Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease generally develop slowly over many years, and the progression of symptoms can vary from person to person due to the complexity of the disease. Individuals living with Parkinson’s may experience a variety of motor and non-motor symptoms. 

Common motor symptoms may include:

Tremors, often occurring at rest and commonly described as a “pill-rolling” tremor in the hands

Slowness or reduced movement, known as bradykinesia and hypokinesia

Muscle stiffness or rigidity

Gait, balance, and postural instability

In addition to movement-related (“motor”) symptoms, many individuals also experience “non-motor” symptoms, which can significantly impact quality of life.

These may include:

Depression, anxiety, or apathy

Hallucinations

Constipation

Orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing)

Sleep disturbances

Loss of sense of smell

Cognitive changes or impairments

Because Parkinson’s disease affects each person differently, individualized care and support are essential for managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life.