seen by other people. They include pain, sleep problems, and changes to other parts of the body.
Behavioural symptoms
Behavioural symptoms affect your mood, cognitive ability and outlook, and include mental health issues.
Early symptoms of Parkinson's
Are you concerned that you, or someone you know, may have Parkinson’s? It’s always best to talk to your GP first. They can refer you to a specialist if your symptoms need further investigation.
Tremors, muscle stiffness and slowness of movement are all common early symptoms of Parkinson's. But there are also other signs to be aware of.
Ways to manage your Parkinson's symptoms
Drug treatments are the main way to manage the symptoms of Parkinson's.
Being active for 2.5 hours a week can help manage Parkinson’s symptoms, and has a positive impact both physically and mentally.
Many people find that keeping a diary is a helpful way of monitoring their Parkinson's.
The main therapies are occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy.