Symptoms

The following symptoms are those that can be associated with Parkinson's Disease. Flexion, rigidity, and tremor are the most common, but not all are always present. Also, as the disease progresses, the symptoms often become worse and more are developed. (McGeer, 1997)

• tremor - This is seen mostly with the hands and fingers and resembles the action of rolling a cigarette.

• depression - Depression is often characterized by feelings of worthlessness, not enjoying life as in the past, and sleep and appetite disturbances.

• rigidity -There is a general absence of all motor activity, affecting all of the voluntary muscles. Immobility of the facial muscles is common.

• hallucination - This is when a person perceives stimuli that aren't really present. The most common hallucinations are visual.

• psychosis - This is described as losing contact with reality.

• flexion - This affects the whole body. The head tends to be flexed on the chest, body bowed, arms, wrists, and knees are often bent.

• postural instability - The body is often not straight, and completely upright. This is partly due to the flexion.

• weight loss - Possible explanations of this include an increased difficulty chewing and swallowing, increased energy requirements due to muscle rigidity and involuntary movements, decreased sensitivity to smell and taste, and depression (Beyer, 1995) .

• dyskinesia - This is due to a dysfunction which disturbes the perception of one's own body.

• akinesia - This is a lack of propioception. This usually develops after dyskinesia.

Back to Home Page