Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

saidqabbaah
Apr 22, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Parkinson’s disease is a long-lasting condition that slowly affects the brain and nerves, impacting the way people move, think, and live. It is one of the most common neurological conditions, touching the lives of millions worldwide.

For those living with Parkinson’s, even small tasks like buttoning a shirt, writing a note, or taking a step can become challenging over time. Understanding the causes, recognising the symptoms, and learning about the stages of the condition can empower people to manage their daily lives more confidently and maintain a sense of independence and wellbeing.

What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease develops when certain brain cells responsible for producing dopamine start to break down or die. Dopamine acts like the body’s natural conductor, orchestrating smooth and coordinated muscle movements. When its levels drop, the body’s rhythm gets disrupted, giving rise to the tremors, stiffness, and slower movements often associated with the condition.

The exact trigger behind this process remains a mystery; but scientists suspect that it results from a complex interplay of factors, including our genes, environmental exposures, gender, and the natural passage of time, where they all seem to play a part.

Common Symptoms

Parkinson’s disease can affect daily life slowly, with symptoms that often emerge little by little, becoming more noticeable over time. While movement is most obviously affected, the condition can also impact other areas of the body.

“Even small tasks like buttoning a shirt or writing a note can become challenging over time.”

Motor symptoms

Motor symptoms are usually the most visible and disruptive. They include:

Tremors

Many people develop a characteristic shaking or trembling, often starting in one hand. This tremor is usually most obvious at rest and may lessen with purposeful movement.

Slowness of movement

Tasks that once felt routine, such as fastening buttons or brushing teeth, may take longer as voluntary movements become slower.

Muscle rigidity

Stiff muscles can make it hard to move freely and may cause discomfort or pain.

Poor balance

Balance often becomes harder to maintain, increasing the risk of falls.

Changes in walking

As Parkinson’s progresses, many people develop a shuffling gait and reduced arm swing, which can make walking more challenging.

Non-motor symptoms

In addition to movement-related symptoms, Parkinson’s can affect several other body systems:

Mental changes

Some individuals experience difficulties with memory, concentration, and decision-making as the condition progresses.

Mood disorders

Depression, anxiety, and emotional changes are common and often linked to both the physical symptoms and the loss of independence.

Sleep problems

Many people struggle with insomnia or other sleep disturbances.

Changes in automatic body functions

Parkinson’s can affect processes such as digestion, blood pressure regulation, and sweating. These changes can lead to constipation, dizziness, and excessive saliva production.

Speech and swallowing difficulties

As symptoms worsen, people may notice softer speech, slurring, or difficulty swallowing, which can increase the risk of choking or lung infections.

Stages of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease usually progresses through five stages, each reflecting increasing severity of symptoms and changes in day-to-day functioning.

Stage 1: mild symptoms

Symptoms remain mild and may be easy to overlook. Early signs often include slight tremors, subtle changes in posture, or reduced facial expression. Most people remain fully independent at this stage.

Stage 2: moderate symptoms

Symptoms start becoming more noticeable, and both sides of the body may be affected. Walking, maintaining balance, and everyday tasks usually become more challenging, although many people can still live independently with minimal support.

Stage 3: significant symptoms

Balance becomes more difficult, increasing the risk of falls. Slowed movement and muscle stiffness may start interfering with daily activities, and individuals will likely need help with some tasks.

Stage 4: severe symptoms

Movement becomes increasingly limited, and walking or performing basic tasks often requires assistance. Most people in this stage are not able to live as independently as before.

Stage 5: advanced disease

During the final stage, most people can no longer stand or walk without assistance and need full-time care. Severe movement and other symptoms affect nearly every aspect of daily life.

Looking Ahead

Although there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, ongoing advances in treatment are helping people manage symptoms and live fuller, more independent lives. Early recognition and proactive care can make a real difference, allowing individuals to maintain their routines, passions, and connections for longer.

“Early recognition and proactive care can make a real difference.”

At the same time, research continues to push boundaries, offering hope for therapies that may one day slow, or even stop, the disease in its tracks. With each new discovery and every step forward in understanding, the dream of a cure becomes ever more tangible, reminding us that progress is possible and that no one facing Parkinson’s has to face it alone.