Parkinson’s disease can seem scary but understanding it can help you feel more in control. Keep reading to learn what Parkinson’s is, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatments are available. You’ll also learn to cope with the challenges of Parkinson’s, both for those living with the disease and for their caregivers.

Parkinson’s disease is movement disorder affecting dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.¹ Dopamine is one of your brain's most important messengers, used to send messages to your muscles to tell them when and how to move.

With Parkinson’s disease, some of the cells in your brain that make dopamine start to slow down or die. When you don’t have enough dopamine, it becomes harder to control your movements. As a result, people with Parkinson’s disease have trouble moving around.

Parkinson’s disease is progressive, which means it gets worse with time. There is no cure for Parkinson’s, but there are medications and other treatments to help slow its progress.

Sometimes, symptoms can look like Parkinson’s disease when they’re actually caused by another disorder. It’s important to get a correct diagnosis from your doctor. Some conditions that can be mistaken for Parkinson’s include:²

• Essential tremor: This disorder is characterized by an involuntary, rhythmic tremor of a body part, like the hands or arms.
• Parkinsonism: This umbrella term encompasses a range of conditions that share symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.
• PSP or NPH: Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) both affect movement and speech, but in different ways than Parkinson’s disease.

The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but there are some factors that may increase one’s risk of developing it.¹ These risk factors—or things that make you more likely to develop Parkinson’s—include:

• Age: Parkinson's is more common in people over 60.
• Gender: Men are slightly more likely to get Parkinson’s than women.
• Family history: If you have a family member with Parkinson’s, you’re more likely to get it yourself.
• Exposure to toxins: Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins may increase your risk.
• Previous head trauma: Some studies suggest that head injuries may increase the risk of Parkinson’s.

Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate Parkinson’s disease:³

• Tremor or shaking
• Loss of smell
• Muscle stiffness
• Soft or low voice
• Feeling dizzy
• Trouble sleeping
• Constipation
• Masked face, or diminished facial expressivity
• Small writing
• Poor balance, or stooped posture

Remember that everyone is different, and experiencing some of these signs doesn’t automatically mean you have Parkinson’s disease. Many of these symptoms can be caused by other things. However, if you notice several of these changes, or they are getting worse over time, you should speak to your doctor immediately. 

There are four main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease:⁴

• Tremor or persistent shaking: Uncontrolled movement of the limbs, usually in the hands or fingers.
• Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement. It may be hard to start moving or to do things quickly.
• Rigidity: Stiffness in the muscles.
• Postural instability: Problems with balance, which can lead to falls.

Parkinson’s disease can also cause symptoms that aren’t related to movement. These are called non-motor symptoms, and they may include:⁴

• Depression or mood disorders
• Difficulty swallowing and chewing
• Constipation or feelings of fullness
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Sleep changes and dreams
• Cognitive changes (problems with thinking or memory)
• Urinary issues
• Problems with speech

Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease isn’t always easy, and it can take time. There’s no single test that can tell you for sure if you have it. Doctors usually diagnose Parkinson’s based on your symptoms, medical history, and a physical exam.⁵

Here are some of the things that might happen during the diagnosis process:

• Identifying certain symptoms: The doctor will look for at least two of the four main symptoms (tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability).
• Medical history and exam: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you are taking. They’ll also do a neurological exam to check your movement, balance, and reflexes.
• Special scans or a medication trial: In some cases, the doctor may order brain scans or prescribe Parkinson’s medication to see if it helps your symptoms.

There’s no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life.

There are medications available to help treat Parkinson’s disease.¹ Each medication works differently. Here is some your doctor may try if you’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s:

• Dopamine replacement: Makes more dopamine available in the brain.
• Dopamine agonist: Mimics the effect of dopamine in the brain.
• MAO-B inhibitor: Slows down the breakdown of dopamine in the brain.
• Anticholinergic medication: Reduces acetylcholine to restore balance.

Deep brain stimulation, or DBS, may help with some symptoms, including tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity. This treatment involves implanting a small device in your brain that sends electrical signals to specific areas. This helps block the abnormal nerve signals that cause certain symptoms.¹

Currently, this treatment is only used for patients whose symptoms cannot be controlled with medications.

Therapies and lifestyle changes may also help someone with Parkinson’s disease cope with the symptoms. Some other specific treatment options include:

• Therapy to help cope with symptoms: Physical, occupational, and speech therapies can help you maintain your strength, balance, and coordination.
• Lifestyle changes to stay healthy: Eating a balanced diet and being active is important for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
• Alternative treatment options: Massage therapy, singing therapy, yoga, tai chi, hypnosis, and acupuncture may help.

Work with your doctor and therapist to determine the right exercise regimen for you. They will also help you learn the balance of when to rest and conserve your energy.

It’s important to have a plan for coping with the physical, mental, and emotional changes that Parkinson’s will bring. Here are some tips that can help:

• Stay informed. Learning about Parkinson’s can help you feel more in control of your health.
• Talk openly with others. Discuss the changes you’re going through with loved ones and doctors.
• Keep your home safe. Identify and remove any fall hazards in and around your house.
• Join a support group. Connect with others who are in a similar situation.

A caregiver of someone with Parkinson’s disease is a challenging task that grows more difficult as the disease progresses. If you’re helping to care for a loved one with Parkinson’s, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Learn as much as you can. This will help give you a sense of control and a clearer picture of what’s to come for your loved one.
• Take care of yourself. The stronger and healthier you are, the more you can help your loved one.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Let friends and family help or explore options for respite care when you need a break.

Researchers are continually learning more about Parkinson’s disease to develop new treatments and ways to recognize the disease in patients. Recent research findings include:

• A new test that can help detect Parkinson’s disease earlier.⁶
• A blood test that can identify damage in someone’s DNA that has Parkinson’s disease.⁶
• An experimental drug that helps with motor symptom relief.⁷
• Mechanical gloves that may help ease tremors and muscle stiffness.⁸

Parkinson’s disease can be a challenging condition, but with the right information, support, and treatment, you can live a full and meaningful life. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have and remember that you’re not alone. There are many resources available to help you cope with Parkinson’s disease.

Current content on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness or dietary plan. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement of any website or other sources. For any health-related questions, contact your healthcare provider.

• “Parkinson’s Disease,” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, last accessed April 8, 2025, https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/parkinsons-disease.
• “Conditions that Mimic Parkinson’s,” Parkinson’s Foundation, last accessed April 8, 2025, https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed/conditions-that-mimic-parkinsons.
• “10 Early Signs,” Parkinson’s Foundation, last accessed April 8, 2025, https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/10-early-signs.
• “Parkinson’s disease,” Mayo Clinic, last accessed April 8, 2025, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055?p=1.
• “Getting Diagnosed,” Parkinson’s Foundation, last accessed April 8, 2025, https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed.
• Raquel C. Gardner, MD, et al., “Mild TBI and risk of Parkinson disease,” Neurology.org, last accessed April 8, 2025, https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000005522.
• Hidetomo Murakami, et all., “Recent Advances in Drug Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease,” PubMed Central, last accessed April 8, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9876715.
• Holly Alyssa MacCormick, “Good vibrations: Can Parkinson’s symptoms be stopped?,” Stanford Medicine Magazine, last accessed April 8, 2025, https://stanmed.stanford.edu/vibrating-glove-reorganize-neurons-parkinsons.