Patient information: This article is for general education and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Symptoms that are new, severe or rapidly worsening should be assessed promptly.
Parkinson’s disease affects movement and can also produce non-movement symptoms. Early changes may be subtle and are not identical in every person.
Movement changes that may appear
- Slowness in everyday tasks
- Reduced arm swing while walking
- Stiffness or a feeling of heaviness
- Tremor, often starting on one side
- Smaller handwriting
- Changes in posture or balance
Non-movement symptoms
Constipation, reduced sense of smell, sleep disturbance, mood changes and fatigue can also occur, although these symptoms are common in many other conditions.
Why specialist assessment matters
There is no single symptom that confirms Parkinson’s. Diagnosis is clinical and may require reviewing the pattern and progression of symptoms over time.
Management
Treatment can involve medicines, exercise, physiotherapy and support for speech, balance, sleep or mood depending on individual needs.
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