Parkinson's disease is a progressive disease that affects the nerve cells that produce dopamine, a chemical within the brain involved in controlling muscle movement. An estimated 60,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease each year within the United States, according to health experts with the Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF). People who develop any of the characteristics of Parkinson's disease should seek further evaluation and care from a medical professional.
Involuntary Trembling
The primary characteristic associated with Parkinson's disease is involuntary shaking or trembling of the limbs even when the body is at rest. Typically, this symptom first arises in the hands, but it can occur in any region of the body, MayoClinic.com reports. Certain patients may exhibit an involuntary reflex called "pill-rolling" in which a patient's forefinger and thumb rub together. As this disease progresses, trembling symptoms can become more severe and may spread throughout a patient's body.
Stiff Muscles
Muscle stiffness is a characteristic symptom of Parkinson's disease. Initially, muscle stiffness can be experienced as sore, achy muscles. Over time, the muscles within the legs can become rigid and difficult to move, explain health experts at MedlinePlus, an online medical encyclopedia established by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. National Library of Medicine. These characteristics of Parkinson's disease can significantly impact a patient's ability to move about normally.
Slow or Absent Movement
Bradykinesia, a medical term used to describe unusually slow body movement, can occur as a characteristic symptom of Parkinson's disease. Affected patients often move very slowly when walking, sitting down or reaching for certain items. Parkinson's disease can also lead to sensations of numbness or tingling in the limbs, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Certain patients with Parkinson's disease can have trouble initiating certain body movements, such as grasping a pen or straightening a leg. Facial expressions can appear distorted, rigid or mask-like in patients with this disease, PDF reports. Patients may lose the ability to perform certain automatic movements, such as blinking or smiling. As this disease progresses, patients with Parkinson's disease may no longer be able to move around without assistance.
Poor Posture
Patients with Parkinson's disease often exhibit poor posture. Affected patients may appear abnormally stooped or bent forward while standing or walking, health experts with UMMC explain. As a result, patients with this disease often have difficulty remaining steady and balanced while standing or walking, which can increase a patient's risk of falling. Additionally, Parkinson's disease patients may shuffle their feet when they walk, reports MedlinePlus. Over time, these characteristics of Parkinson's disease can negatively impact the ability of patients to care for themselves.
