People who suffer from Parkinson's disease gradually experience a decrease in the control of their movements. The disease affects the central nervous system, particularly the production and use of the neurotransmitter called dopamine. The National Institutes of Health states the particular neurons in the brain responsible for dopamine production either fail to produce enough dopamine or die because of the disease. Dopamine helps people control their muscle function and coordination, and the lack of it decreases this control.
Tremors
MayoClinic.com reports that one of the first signs that Parkinson's disease effects exist is a tremor or slight shaking motion in just one of the person's hands. Tremors also may occur in other areas of the body, the National Institutes of Health reports, such as in the face and jaw as well as in the legs and arms. The condition does not affect everyone with Parkinson's disease, however, the Mayo Clinic points out. FamilyDoctor.org states these tremors usually decrease with movement and appear more noticeable when the person is still.
Stiffness
Without sufficient quantities of dopamine in the body, the person may feel stiffness in the muscles. MayoClinic.com states that any portion of the body may have muscle stiffness with this ailment. This stiffness tends to increase as the disease progresses and may cause pain and a reduction of movement.
Bradykinesia
As Parkinson's disease progresses, it can cause a slowdown of voluntary muscle movement, such as walking. The Parkinson's disease sufferer may find it difficult to start walking and may shuffle along. MayoClinic.com reports the disease also can interrupt walking, freezing the feet in place and making the next step difficult.
Balance Problems
Because dopamine helps a person retain balance, a decrease or loss of it can lead to coordination and balance problems. Part of the slowness of motion can occur because of a feeling of unsteadiness. A person with Parkinson's disease also may develop stooped posture.
Lack of Motion
Parkinson's disease can take away the normal, unconscious motions of the average person. It can cause a decrease in or cessation of smiling and other facial expressions as well as a reduction in bodily gestures and eye blinks.
Speaking Difficulties
The effects of the disease can interfere with normal speech. Repeating or slurring words may indicate Parkinson's disease exists in the person. Vocal patterns may change, too, making the person speak in a monotone or more softly than previously. The disease may cause a hesitation in the person's speech.
Memory Problems
Although Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease appear different, each can cause memory loss as well as an inability to think clearly. For this reason, Parkinson's disease sufferers may use some drugs designed to treat Alzheimer's disease, according to MayoClinic.com. Memory problems typically occur later in the progression of Parkinson's disease.
