Parkinson's disease causes debilitation because it gradually reduces the ability to control the movement of the muscles. The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but genes are believed to play a role, and expose to toxins or certain viruses may also trigger its symptoms, MayoClinic.com reports. Changes are also found in the brains of those with the disease, including a lack of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, and low levels of norepinephrine.
Tremors
The symptoms most commonly associated with Parkinson's disease, a tremor or shakiness may begin slowly, MayoClinic.com reports. A slight movement in the left or right hand may occur as the first symptom of the disease, but not all Parkinson's sufferers get tremors. These shaking motions increase over time until they affect much of the body.
Rigidity
Rigidity may barely make its presence known at the onset of Parkinson's disease. It may simply seem as if the muscles have stiffened, as they do for most people from time to time. With this malady, however, the stiffness increases, often until the person finds it hard to move certain body parts that are most affected. Trying to move stiffened muscles may cause pain, and simple movements can become difficult. A Parkinson's sufferer's gait can change because he is no longer able to swing his arms when he walks.
Balance Problems
As the control over muscle motions deteriorates, the Parkinson's sufferer may find it difficult to balance properly, the National Institutes of Health indicates. This may lead to a feeling of unsteadiness, which may make the person hesitate when moving.
Flexed Posture
Parkinson's sufferers tend to start involuntarily changing their normal postures. MayoClinic.com explains that this can lead to stooping, which may appear slowly, then increase in the angle of the stoop as the disease progresses.
Bradykinesia
Bradykinesia refers to a slowness of motion. A person may move more slowly than normal with Parkinson's. The lack of dopamine in the brain can make it difficult to begin moving, which can lead to hesitation in all movements, particularly walking. During movement, the Parkinson's sufferer may stop suddenly, and then find it difficult to start again. Over time, muscles may randomly "freeze."
Speech Problems
When the muscles start to freeze, or become stiff or out of control, the Parkinson's sufferer may begin to speak differently. There may be a slurring of speech, or his voice may change and take on an emotionless or expressionless tone. In order to get all the words out, the Parkinson's sufferer may speak quickly and at a lower volume than normal. He may hesitate while talking, or at the beginning of speaking.
Loss of Spontaneous and Automatic Movement
According to NeurosurgeryToday.org, Parkinson's sufferers experience a gradual loss of spontaneous movement, which can lead to decreased facial expression. This can result in an expressionless stare. Additionally, common hand gestures while talking may decrease, and then disappear. Decreased mental state and reaction time may also occur. Gradual loss of automatic movement can lead to decreased blinking and drooling.
