Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects muscle movement and function and, as it advances, can impair other vital functions such as breathing. We would all agree it is a terrible, awful, debilitating affliction that robs a person of their autonomy and tries to strip their dignity.

Affecting more than 10 million people worldwide, Parkinson’s often begins subtly, but its symptoms worsen over time. Understanding the signs and early symptoms can be key in managing the disease more effectively and maintaining quality of life.

The Bellebuono School of Herbal Medicine is dedicated to supporting the learning of botanical therapies to support physical and mental health. Our courses Herbs for the Brain (Beginner and Certificate) explore how herbs can support health and also explore how devastating brain illness is, particularly in cases of dementia and, as we share here, Parkinson’s.

In this article, we’ll explore seven common signs of Parkinson’s, its history, and what to expect as the condition progresses, supported by recent research and studies. (The certificate course is approved for CEUs for nurses and acupuncturists.)

A Brief History of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease was first described by English doctor James Parkinson in 1817 in his essay titled An Essay on the Shaking Palsy. He detailed the characteristic tremors, muscle rigidity, and slowness of movement seen in his patients, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that researchers discovered the role of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain, and its link to Parkinson’s. (As we review in the Herbs for the Brain courses, there are a number of neurotransmitters including serotonin, and we go over their roles and the function of nerve cells in order to understand the process of these diseases.)

Specifically, when a region of the brain called the substantia nigra fails to produce enough dopamine, or the existing dopamine is blocked or destroyed, Parkinson’s Disease can develop.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

There are a number of symptoms that either grip a person in the early stages or later stages of Parkinson's. Most caregivers observe:

Parkinson’s Tremors

Perhaps the most well-known symptom of Parkinson’s disease is a tremor, usually beginning in one hand or one side of the body. It often presents as a resting tremor, meaning the hand or limb shakes when it is relaxed and not in use.

This tremor can gradually spread to other parts of the body as the disease progresses. But not everyone with Parkinson’s experiences this symptom in the early stages​. Tremors often worsen over time, but they can ease during purposeful movement.

Bradykinesia: Slowness of Movement

Bradykinesia is slowness of movement and is another classic sign of Parkinson’s disease. Over time, it becomes more difficult for people with Parkinson’s to initiate movements, and everyday tasks—such as buttoning a shirt or brushing teeth—can become painfully slow and laborious.

Bradykinesia may cause people to shuffle their feet while walking or take smaller, more deliberate steps. A study published in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease notes that bradykinesia affects all voluntary movements, including walking, writing, and even facial expressions​.

Parkinson's Causes Muscle Rigidity: Stiffness in Limbs and Joints

Muscle rigidity, or stiffness, is common in Parkinson’s. The muscles of the arms, legs, and neck may feel stiff and inflexible, which can cause discomfort and limited range of motion. This rigidity contributes to a stooped posture, where people lean forward when they walk. Painful muscle stiffness can lead to reduced physical activity, which in turn makes other symptoms worse, such as bradykinesia and tremors​.

Parkinson's Leads to Postural Instability: Problems with Balance

As Parkinson’s progresses, postural instability becomes more prominent, leading to issues with balance. Many patients develop a tendency to fall or they lose their balance. This increases the risk of injuries from falls, especially in older adults.

Postural instability typically appears in the later stages of Parkinson’s disease and is one of the hardest symptoms to manage​. Physical therapy and exercises that focus on improving balance can delay the onset of severe instability.

Parkinson's Changes in Speech and Writing

Parkinson’s disease can affect the muscles in the face, throat, and vocal cords, leading to speech changes. Patients may notice their voice becoming softer, slurred, or monotonous, making it harder for others to understand them. A decrease in voice volume is a common issue along with difficulty controlling the speed of speech.

Handwriting may also change due to bradykinesia and tremors. Micrographia, or the tendency for handwriting to become small and cramped, is a reported symptom in people with Parkinson’s Disease​.

Parkinson's Causes Sleep Disturbances

Parkinson’s can also impact sleep. Many individuals with Parkinson’s experience poor sleep, including REM sleep behavior disorder (where patients act out their dreams), insomnia, and excessive daytime sleepiness. As would be expected, a study published in Sleep Medicine found that up to 90% of adults with Parkinson’s disease report some form of sleep disruption​.

Parkinson's Leads to Mood and Cognitive Changes

Parkinson’s is not a lone actor. It bedevils people with additional symptoms and diseases, including insomnia, depression and anxiety. These, of course, go hand-in-hand with the frustrating loss of control over one’s body. As Parkinson’s progresses, it affects mood and also, not surprisingly, cognition, especially given that dopamine is often not the only neurotransmitter malfunctioning.

Depression and anxiety are common, along with feelings of apathy. Cognitive issues, such as memory problems and difficulty concentrating, may appear in the later stages. Some patients develop Parkinson’s dementia, which affects their ability to think clearly and make decisions.

How Parkinson’s Disease Progresses

Parkinson’s disease typically progresses in stages. In the early stages, symptoms may be mild and only affect one side of the body. Over time symptoms worsen, spreading to both sides of the body and interfering with daily activities. In the later stages, movement can become significantly impaired, and non-motor symptoms, such as cognitive decline, may become more prominent.

While there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, treatments such as medications (like levodopa) and physical therapy, occupational therapy, and herbal and dietary changes can help manage symptoms.

Learn More About Herbs for the Brain

Herbal medicine is being researched as a therapy, as well, and the Herbs for the Brain courses share recent studies into how certain herbs and their chemistry can support brain health. Nutrients from foods and also available in supplements can ease the early stages, especially, and with herbs can form the foundation of a daily or weekly dietary routine for stronger mental health.

If you’re a beginner, or someone curious about this topic and you want to support yourself or loved ones, check out Herbs for the Brain Beginner, which will provide you a solid overview, a look at dozens of herbs and foods, and a 24-recipe e-book to help you create an action plan.

If you are a nurse, acupuncturist, social worker, herbalist, aromatherapist, or other health care professional interested in diving deep into botanical and nutrient-based therapies for herbal and mental health, see the Herbs for the Brain Certificate course, approved for 13 CEU or CH hours for nurses and acupuncturists. The course includes a Student Workbook, Student Coursebook, and up-to-date scientific and research-based case studies.

Nothing on this page or website is intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. This page and website is for information and educational purposes only.