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A trembling hand. A loss of a sense of smell. A loss of dexterity. Shuffling when you walk. Slowing down. Sleep changes.

When you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, you may wonder — is it Parkinson’s disease?

Knowing the early signs of Parkinson’s disease means you can check in with your doctor right away. A timely diagnosis can help you get treatment to help manage symptoms and protect your quality of life.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder. Its symptoms are progressive, meaning they get worse over time.

Nerve cells in your brain (neurons) control many of your body’s functions, including how you move. Parkinson’s disease affects neurons in a part of your brain called the substantia nigra.

Neurons in the substantia nigra use dopamine to move your muscles. Dopamine is a chemical (neurotransmitter) produced in your brain. It sends signals to your muscles that tell them when and how to move.

When you have Parkinson’s disease, the brain cells that produce dopamine begin to die prematurely. When your muscles no longer receive signals from neurons as they should, you experience changes in how your muscles move and other symptoms.

Who is at risk for Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease occurs more often in men than women and usually occurs in people 60 or older. But people younger than 50 can also get the disease, known as early-onset Parkinson’s.

Every year, about 90,000 people in the U.S. receive a Parkinson’s diagnosis, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

What Are the Early Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease symptoms may feel mild at first, so you may not recognize them. Early symptoms may include stiff muscles, shaky hands, or trouble getting off the couch. You may have symptoms on just one side of your body initially, and then later on both sides.

Changes in how you write or in your facial expressions are also possible early signs of Parkinson’s.

Talk to your doctor if you have motor or non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, especially changes in how you move, think, or sleep.

Motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

Motor symptoms are those that affect your movement. You may notice:

• Gait changes — Differences in how you walk or move, including trouble starting or continuing to walk, or moving more slowly than usual (bradykinesia), shuffling when you walk, or not swinging your arms when walking.
• Micrographia — Your handwriting becomes smaller or harder to read.
• Rigidity — Muscles feel stiff or hard.
• Tremor — Shaking or trembling in your hands, jaw, or limbs.

Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

You may also experience symptoms unrelated to how you move. Non-motor Parkinson’s symptoms may include:

• Anosmia — Loss of your ability to smell.
• Anxiety and depression — Feeling more worried or sad than usual.
• Constipation — Trouble with regular bowel movements.
• Facial masking — Changes in your facial expressions that make it hard to show what you’re feeling.
• Posture changes — Stooping or hunching over more when you sit or stand.
• Sleep disturbances — REM sleep behavior disorder, vivid dreams, and movements while falling asleep, sleeping, or waking.
• Voice changes — Softening or lowering the volume of your voice.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Parkinson’s Disease?

To diagnose Parkinson’s disease, your primary care doctor will examine you and ask about your symptoms. They’ll also ask about your medical history.

A Parkinson’s disease diagnosis is made from the clinical team, but you may have tests to see if other health conditions are causing your symptoms.

Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who diagnoses and treats nervous system disorders (neurologist).

What Is the Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease?

There’s no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but an early diagnosis can help you get treatment to manage your symptoms, slow the disease’s progression, and improve your quality of life. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to early signs of Parkinson’s disease and see your doctor right away.

Your care team will talk to you about your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan.

Lifestyle changes

Regular exercise and good nutrition habits can help you manage Parkinson’s disease. Your care team may also recommend that you get plenty of rest. Changes to your home, such as adding handrails and removing trip hazards, can help you stay safe when symptoms worsen.

Medications

Your care team may recommend medicine to help manage symptoms, such as tremors and other movement changes. Medications to control movement may include carbidopa and levodopa. You may also take medications to help manage:

• Depression and anxiety.
• Sleep disorders.

Occupational, physical, and speech therapy

Working with specialists can help you manage changes in how you care for yourself, communicate, and participate in regular activities. These specialists can help you maintain your independence and feel safe and comfortable in your home. You may have:

• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy

Support groups

Talking to others living with Parkinson’s disease can help you cope with the physical and emotional changes the condition may bring. Ask your care team about connecting with a Parkinson’s disease support group.

Surgery

Some patients over time may be candidates for certain types of brain surgery, or neurosurgery, that may help control symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Your care team may recommend deep brain stimulation (DBS). During this procedure, doctors place electric stimulators in your brain to help control your movement.

Which Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms Are Urgent?

Call your doctor right away if you experience any sudden or severe symptoms of Parkinson’s disease:

• Frequent falls — Sudden inability to stand or remain upright, especially when accompanied by dizziness, fainting, or severe fatigue.
• Sudden confusion or hallucinations — Seeing things or people that aren’t there.
• Sudden change in your baseline movements – Sudden or severe stiffness or inability to move, tremors or slowness or movement, especially if you have a fever or feel confused.

What to Do if You Have Parkinson’s Symptoms

Talk to your doctor if you experience any changes in how your body moves — especially if you can’t control your movements. Prompt medical attention helps ensure you have immediate access to care that can help you manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms.