Parkinson's Disease: Beyond the Tremor
The second most common neurodegenerative disease
Dr. Éric Fontaine
Neurologist
In simple terms
Tremors, slow movements, stiffness: Parkinson's disease goes far beyond these motor symptoms. Understand to live better with it.
A complex disease
Parkinson's disease is caused by the progressive degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. It affects about 10 million people worldwide, mainly after age 60, although early forms exist. It is the second neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's.
Motor and non-motor symptoms
Classic motor symptoms are resting tremor (often unilateral at first), muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slow movements), and balance problems. But non-motor symptoms — sleep disturbances, constipation, loss of smell, depression, anxiety — often appear years before diagnosis.
Available treatments
L-DOPA (levodopa) remains the reference treatment by compensating for dopamine deficiency. Dopamine agonists and MAO-B inhibitors complete the therapeutic arsenal. Deep brain stimulation is offered in advanced forms with debilitating motor fluctuations.
Research and hopes
Gene therapy, stem cells, and anti-alpha-synuclein antibodies are promising avenues. Intense physical exercise (tai chi, cycling, dancing) has shown significant benefits on motor symptoms and quality of life.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Symptom
- A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
- Diagnosis
- The moment a doctor identifies which illness is causing your symptoms.
- Antibody
- A protein your body makes to recognise and neutralise a specific germ.
- Anxiety
- Ongoing worry or fear that is strong enough to affect daily life.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Parkinson's Disease: Beyond the Tremor?
- Tremors, slow movements, stiffness: Parkinson's disease goes far beyond these motor symptoms. Understand to live better with it.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Parkinson's Disease: Beyond the Tremor?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Parkinson's Disease: Beyond the Tremor?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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