Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the brain that directly affects the nervous system and causes dyskinesia, unintentional or uncontrolled movements. This can include stiffness, shaking, balancing and coordination difficulties. Symptoms come on gradually and progressively worsen over time—while there is no cure, these symptoms can be managed with medications and treatments such as Gocovri ER, Rytary, Ingrezza, and Austedo. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should see your doctor to get tested for Parkinson’s disease:

1. Tremors
Tremor’s as a result of Parkinson’s often begin in the hands and ‘spread’ to the rest of the arm and could eventually go down to the foot on the same side. While there is no cure or way to completely stop the tremor, there are medications and treatments that can make it more manageable as well as different products that can help make daily tasks easier for those with tremors.

2. Muscle stiffness
Muscle stiffness can make your body feel more inflexible and rigid as well as making daily tasks, like tying shoelaces, writing, and turning over in bed, more challenging to complete. It can be difficult to relax your muscles or to stretch.

3. Slowed movement
If you notice it’s taking you longer to do things and move around, this is one of the main symptoms of Parkinson’s known as bradykinesia. This in combination with tremors and stiffness can make balancing and coordination difficult.

4. Smaller handwriting
If you’re writing and notice that your handwriting looks cramped or small, this is a sign of Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s patients micrographia, abnormally small letter size, is a result of changes in the brain and nervous system as well as complications with other symptoms such as tremors and stiffness that can make movement more challenging.

5. Fatigue
Fatigue in patients with Parkinson’s is believed to be a result of chemical changes within the brain. It likely will not go away with rest, but it can be variable—one day you may feel fit and refreshed, and others you may find it hard to complete daily tasks. Not only is physical fatigue a normal issue with Parkinson’s, but mental fatigue and concentration also becomes a challenge.

6. Problems with urination and constipation
Parkinson’s patients frequently report an overactive bladder, such as a sudden and urgent need to go to the washroom and frequent urination needs that wake you through the night. Issues with bowels and constipation is another common symptom of Parkinson’s and this can be managed by adjusting your diet to include more fiber or medical treatments.