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Progression of Parkinson's Disease

Home | About Parkinson's Disease | Progression of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease does not affect everyone in the same way. In some people the disease progresses quickly, in others it does not. Although some patients become severely disabled, others experience only minor problems in the ability to move.

The first things that friends or relatives may notice are changes, such as a lack of facial expression or difficulty moving. Loss or change in sense of smell is also an early sign of Parkinson’s disease.

In later stages of Parkinson’s disease, both sides of the body may gradually be affected by the symptoms. The person may become incapable of caring for themselves.

Tremor is the major symptom for some patients, while for others tremor is only a minor complaint and different symptoms are more troublesome.

The outlook for patients with Parkinson’s disease depends partly on the age of onset. If symptoms start in middle age, the disease usually progresses slowly. A person’s lifespan is likely to be shorter due to the complications of immobility, such as pneumonia and the tendency to fall. Onset of Parkinson’s disease after the age of 70 is unlikely to shorten life or become severe.

Glossary