The Full Picture: Symptoms of Parkinson’s, Risk Factors & Causes

Living with Parkinson’s can feel like your body is quietly betraying you – each tremor, each moment of rigidity, a whisper of what’s slipping away. Yet, within this journey, there’s the possibility of grace: embracing each moment, holding on to what’s still within your control. Cellmaflex becomes your silent partner in this. Using Cellmaflex, you can book appointments online without any phone calls, view your medical records 24/7, and find nearby doctors, pharmacies, labs and imaging centres, without needing to call anyone or wait long on hold. 

In this blog, we will cover the symptoms of Parkinson’s, the complexity of the disease, the progression of Parkinson’s, and the methods you can utilise to care for the body and mind. With Cellmaflex, these challenges are a little easier, and you have time to focus on what matters. 

What is Parkinson’s disease? 

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic progressive neurological disorder that mostly affects movement. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine, a chemical messenger or neurotransmitter that is helpful in movement, mood and various autonomic functions, suffer from degeneration or death. When dopamine levels drop, it becomes increasingly harder for the brain to control and coordinate, therefore, a loss of muscle movement occurs, along with other motor and predominant non-motor symptoms.  

As of 2019, according to WHO, over 8.5 million individuals worldwide were living with Parkinson’s disease. This represents a doubling of cases over the past 25 years. Projections suggest that the number of people with Parkinson’s disease will more than double by 2050, reaching approximately 25.2 million, primarily due to an ageing global population.  

The direct cause is unknown, though the disease process involves both genetics and environmental factors. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, a wide range of treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or deep brain stimulation exist in order to manage the symptoms and quality of life. 

Causes and Risk Factors of Parkinson’s Disease 

Although the cause of Parkinson’s isn’t known, there are several factors which researchers have identified that contribute to the development of the disease: 

a. Underlying Causes 

• Loss of neurons which produce dopamine in the brain, which leads directly to the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s 

• Changes in genes such as LRRK2 and PARK7 

• Exposure to toxins in the environment, such as pesticides and heavy metals 

• Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, which can be detrimental to cellular health
  
  

b. Common Risk Factors 

• Age (most people develop Parkinson’s after the age of 60) 

• Family history of Parkinson’s 

• Head injury history 

• Exposure to herbicides or solvents
  
  

These factors increase the risk of developing the symptoms of Parkinson’s, underscoring the importance of early monitoring and access to appropriate health services with Cellmaflex. 

Symptoms of Parkinson’s  

a. Motor symptoms 

Motor-related symptoms of Parkinson’s are often the first to appear:  

• Tremors, especially at rest 

• Bradykinesia (slowness of movement) 

• Muscle stiffening or rigidity 
  
• Problems with posture, balance, and coordination
  
  

b. Non-Motor Symptoms 

Just as significant as motor issues, non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s may include: 

• Depression, anxiety, and mood changes 

• Difficulty sleeping 

• Digestive problems such as constipation
  
• Cognitive issues like forgetfulness and trouble concentrating
  
  

Stages of Progression of Parkinson’s 

The symptoms of Parkinson’s evolve leading to the following stages: 

Stage 1 
During this stage, the person experiences mild symptoms that generally do not interfere with one’s daily activities. Tremors along with other movement symptoms, only occur on one side of the body. Other symptoms that may occur are changes in posture, stride, and a person’s ability to express emotions through facial posture.  

Stage 2 
Symptoms begin to worsen. Tremors, rigidity, and other movement symptoms occur on both sides of the body or the midline (such as with the neck and trunk). Walking problems may arise, and posture may worsen, leading to further balance problems.  

Stage 3 
At this mid-stage, the hallmark symptom is loss of balance (such as unsteadiness of the feet when a person turns or is given a push from standing). Falls are more likely to occur at this stage. Other motor symptoms continue to worsen.  

Stage 4 
In this stage, symptoms are fully developed and severely limiting. While the person may still be able to stand and walk independently, a cane/walker for safety may be necessary.  

Stage 5 
The fifth stage represents the most advanced and severely limiting stage. Stiffness may prevent a person from being able to stand or walk. The person may be bedridden or require a wheelchair for ambulation if not aided. At this point, 24/7 care is needed for all activities. 

At every stage, Cellmaflex can assist by helping you stay on top of appointments, access records quickly, and locate local therapy services or support groups. 

The Impact of Parkinson’s on Daily Life and Mental Health 

The symptoms of Parkinson’s affect more than just physical abilities, they change how people live: 

• Daily routines like dressing or cooking take more time 

• Depression and apathy often develop as the disease progresses 

• Sleep is commonly disrupted, leading to fatigue 

• Social withdrawal becomes common due to physical and emotional changes
  
  

Having access to a platform like Cellmaflex, which allows users to instantly book appointments, avoid long calls, and find the nearest healthcare facilities, helps patients and caregivers feel more in control. 

Care Strategies and Management

a. Medical Interventions

There’s no cure yet, but treatments aim to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s 

• Medications prescribed by the primary healthcare provider. 

• Deep brain stimulation can assist with advanced motor symptoms. 

• Regular visits with physical, speech, and occupational therapists.
  
  

b. Lifestyle and Support Aids 

Addressing the symptoms of Parkinson’s also involves lifestyle changes: 

• Regular exercise, such as tai chi or walking, can help maintain mobility. 

• A healthy diet will support the health of your brain and muscles. 

• Daily habits and supportive devices will help make completing the task easier. 

• Cognitive stimulation, along with emotional support, will help your overall mental health.
  
  

Need help finding local therapy options? Use Cellmaflex to search for clinics and labs nearby – no need to waste time or make multiple phone calls.

c. Support for Caregivers

Caregivers play a vital role and deserve support: 

• Joining Parkinson’s support groups 

• Learning techniques for safe mobility assistance 

• Using Cellmaflex to book specialist appointments and keep track of treatments 

• Seeking respite care and mental health support when needed
  
  

Living With Parkinson’s Disease 

How do I take care of myself? 

• If you have Parkinson’s disease, the best thing you can do is follow the guidance of your healthcare provider on how to take care of yourself. 

• Take your medication as prescribed. When your condition is being treated with medications, taking your medications as prescribed can make a huge difference to the symptoms of Parkinson’s. You should take your medications as prescribed and consult your provider if you experience side effects or if you start to feel your medications may not be as effective. 

• Follow up with your provider as needed. Your provider will have established a schedule for you to follow up with them. These follow-up appointments are especially important for managing your conditions and to help find the right medications and dosages. 

• Don’t ignore or avoid your symptoms. Treatment can make a significant difference in managing your symptoms to keep them from greatly impacting your life.
  
  

Recognising and addressing symptoms of Parkinson’s as soon as possible following a diagnosis can positively impact patient outcomes over time. From understanding the causes of Parkinson’s disease to engaging in care options, having digital tools at hand such as Cellmaflex helps to ensure patients and caregivers are kept up to date, supported and connected. 

Let Cellmaflex empower the care journey with clarity and compassion. Book your online appointment today!