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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How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed?

For the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, the patient's medical history and symptoms are very important, and physical examinations are also an important reference for diagnosis. The physical examination generally involves checking the patient's muscle tone and looking for signs of bradykinesia. In terms of auxiliary examinations, on one hand, it is necessary to perform ceruloplasmin tests, which primarily aim to exclude hepatolenticular degeneration. Brain MRI scans are also conducted to exclude other causes of secondary Parkinson’s disease, such as normal pressure hydrocephalus and cerebrovascular diseases. Additionally, these patients need to undergo olfactory tests and some PET-CT scans to clarify the diagnosis.

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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.

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What department should Parkinson's disease go to?

Parkinson's disease is classified as a neurological disorder, so once considered for Parkinson's disease, registration is naturally in the department of neurology. Many neurologists are very familiar with Parkinson's disease and also have rich experience in diagnosis and treatment. Especially some neurology experts who specialize in Parkinson's disease have their own unique views on the pathogenesis, etiology, and clinical manifestations of the disease. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological condition primarily divided into motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms, severely impacting the quality of life and work of patients. Symptoms include bradykinesia, resting tremor, muscle rigidity, etc. Treatment involves anticholinergic drugs and dopamine receptor agonists. (Note: This answer is for reference only. Medication should be administered under the guidance of a professional physician, and self-medication should be avoided.)

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Is Parkinson's disease progressing quickly?

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease of the nervous system that has a very concealed onset and progresses very slowly, making the progression of this disease not rapid. Patients can generally take care of themselves for about three to five years, or even five to ten years, without having to worry too much about this disease. This disease primarily causes patients to experience obvious bradykinesia, mask-like faces, drooling, resting tremors, and increased muscle tone among other clinical manifestations, which can significantly distress patients. However, the progression of this disease is relatively slow, and the signs and symptoms on the left and right sides of the body are also asymmetric. After effective pharmacological treatments, such as commonly used levodopa and dopamine receptor agonists, patients' symptoms can usually be well controlled and the progression is slow. If the disease progresses very quickly, it could potentially be Parkinsonian syndrome.

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What is Parkinson's disease gait?

Patients with Parkinson's disease have a distinctive gait; typically, their torso leans forward, and their arms do not move much. When they walk, they exhibit a hurried gait with short, scurrying steps. That is, they take small steps that progressively get faster and faster, making stopping very difficult when they reach their destination. This is a typical scenario often referred to as a "scampering gait." Many experienced doctors can frame a preliminary diagnosis of Parkinson's disease just by observing the patient’s walk. Parkinson's disease also leads to unstable posture and gait, increasing the risk of falls and fractures. Therefore, it's important to take precautions at home by installing handrails to assist the patient in standing and walking, preventing accidental injuries.