Parkinson's Disease
Common ConditionProgressive nervous system disorder affecting movement, causing tremors, stiffness, and slowness. Treatment can significantly improve symptoms.
Related specialists:Neurologist
Symptoms
Tremor (often starts in hand)
Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
Rigid muscles
Impaired posture and balance
Loss of automatic movements
Speech changes
Writing changes
Mask-like facial expression
Shuffling gait
Depression and anxiety
Causes
1
Loss of dopamine-producing neurons2
Genetics (small percentage)3
Environmental factors4
Age (typically starts after 60)5
Male sex (slightly more common)6
Exposure to toxins7
Head trauma history8
Often unknown exact cause9
Alpha-synuclein accumulation10
Combination of factorsTreatments
Levodopa/carbidopa
Dopamine agonists
MAO-B inhibitors
COMT inhibitors
Anticholinergics
Deep brain stimulation
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Exercise (highly beneficial)
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if you notice tremor, slowed movement, or changes in gait or balance. Early treatment can improve quality of life significantly.
Find a Specialist NowAbout Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment Makes a Difference
Parkinson's is progressive but treatment can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life for many years. Exercise has been shown to have particularly strong benefits.
"Ang Parkinson's ay hindi katapusan—may treatment na nakakatulong."
Specialists Who Commonly Treat Parkinson's Disease
Based on related specialties
