Parkinson's disease is a neurological disease that primarily affects the body's movement. The condition is progressive, worsening over time. Parkinson's disease stages are based on a scale developed by Hoehn and Yahr. With each new stage, existing symptoms may worsen and new symptoms can emerge. Medications are available in the early and moderate stages of the disease to provide some symptom relief.
Stage 1: Early Stage Parkinson's
The signs of early stage Parkinson's disease can be so subtle that people may not notice them for months or years. When symptoms are detected, they are typically mild and inconvenient, but not disabling. Individuals often develop a tremor in one of their limbs or experience other symptoms (hand shaking, muscle stiffness) on one side of the body only. Early symptoms are also visible to others, and friends may report noticing changes in the affected person's posture, facial expressions or motor movements.
Stage 2: Mild to Moderate Parkinson's
During stage 2 of Parkinson's disease, individuals begin to experience symptoms on both sides of the body (bilaterally). Posture and gait (walking) are noticeably affected, and most will experience mild to moderate disability and interference with their ability to go about work or daily activities. People may start to develop rigid muscles that limit the range of movement and cause some pain.
Stage 3: Moderate Parkinson's
Stage 3 of Parkinson's disease is associated with the progression in severity of early symptoms, as well as the emergence of new symptoms. Muscle rigidity or tremor may worsen, or some may experience a characteristic "pill-rolling" symptom in the hand (a back and forth rubbing of the thumb and forefinger). Equilibrium (balance) when walking or standing can show early signs of impairment. Body movements may become significantly slowed, and the sum of other symptoms, such as speech problems and loss of automatic movements like blinking, smiling or swinging the arms while walking, causes moderately severe generalized dysfunction.
Stage 4: Advanced Parkinson's
Stage 4 is considered advanced Parkinson's disease. It is characterized by severe symptoms which cause extreme dysfunction that prevent individuals from being able to live alone and take care of themselves. People with advanced Parkinson's disease can still walk to a limited degree, and tremors--though still present--may be less severe than in earlier stages. Bradykinesia (slowed movement) and body rigidity will be present and severe. Some may develop problems with memory (dementia) and mental clarity, as well.
Stage 5: Cachectic Stage
Stage 5 of Parkinson's disease is called the cachectic (wasting away) stage, characterized by a general reduction in vitality and physical and mental strength. By this point, individuals are wheelchair-bound as they can no longer stand or walk, and invalidism is complete. Around-the-clock nursing supervision is required to provide constant care.
