Motor symptoms
The first hints of the illness are usually mild, intermittent, and show up on just one side of the body. Three cardinal signs are:
- Shakiness, from a tremor in a hand, arm, or leg or the jaw or face when the patient isn't actively moving.
- Stiffness, or rigidity of the arms, legs, and torso.
- Slowness of movements, also known as bradykinesia.
Other common signs and symptoms include:
- Small, cramped handwriting.
- A stooped posture.
- Less arm-swinging than before while walking.
- A blank, "masklike" facial expression.
As the disorder progresses, additional problems may grow more significant, including:
- Problems with balance and falling.
- Walking with small, shuffling steps.
- Moments of "freezing" when the patient's feet suddenly can't move forward.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- A weak and muffled voice.
Nonmotor symptoms
A patient may not develop these difficulties, but over time, up to 60 percent of patients suffer from more than one nonmotor symptom. Many are treatable with standard therapies.
Cognitive and behavioral problems:
- Depression
- Apathy
- Fatigue
- Dementia
- Anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Difficulty with impulse control
- Sensory difficulties
- Loss of sense of smell
- Pain in a limb affected by muscle stiffness
Problems with bodily functions
- Drooling
- Fainting or dizziness after standing up, due to abnormalities in blood pressure regulation
- Sexual dysfunction
- Constipation
- Frequent urination or incontinence
- Skin problems, such as eczema or excessive sweating
