Movement Symptoms
![Multigenerational family of men with their backs to the camera. Grandfather stands in the middle with his grandson on the left and his son on the right. Son's left hand is placed on his father's back](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/movementsymptoms.jpg?itok=tTzUl89e)
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is called a movement disorder because of the tremors, slowing and stiffening movements it can cause, and these are the most obvious symptoms of the disease. However, Parkinson’s affects many systems in the body. Its symptoms are different from person to person and usually develop slowly over time.
Read about Non-Movement Symptoms
Primary Movement Symptoms
There is no single test or scan for Parkinson’s, but there are three telltale symptoms that help doctors make a diagnosis:
- Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
- Tremor
- Rigidity
Bradykinesia plus either tremor or rigidity must be present for a PD diagnosis to be considered.
Another movement symptom, postural instability (trouble with balance and falls), is often mentioned as a primary symptom, but it does not occur until later in the disease progression. In fact, problems with walking, balance and turning around early in the disease are likely a sign of an atypical parkinsonism. Though each person's path with PD is unique, active engagement in exercise and wellness is central to maintaining balance and movement for everyone who lives with PD.
Slowness, stiffness and shakiness can impact daily living. Exercise is proven to ease these and other PD symptoms and can slow disease progression. Verified exercise strategies can keep you moving well. A physical therapist with Parkinson’s expertise can help you get started.
Secondary Movement Symptoms
Parkinson’s affects everyone differently and symptoms can change throughout the course of the disease. Only half of all people with PD will experience tremor, for instance. Though Parkinson's is diagnosed based on primary movement symptoms, it can produce many secondary movement symptoms too.
When alpha-synuclein, a common brain protein, misfolds and clumps specific areas of the brain, it diminishes the brain chemical dopamine. Dopamine is vital to smooth, coordinated movements and other body processes. Parkinson's symptoms arise from dopamine declines and affect people who live with the disease differently.
What causes Parkinson’s movement symptoms?
Dopamine is a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) that is primarily responsible for controlling movement, emotional responses and the ability to feel pleasure and pain. In people with Parkinson’s, the cells that make dopamine are impaired. As Parkinson’s progresses, more dopamine-producing brain cells die. Your brain eventually reaches a point where it stops producing dopamine in any significant amount. This causes increasing problems with movement.
More Information
For more insights on Movement Symptoms, read 10 Early Signs of Parkinson's Disease.
Staying Active
Exercise — and tools such as PD Health @ Home Fitness Fridays — can minimize movement symptoms. In fact, exercise is as important to living well with Parkinson’s as medications and other therapies. Find an activity you love and work with your doctor to create a plan to stay well.
Page reviewed by Dr. Jun Yu, Movement Disorders Fellow at the University of Florida, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence.
Related Materials
Pain in Parkinson's Disease
Occupational Therapy and PD
Managing "Off" Time in Parkinson's
Related Blog Posts
![Man holding his back in pain](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/Address-Pain.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=AGlzxshv)
Practical Ways to Address Pain in Parkinson's
![Man holding his head in pain and grandson comforting him](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/Managing-symptoms-blog.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=SCGNzafx)
Neuro Talk: Strategies for Managing Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms
![Heather Simpson headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/Heather-Simpon-preview.jpg?h=9105c3fe&itok=dfrsATcp)
Join the Fight Against Parkinson's
Support ground-breaking research, care and community outreach