Patient education: Parkinson disease (The Basics)

What is Parkinson disease? — This is a brain disorder that affects movement. It gets worse over time and can affect other brain functions, too, such as learning and memory.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson disease? — At first, Parkinson disease often causes only mild symptoms. As it gets worse, the symptoms can affect a person's ability to work or do everyday activities. When it becomes even more severe, people with the disease sometimes need help taking care of themselves.

Parkinson disease can make people:

●Shake (called "tremor")

●Move slowly

●Become stiff or rigid

●Lose their balance or have a hard time walking

Parkinson disease can also make some people:

●Lose the ability to think clearly

●At times, lose touch with reality or see things that aren't there (these are called "hallucinations")

●Feel depressed, anxious, or less interested in everyday life

●Have problems with sleep, such as insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep) and daytime sleepiness

●Feel tired

●Lose the ability to smell

The disease can also cause problems such as constipation, sweating, trouble urinating, trouble swallowing, and sexual problems. Some people with Parkinson disease get something called "orthostatic hypotension." This means a sudden drop in blood pressure that happens when a person stands up. This drop in blood pressure can make the person feel dizzy or lightheaded, or even pass out.

Is there a test for Parkinson disease? — No. But doctors can usually tell if a person has Parkinson disease based on their symptoms.

Sometimes, doctors use tests to make sure that the symptoms are not caused by something else. These might include imaging tests, such as an MRI or a "DaTscan." Imaging tests show pictures of the brain.

How is Parkinson disease treated? — There are several medicines that can improve the symptoms of Parkinson disease. Researchers are also studying drugs that might help keep Parkinson disease from getting worse. But for now, no treatment can cure the disease.

The medicines used to treat Parkinson disease symptoms can sometimes cause serious side effects. For this reason, people often start taking them only after their symptoms start to really bother them.

If you are thinking about treatment, ask your doctor or nurse to help you understand the risks and benefits of the medicines you might take. Here are some questions to ask your doctor that might help you decide what to do:

●Which medicines would you suggest I take?

●What are their side effects?

●How much are my symptoms likely to improve with each medicine?

●What happens if I do not take the medicine?

People with Parkinson disease that does not improve with other treatments can sometimes get a treatment called "deep brain stimulation," or "DBS." People who get DBS must first have surgery to place wires into a part of the brain that helps control muscle movement. The wires are attached to a device that gets implanted under the skin, usually near the collarbone. It sends electrical signals to the brain to reduce abnormal movement.

What else can I do to care for myself? — You can:

●Get support – It is normal to be sad, upset, or worried when you find out that you have Parkinson disease. Many people find it helpful to talk with others who are going through similar things. Support groups can happen in person or online.

Sometimes, these feelings can be overwhelming. Feeling worried or upset most of the day can be a sign of depression or anxiety. Your doctor or nurse can talk to you about treatments that can help. This might include talking to a counselor, taking medicine, or both.

●Stay active – Regular exercise or physical therapy can help improve flexibility and balance. Moving your body has other health benefits, too.

There are lots of different ways to be physically active. These include tai chi, dance, swimming, and yoga. There are also exercise programs designed specifically for people with Parkinson disease.

●Eat a healthy diet – There is no specific diet that people with Parkinson disease should follow. But getting plenty of fiber, and drinking lots of water, can help with constipation.

●Make your home safer – This helps make you less likely to fall (figure 1). For example, get rid of loose rugs and clutter, and make sure that all electrical cords are neatly tucked away.

●Be aware of driving safety – If you still drive, you can have yourself tested to make sure that it is safe for you to keep driving. Your doctor or nurse can help you figure out where to get tested.

●Learn more about Parkinson disease and its treatment – This way, you can be actively involved in your care, and have the information you need to make decisions.

When should I call the doctor? — Call your doctor or nurse for advice if:

●Your symptoms are making it hard for you to do your normal activities.

●Your medicines are causing side effects that bother you.

●You are struggling with depression or anxiety.

Get help right away if you are thinking of hurting or killing yourself! — If you ever feel like you might hurt yourself or someone else, help is available:

●In the US, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:

•To speak to someone, call or text 988.

•To talk to someone online, go to www.988lifeline.org/chat.

●Call your doctor or nurse, and tell them that it is urgent.

●Call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1).

●Go to the emergency department at the nearest hospital.

More on this topic

Patient education: Medicines for Parkinson disease (The Basics)
Patient education: Dementia (including Alzheimer disease) (The Basics)
Patient education: Depression in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Generalized anxiety disorder (The Basics)

Patient education: Parkinson disease symptoms and diagnosis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Parkinson disease treatment options — education, support, and therapy (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Parkinson disease treatment options — medications (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Depression in adults (Beyond the Basics)