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Rajani Shrestha, DO

Medically reviewed by:
Rajani Shrestha, DO

Parkinson’s disease is an age-related brain disorder that mainly affects movement and coordination. Approximately 90-95% of people develop Parkinson’s after the age of 60.1 Symptoms typically develop gradually and get worse over time. Early signs can be easy to miss, but people may have problems walking, talking, or completing simple tasks as the disease progresses.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the nervous system that primarily affects how the brain controls movement. It occurs when nerve cells in a part of the brain, called the substantia nigra, become damaged or die. These nerve cells produce dopamine, a chemical that helps the brain send signals needed for controlling movement. As dopamine levels drop, communication between the brain and body is disrupted, and movement becomes slower and more difficult to control. Over time, Parkinson’s can also impact other brain functions, including mood, sleep, thinking, and even cause memory problems.2

Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

The main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are related to movement and coordination. However, the symptoms, how severe they are, and how fast they develop will differ for each person. Early signs may be subtle and often mistaken for other health issues, but over time, symptoms may become more noticeable and may affect daily life. They may start on one side of the body but gradually affect both sides.2

There are four main symptoms of Parkinson’s:

  • Tremor, often starting in the hands, feet, or jaw
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Slowed movement
  • Balance problems

In addition to movement problems, other symptoms may include:

  • Decreased facial expressions
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Sleep problems
  • Trouble swallowing or chewing
  • Skin problems
  • Memory problems

Parkinson’s Disease Causes & Risk Factors

Doctors and researchers still don’t know the exact causes of Parkinson’s disease, but they believe it’s a mix of genetics and environmental factors. However, some risk factors are known to increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s:2

  • Being over the age of 60
  • Family history
  • Males
  • Exposure to pesticides

Though these factors may raise your risk, having one or more doesn’t mean you will develop Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are many ways to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment will be different for each individual but may include a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and therapy.1,2

Medications

  • Levodopa/carbidopa. Levodopa is the main therapy for Parkinson’s disease, helping to replace lost dopamine. It’s often used in combination with carbidopa to decrease the side effects of levodopa therapy.
  • Dopamine agonists (pramipexole, ropinirole). Mimics the effect of dopamine in the brain.
  • MAO-B inhibitors (selegiline, rasagiline). Slows the breakdown of dopamine in the brain.
  • COMT inhibitors (entacapone, tolcapone). These medications make the effects of levodopa last longer by preventing breakdown of dopamine.
  • Anticholinergics (trihexyphenidyl and benztropine). These are especially helpful for tremors.
  • Amantadine. Used to help reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Non-Medication Treatments

  • Deep brain stimulation. A surgical option for advanced cases where an electrode is surgically implanted into the brain. Electrical signals sent to the brain are used to help decrease the movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as tremors, slow movements, and stiff or rigid muscles. It usually doesn’t help problems with balance, posture, speech, depression, or dementia.
  • Physical therapy. Improves gait disorders and balance.
  • Occupational therapy. Helps support everyday tasks.
  • Speech therapy. Improves problems with speech and swallowing.
  • Exercise. Activities such as yoga, cycling, or swimming can improve balance, mobility, and strength.
  • Diet. A healthy diet includes overall well-being and can help avoid some symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as constipation.3

How is Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosed?

There is no single test to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. Your primary care provider (PCP) may suspect Parkinson’s disease based on your symptoms, medical history, and physical exam.1,2 Your PCP may refer you to a neurologist (a specialist trained to recognize and treat movement disorders) if they think you may have Parkinson’s.

Find compassionate, expert care with a Parkinson’s doctor near me.

Frequently Asked Questions About Parkinson’s Disease

Is Parkinson’s disease genetic?

Yes, in some cases. While most people with Parkinson’s don’t have a family history, certain genetic mutations can increase the risk. If a close relative has Parkinson’s, such as a parent or sibling, your risk may be slightly higher. Not all people with a family history of Parkinson’s will develop the disease. Environmental and lifestyle factors have also been shown to contribute to the overall risk.

What foods should be avoided if you have Parkinson’s disease?

In general, it’s recommended to stick to a balanced diet to support better symptom management and improve overall well-being. However, some foods can interact with the medication levodopa/carbidopa, a common medication prescribed for Parkinson’s disease. High-protein foods, like meat, cheese, and eggs, or high citrus juices like orange juice, can interfere with the absorption of levodopa, decreasing how well the medication works.3 This means you should space out any high-protein meals from when you are scheduled to take your medication.

Is Parkinson’s disease fatal?

Parkinson’s disease itself is not typically considered fatal, but it can lead to serious complications that may impact lifespan. As the condition progresses, issues such as falls, infections (like pneumonia), and difficulty swallowing can pose health risks. However, with proper medical treatment, regular monitoring, and a strong self-care routine, many people with Parkinson’s live for many years, often decades, after diagnosis.

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References:

1. National Institute on Aging. Parkinson’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. Accessed April 9, 2025. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease/parkinsons-disease-causes-symptoms-and-treatments

2. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Parkinson’s Disease. Accessed April 9, 2025. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/parkinsons-disease#:~:text=PD%20is%20the%20most%20common,often%20improve%20with%20levodopa%20medication.

3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Fighting Parkinson’s Disease with Exercise and Diet. Accessed April 9, 2025. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/parkinsons-disease/fighting-parkinson-disease-with-exercise-and-diet#:~:text=The%20Role%20of%20Diet,stay%20energized%20and%20healthy%20overall