How Parkinson’s Disease Affects the Body and Daily Life

Medically reviewed by Ricky Chen, M.D. — Written by Mary Baucom — Updated January 31, 2020

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition linked to the loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain. This disruption affects movement and may also influence thinking, mood, sleep, digestion, and other automatic body functions.

Symptoms usually develop gradually, but their type, severity, and rate of progression vary considerably from person to person. Although there is currently no cure, medication, exercise, rehabilitation, and other treatments can help many people manage symptoms and continue living active, independent lives.

How Parkinson’s affects movement

Parkinson’s primarily affects the motor system, which controls movement. Common signs include slowed movement, muscle stiffness, a resting tremor, reduced arm swing, shuffling steps, and changes in posture or balance. Some people may experience freezing, difficulty starting movement, or softer speech. Not everyone has a tremor, and symptoms often begin on one side of the body.

Effects beyond movement

Parkinson’s can also cause changes that are not immediately obvious as movement problems. These may include:

• Reduced sense of smell
• Constipation or other digestive difficulties
• Problems with sleep, including acting out dreams
• Depression, anxiety, apathy, or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, planning, or remembering information
• Dizziness when standing
• Changes in speech or swallowing

Nonmotor symptoms can appear years before movement-related signs. They may significantly affect quality of life even when physical symptoms are mild, so regular communication with a healthcare professional is important.

How treatment can help

Treatment is individualized and may combine medicines that increase or mimic dopamine with regular exercise, physical or occupational therapy, speech and swallowing support, nutrition counseling, and treatment for sleep or mood symptoms. For selected people whose symptoms do not respond adequately to medication, deep brain stimulation may be an option.

Living with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but giving up is not the only option. Early diagnosis, an individualized care plan, consistent exercise, and ongoing support can help people maintain function, confidence, and independence for as long as possible.