Each person with PD is different in how he or she is affected by the disease and also in how he or she reacts to the life changes that are associated with it. Additionally, since Parkinson’s is a multi-system disorder, affecting nearly all the systems in the body, there are both movement and non-movement symptoms to address. A comprehensive care approach is needed to address the complexity involved in treating the many symptoms of PD. In addition to your movement disorder specialist or neurologist, a comprehensive care team might include members of the family, physical therapists, exercise trainer, nutritionist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, and psychologist or neuropsychologist. Many communities also offer support groups, exercise groups or senior centers that can be part of the plan.

Primary motor symptomsPrimary motor symptoms include tremor, rigidity or inflexibility of the muscles causing pain and cramping, slow movement and short shuffling steps, impaired balance and coordination which increase the chance of falling, and “freezing” or the inability to initiate movement.

Secondary motor symptomsSecondary motor symptoms include the following, but not all people with Parkinson's will experience all of these: stooped posture, fatigue, impaired motor dexterity, decreased arm swing, speech problems, loss of facial expression, speech problems, difficulty swallowing, drooling.

Non-motor symptomsNon-motor symptoms can be as troublesome as the primary movement symptoms of the disease. The non-motor symptoms can include: pain, dementia, sleep disturbances, constipation, depression, anxiety, slowed thinking, memory difficulties, and urinary problems.