Early symptoms of Parkinson's disease

Written by Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
Updated on May 15, 2025
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The clinical manifestations of Parkinson's disease are divided into two major categories. One category includes motor symptoms related to damage to the dopaminergic system. The other category includes non-motor symptoms related to damage to non-dopaminergic systems. The non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease can appear at various stages, especially before the onset of motor symptoms, such as loss of smell, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, constipation, and depression, which are often early symptoms of the disease. However, because the onset of the disease in patients is relatively hidden, the initial symptoms are often tremors, but can also be bradykinesia or stiffness, with the majority of these cases being diagnosed based on these symptoms. Therefore, when a patient has loss of smell, constipation, depression, or sleep behavior disorder, the possibility of Parkinson's tremor paralysis should be considered.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Is Parkinson's disease scary?

Parkinson's disease is not a terrifying disease, as its onset is relatively hidden and slow, with gradual progression. Many patients can significantly improve their symptoms, prolong their lives, and enhance their quality of life through rehabilitation training and medication. However, there is no effective cure for Parkinson's disease at this time; current treatments only relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Patients with Parkinson's should not be afraid and must regularly visit neurology outpatient clinics for follow-up. Neurologists will provide appropriate medications for Parkinson’s and guide the daily life of patients. Moreover, patients must prevent falls. Parkinson's is not a terrifying disease; what is dangerous is arbitrarily stopping or reducing medication without listening to the doctor's advice. (Note: This answer is for reference only, medication should be taken under the guidance of a professional physician, and medications should not be taken blindly.)

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Written by Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
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Is massage effective for Parkinson's disease?

The treatment of Parkinson's disease is comprehensive, with medication being the core method. Surgical treatments can supplement medication, and it is also important to include physical rehabilitation and psychological therapy. When patients have their symptoms and signs controlled by medication, massage can be administered to enhance their motor abilities and coordination, improving symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Massage therapy, therefore, has proven to be somewhat effective in this respect.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Can Parkinson's disease be cured?

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease of the nervous system that currently cannot be cured in medicine. It is important to choose the right treatment plan to avoid being deceived. Parkinson's disease is mainly caused by the irreversible death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, resulting in clinical manifestations such as bradykinesia, muscular rigidity, and tremors in limbs. Other non-motor symptoms include reduced sense of smell, constipation, anxiety, depression, and orthostatic hypotension. Treatment primarily focuses on symptomatic relief, and it is not expected to achieve complete remission. Commonly used medications include levodopa, anticholinergics, and activators of levodopa and dopamine receptors. Symptoms in patients usually progressively worsen, and curing the disease is very difficult.

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Written by Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
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How long does the course of Parkinson's disease usually last?

The course of Parkinson's disease generally lasts for how long? Parkinson's disease, also known as shaking palsy, is a common neurodegenerative disease, and the age at onset varies. For early-onset Parkinson's disease, it generally starts around age 40 to 50, while late-onset Parkinson's disease generally starts after age 50. As age gradually increases, the course of Parkinson's disease is generally about 20 to 40 years. Once diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, it is a lifelong condition. This disease is incurable, and can only be managed through medications, surgical treatments, physical rehabilitation, and psychological therapies to improve or control symptoms, but it cannot be cured. Therefore, once diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, the disease is lifelong.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How long can someone with Parkinson's disease live?

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease of the nervous system. It has a slow and inconspicuous onset, and it progresses gradually. The disease itself does not affect the patient's lifespan, as it does not impact the functions of heartbeats or breathing. If treated properly, cared for promptly, medications are taken as prescribed by the doctor, and followed up long-term, patients can survive about twenty years without problems. However, if patients adjust their medications on their own, stop taking their medications without consultation, or receive improper care from family members leading to accidental injuries or complications such as lung infections, then their lifespan can be significantly shortened. Once bedridden, life expectancy may rapidly decline. Therefore, with proper treatment and care, patients with Parkinson's disease can survive for about ten to twenty years. If care and treatment are not managed properly, patients may be threatened by fractures or lung infections, potentially reducing their lifespan to about five to ten years.