Coping with Symptoms

If you have gone to the doctor because of movement symptoms, you may not be aware — and your doctor may not tell you at the time you are diagnosed —that Parkinson’s disease manifests in many additional ways other than the more visible movement symptoms. Fatigue, constipation, and sleep problems are a few such examples of  common non-movement symptoms of PD.

These symptoms, which are not related to movement, are called nonmotor symptoms of PD. They can also include mild cognitive impairment (such as difficulty focusing on a task), depression, soft speech, pain, and impulsive behaviors.

These symptoms are frequently more troubling, and interfere more with daily life, than motor signs. Effective therapies are available to treat these symptoms—medications as well as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Recognizing nonmotor symptoms, and understanding how they may affect your quality of life, is a first step toward taking control of your health and living well with Parkinson’s.

Learn more about:

• Fatigue
• Cognitive impairment
• Depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Speech problems
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Impulsive behaviors
• Pain