What are the Symptoms of Parkinson’s?

If you’ve recently noticed changes in movement, coordination or energy levels, either in yourself or someone close to you, you may be wondering whether it could be the early signs of Parkinson’s disease.

While Parkinson’s is most common in people over 60, it can affect younger adults too. It’s a progressive neurological condition, meaning it tends to develop gradually and worsen over time. The symptoms often begin subtly and are easy to mistake for normal ageing or other health conditions.

Parkinson’s disease affects everyone differently, but understanding how it starts, how it progresses, and the support available can make a big difference. In this guide, we take a closer look at the condition and its impact on daily life – from the early signs to how it’s managed, and the ways home care can help people maintain their independence for longer.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a long-term condition that affects how the brain controls movement. It develops when nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra become damaged or die. These cells are responsible for producing dopamine, a chemical that helps regulate movement and coordination.

As dopamine levels fall, people with Parkinson’s begin to experience a range of symptoms, including tremors, stiffness and slowness of movement.

Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, which means symptoms usually start gradually and become more severe over time.

What causes Parkinson’s disease?

The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is still not fully understood. In most cases, it’s thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Some possible contributing factors include:

Age – Risk increases significantly after the age of 60

Family history – Certain gene mutations may increase risk

Environmental exposures – Long-term exposure to pesticides or heavy metals may play a role

Head injuries – Repeated trauma to the head has been linked to a higher chance of developing Parkinson’s later in life

However, in the majority of cases, Parkinson’s develops without a clear or identifiable cause.

What are the first signs of Parkinson’s?

The early signs of Parkinson’s disease are often mild and may not seem concerning at first. Many people assume they’re just part of ageing. But recognising these subtle changes can lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of the condition.

Some of the first symptoms of Parkinson’s may include:

A slight tremor in one hand or finger, especially when resting
Noticeable slowness of movement (known as bradykinesia)
Stiffness or rigidity in the limbs or joints
Changes in handwriting – writing may become smaller and more cramped
A soft or low voice, or changes in speech rhythm
A reduced range of facial expressions (sometimes called a “masked face”)
A stooped posture or shuffling walk
Loss of sense of smell
Sleep disturbances or vivid dreams

In some people, these symptoms may start on just one side of the body and remain more severe on that side as the condition progresses.

What are the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

As Parkinson’s progresses, symptoms tend to become more noticeable and may start to interfere with daily life. There are 5 stages to the development of Parkinson’s disease and there is no set time in each stage, as it will vary between each person and the severity of nerve damage.

The main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease fall into two categories: motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms.

Motor symptoms:

These are the movement-related symptoms most commonly associated with Parkinson’s:

Tremor – Involuntary shaking, often starting in the hand or fingers

Bradykinesia – Slowness of movement, making tasks like buttoning clothes or walking more difficult

Rigidity – Muscle stiffness that can cause pain and restrict movement

Postural instability – Problems with balance and coordination, leading to a higher risk of falls

Non-motor symptoms:

Not all symptoms of Parkinson’s are related to movement. Many people also experience:

Fatigue and low energy
Depression or anxiety
Memory issues and slower thinking
Difficulty sleeping
Constipation and digestive problems
Bladder urgency or incontinence
Excessive sweating or sensitivity to temperature changes
Visual disturbances or hallucinations (especially in advanced stages)

These non-motor symptoms can have just as much impact on quality of life and are an important part of managing the condition holistically.

How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed?

There’s no single test that can definitively confirm Parkinson’s. Instead, diagnosis is based on a combination of:

A detailed medical history
Assessment of movement and symptoms by a neurologist
Physical and neurological examination
Ruling out other causes of symptoms

In some cases, imaging scans such as DaTSCAN (a dopamine transporter scan) may be used to support diagnosis, particularly if symptoms are unclear.

Parkinson’s can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages, so it’s important to speak with a GP or specialist if you notice any persistent changes in movement, balance, speech or coordination.

Is there a cure for Parkinson’s?

There’s currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are a number of ways to manage the symptoms and help maintain a good quality of life. Treatment is tailored to each individual, depending on how the condition affects them.

For many people, medication plays a big role – often helping to ease tremors, stiffness and movement problems by boosting or mimicking dopamine levels in the brain. Common medications include Levodopa, which is often the most effective for controlling movement symptoms, as well as others that work by copying or protecting dopamine.

Alongside medication, therapies like physiotherapy and occupational therapy can help with mobility and day-to-day tasks. Speech and language therapy may also be recommended if there are changes to speech or swallowing. Making small lifestyle changes – such as staying active, eating well and getting enough rest – can also make a real difference.

In more advanced cases, where medication is no longer as effective, a surgical treatment called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) might be considered. This involves placing electrodes in the brain to help control movement symptoms.

Living with Parkinson’s: how home care can help

As Parkinson’s progresses, managing daily tasks can become more difficult. That’s where Parkinson’s care at home can offer practical, emotional and physical support, helping people stay safe and independent at home for as long as possible.

Here’s how home care can support people with Parkinson’s:

Mobility support: Carers can assist with moving around the home, preventing falls and supporting gentle exercise to maintain strength.

Medication reminders – Staying on top of complex medication schedules is crucial for managing symptoms. Carers can prompt and supervise medications throughout the day.

Help with daily routines – From washing and dressing to preparing meals, carers can support day-to-day activities while promoting independence.

Companionship – Parkinson’s can be isolating. A familiar, friendly face can make a big difference to someone’s emotional well-being.

Monitoring for changes – Carers are trained to spot signs of symptom progression or new challenges, helping families and healthcare teams respond quickly.

Whether it’s regular visiting care or 24-hour live-in care, support at home allows people with Parkinson’s to remain in familiar surroundings and maintain as much independence as possible.

Talk to us today

If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s disease and needs a little extra help, we’re here to support you. At Trinity Homecare, we offer compassionate, tailored care that adapts as your needs change, whether you’re looking for occasional support or full-time live-in care.

Call us today on 020 4572 2798 for a free, no-obligation chat about how we can help. Or, if you’re enquiring outside of office hours, complete our online form and we’ll be in touch the next day.