Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a long-term movement disorder that affects the brain and nervous system. It most often involves changes in an area of the brain that helps control movement. As dopamine-producing nerve cells become damaged or die, the brain has more difficulty sending smooth, coordinated movement signals to the body.

Parkinson’s disease can cause tremor, stiffness, slowness of movement and balance problems. Some people also develop nonmotor symptoms, such as sleep changes, constipation, depression, memory concerns or changes in speech and swallowing. Because symptoms can overlap with other movement disorders, such as essential tremor, dystonia or ataxia, evaluation by a movement disorder specialist is important.

Parkinson’s disease is the most common form of parkinsonism, a term used for conditions that cause similar movement symptoms. These symptoms may include tremor, stiffness, slow movement and changes in walking or balance.

Clinicians may describe Parkinson’s disease and related conditions in several ways:

• Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease: The most common form, meaning there is no single known cause
• Young-onset Parkinson’s disease: Parkinson’s disease that begins before age 50
• Atypical parkinsonism: Parkinson-like symptoms caused by other neurologic disorders that may progress differently or respond differently to medication
• Medication-induced parkinsonism: Parkinson-like symptoms that may occur as a side effect of certain medications

Distinguishing between these conditions helps guide treatment decisions and expectations over time.

Parkinson’s disease symptoms can vary from person to person. Symptoms often begin gradually and may start on one side of the body before affecting both sides.

Common movement symptoms include:

• Tremor, often starting in one hand or finger
• Slowness of movement, also called bradykinesia
• Muscle stiffness or rigidity
• Shuffling steps or changes in walking
• Balance problems or falls
• Smaller handwriting
• Reduced facial expression
• Softer speech

Parkinson’s disease can also cause nonmotor symptoms, such as constipation, sleep problems, loss of smell, mood changes, fatigue, pain, urinary symptoms, thinking changes or swallowing difficulty. Some symptoms may resemble other tremor and movement conditions, including essential tremor or dystonia, so a careful neurologic evaluation is important.

Parkinson’s disease develops when nerve cells in the brain that help produce dopamine become damaged. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that helps the brain coordinate smooth, controlled movement. Researchers do not know one single cause of Parkinson’s disease, and most cases are likely related to a combination of age, genetics and environmental factors.

Risk factors may include:

• Older age
• A family history of Parkinson’s disease
• Certain genetic changes
• Past exposure to some environmental toxins
• History of head injury
• Being male

Having one or more risk factors does not mean someone will develop Parkinson’s disease. It also can occur in people with no clear risk factors.

There is no single blood test that confirms Parkinson’s disease in most people. Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed medical history, review of symptoms, medication review and neurologic examination. A specialist may evaluate movement, walking, balance, muscle tone, reflexes, facial expression, speech and coordination.

Additional testing may be used to rule out other causes of symptoms or clarify the diagnosis. This may include brain imaging, laboratory tests, specialized scans or the Syn-One skin biopsy test, which can help detect abnormal alpha-synuclein protein deposits associated with Parkinson’s disease and related neurologic disorders. The care team may also consider whether symptoms could be related to another movement disorder, such as ataxia, dystonia or essential tremor.

Parkinson’s disease treatment focuses on managing symptoms, supporting mobility and helping people maintain daily function for as long as possible. Treatment plans are personalized based on symptoms, age, overall health, lifestyle and how the condition changes over time.

Treatment may include:

• Medications that help improve dopamine activity in the brain or manage specific symptoms
• Physical therapy to support walking, balance and flexibility
• Occupational therapy to assist with daily tasks and independence
• Speech therapy for swallowing difficulties or voice changes
• Regular exercise as part of a long-term management plan

Some people with Parkinson’s disease may be candidates for advanced therapies when medications are no longer controlling symptoms well or are causing side effects. These advanced therapies may include:

• Deep brain stimulation (DBS): A surgical treatment that uses implanted electrodes to help regulate abnormal brain activity linked to movement symptoms
• Medication pump therapies: Continuous medication delivery systems that can help reduce fluctuations in symptom control throughout the day
• Focused ultrasound-based approaches: Noninvasive treatments that use targeted ultrasound energy to help reduce certain tremors or movement symptoms

Treatment recommendations depend on the person’s symptoms, overall health and clinical evaluation. Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care also treats related movement disorders, including essential tremor, dystonia and ataxia.

Parkinson’s disease can affect more than movement. As symptoms progress, some people may have a higher risk of falls, injuries, swallowing problems, weight changes, sleep disruption, constipation, mood disorders or cognitive changes. Speech and voice changes may also make communication more difficult.

Complications vary widely. Early evaluation, medication management, rehabilitation and regular follow-up can help reduce risks and support independence. People with worsening balance, new falls, sudden confusion, swallowing difficulty or rapid symptom changes should seek medical guidance promptly.

There is no proven way to prevent Parkinson’s disease. Because the condition may be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, prevention is not always within a person’s control.

Healthy habits may support overall brain and body health. These include regular physical activity, fall prevention, sleep management, balanced nutrition, medication safety and ongoing care for chronic conditions. People with new tremor, stiffness, slowed movement or balance changes should seek evaluation, especially when symptoms begin to interfere with daily life.

If you or a loved one has symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, the next step is a neurologic evaluation. Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care can help assess symptoms, rule out related conditions and develop a personalized plan for long-term care.

To schedule a visit with a Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care provider, fill out an appointment request form or call 833-596-3876.