What symptoms are common in PD?*
Motor symptoms
- Involuntary trembling/tremor or shaking of limbs
- Muscle stiffness
- Slowness starting and continuing movements
- Postural changes
- Writing in smaller handwriting
- Soft or low voice
- “Freezing” of gait or inability to move feet forward
Those with early-onset PD are especially prone to motor symptoms and tend to develop them more rapidly after treatment is started.
For those living with PD, OFF time becomes more common over time
50%Experience OFF episodes within 5 years
90%Experience OFF episodes within 10 years
Nonmotor symptoms
- Emotional symptoms, including depression and anxiety
- Physical symptoms such as vision problems and digestive disorders
- “Parkinson’s pain,” including neuropathy
- Restless leg syndrome
- Cognitive changes, including Parkinson’s dementia
- Psychiatric issues, such as hallucinations or delusions
*Symptoms and experiences can vary from person to person. It is important that a physician confirm a PD diagnosis.
PD is a progressive disease
As PD progresses, the brain makes less dopamine, causing issues with coordination of movement and balance. The standard treatment is a levodopa-based medication, which replaces dopamine and often works well for several years.
Symptoms:
What is OFF time?
OFF time occurs when PD medication (levodopa) is no longer providing PD symptom benefit and motor and nonmotor PD symptoms reappear.
Muscle Stiffness (Rigidity)
Slowed Movement or Stillness
Tremor
Balance or Coordination Issues
Symptoms:
What is dyskinesia?
Dyskinesia is a side effect of levodopa and/or other PD medications. It can look like uncontrolled, involuntary movement such as wriggling, chaotic or rocking movements of the face, arms, legs, or trunk.
Within 2 years of starting levodopa, some people with Parkinson’s experience dyskinesia and over time, it becomes more prevalent.
Body Swaying
Head Bobbing
Twitching, Fidgeting, or Rapid Jerking
Rhythmic, Dance-like Movements
Why is GOOD ON time so important?
GOOD ON time occurs when a person with PD is not experiencing OFF (motor and/or nonmotor symptoms) and is not bothered by dyskinesia. Find out how to get more GOOD ON time each day.