Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder, meaning it affects the parts of your brain that control motor function (body movement). It leads to tremors (shaking) and interferes with nearly every bodily system.
Although there is no cure and symptoms get worse over time, there are treatments that can help manage them and allow you to live independently for many years. UPMC experts offer a full range of treatments, including medication, deep brain stimulation, and Gamma Knife® radiosurgery.
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What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder, meaning it affects the parts of your brain that control motor function (body movement).
It leads to tremors (shaking) and difficulty with:
- Bladder control
- Blood pressure
- Cognition
- Coordination
- Digestion
- Sleep
- Talking
- Walking
What are the stages of Parkinson’s disease?
There are five stages of Parkinson’s disease, including:
- Stage 1 — Symptoms only affect one side of your body and are not bothersome enough to need treatment.
- Stage 2 — Symptoms affect both sides of your body. Although symptoms are more bothersome and may require treatment, you can still do everyday activities normally.
- Stage 3 — Symptoms become more severe and may affect walking, balance, and fine motor skills, such as writing or tying shoes. Medications may be less effective, and you may need an assistive device, such as a cane, to help with walking.
- Stage 4 — You may need to use a walker. A caregiver may need to help you with everyday tasks and personal care.
- Stage 5 — You need a wheelchair and can no longer live independently.
How common is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common nervous system disorders affecting older adults, and it worsens with age. It is most common in people over age 50. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, approximately one million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson’s disease.
What causes Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease occurs when the brain cells that make dopamine — the chemical in your brain that controls muscle movement — die over time. This lack of dopamine prevents the cells that control muscle movement from sending messages to your muscles, resulting in loss of muscle control over time.
Parkinson’s disease risk factors
Older age is the most significant risk factor for Parkinson’s disease.
Other risk factors include:
- Being male.
- Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides.
- Family history of Parkinson’s disease.
Complications of Parkinson’s disease
Complications of Parkinson’s disease include:
- Aspiration, which happens when food or saliva is inhaled into your lungs.
- Inability to perform everyday activities and personal care tasks.
- Injuries from falls.
- Loss of independence.
- Pneumonia, caused by aspiration.
- Swallowing and eating difficulties, which can cause choking.
How can I prevent Parkinson’s disease?
There is nothing you can do to prevent Parkinson’s disease.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease symptoms may be mild at first, then worsen as you age and the disease progresses. Symptoms can occur either on one side of your body or on both sides.
Symptoms may include:
- Autonomic dysfunction, such as low blood pressure when getting up, sweating, and lack of body temperature regulation.
- Constipation.
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance.
- Drooling or difficulty swallowing.
- Muscle aches and pains, or stiff muscles (especially legs).
- No facial expression (as if wearing a mask).
- Slow blinking.
- Speech changes, such as speaking more slowly or quietly.
- Stooped position.
- Tremors (shaking) that may go away when you move.
- Trouble writing or eating.
When should I see a doctor about my Parkinson’s disease symptoms?
If you have Parkinson’s disease symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with a neurologist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment may help you better manage symptoms, improve your quality of life, and maintain your independence.
How Do You Diagnose Parkinson’s Disease?
To diagnose Parkinson's disease, your doctor will ask for your medical history and perform a physical and neurological exam.
What to expect during your visit
If your doctor suspects Parkinson’s disease, they will:
- Ask about your symptoms.
- Perform a physical and neurological exam.
- Order other tests.
- Review your health history and medications.
Tests to diagnose Parkinson’s disease
There is no specific test to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. Your doctor may be able to diagnose Parkinson’s disease based on your symptoms.
Your doctor will perform a physical and neurological exam to check for symptoms, including:
- Abnormal reflexes.
- Heart rate changes.
- Jerky, stiff movements.
- Muscle atrophy (loss of muscle tissue).
- Problems starting or finishing voluntary movements.
- Tremors.
Parkinson’s disease prognosis
Parkinson’s disease progresses at different rates and causes different symptoms for each person. Although it can lead to loss of independence and early death, medications may help to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
How Do You Treat Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease, like many movement disorders, can be treated but not cured. The goals of Parkinson’s disease treatment are to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and preserve independence.
Treatment options for Parkinson’s disease may include:
Medication for Parkinson’s disease
Medications can help treat the tremors and stiffness associated with Parkinson’s disease by changing the brain’s chemistry, mainly by increasing dopamine levels. Your doctors will work closely with you to monitor your response to medication and any side effects.
As the disease progresses, medications for movement-related symptoms typically become a less effective treatment option.
Other medications may be prescribed to treat:
- Autonomic dysfunction.
- Cognitive problems (difficulty thinking or remembering).
- Depression and mood changes.
- Pain.
- Sleep problems.
Focused ultrasound for Parkinson’s disease
Focused ultrasound is a noninvasive, incisionless treatment option for tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease. It is an outpatient procedure that uses precisely targeted sound waves delivered under MRI imaging guidance to disrupt abnormal nerve signals that cause Parkinson’s disease tremor.
Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease
UPMC is a leader in treating movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease with deep brain stimulation (DBS). UPMC now offers both standard and MRI-guided asleep DBS, depending on your condition.
DBS delivers electrical stimulation to targeted areas in the brain that control movement, blocking nerve signals that cause abnormal movement. DBS provides significant benefit to about 70% of people who undergo the procedure.
Gamma Knife® radiosurgery to treat Parkinson’s disease
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a painless, noninvasive procedure that uses hundreds of highly focused radiation beams to target deep areas of the brain and disrupt nerve signals that cause abnormal movement — without the need for a surgical incision.
Gamma Knife may be a treatment option for patients with Parkinson’s tremor who are at high risk for complications during DBS surgery due to medical conditions or advanced age.
As the nation's leading provider of Gamma Knife procedures, UPMC has treated more than 12,000 patients with tumors, vascular malformations, pain, and other neurological problems.
Why Choose UPMC for Parkinson’s Disease Care?
When you choose UPMC for Parkinson’s disease care, you will receive:
- Access to clinical trials — UPMC experts participate in Parkinson’s disease research to study promising treatments and improve understanding of the disorder.
- Ongoing management — Starting at the time of diagnosis, your UPMC care team will be by your side to help you manage symptoms, reduce side effects, and maintain the highest possible quality of life.
- Supportive care — Our team of experts will refer you to health care and community experts who can provide you and your family with the support you need to manage the disorder.
