Parkinson's disease is a condition where nerve cells in part of the brain are slowly lost. These cells make dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement. Around 153,000 people in the UK have Parkinson's, and it is more common with age.
Main symptoms
- tremor, shaking that usually starts in one hand or arm, often when resting
- slowness of movement, including smaller steps and handwriting getting smaller
- stiff and inflexible muscles
Other symptoms
Parkinson's affects much more than movement:
- problems with balance and falls
- a quieter voice, and problems swallowing
- loss of sense of smell
- constipation and bladder problems
- sleep problems and tiredness
- low mood, anxiety, and changes in memory and thinking
- pain
Symptoms change over the day, and many people notice they get worse as a medicine dose wears off.
Getting diagnosed
There is no single test. A specialist (a neurologist or a doctor who specialises in older people) diagnoses it from your symptoms and an examination. A brain scan called a DaTscan is sometimes used.
Read about Parkinson's treatment.
Common questions
Does everyone with Parkinson's have a tremor?
No. Around 3 in 10 people with Parkinson's do not have a tremor. Slowness and stiffness are more common.
Is Parkinson's inherited?
Most cases are not directly inherited. A small number are linked to genes that run in families.
Sources we used
We check this page at least once a year, and sooner when the rules change. Read how we check our facts, or tell us if something looks wrong.