First Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease: Early Signs to Watch For
Noticing changes in your body, such as your hands developing a tremor, feeling slower than you used to be, or frequently losing your balance, can be unsettling.
If you’re worried these may be the first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, you’re not alone. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, but it often starts with subtle changes that are easy to miss.
The goal of this article is to walk you through the early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and know when it’s time to see your healthcare provider.
Key takeaways
Some of the most noticeable early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include tremors, muscle stiffness, slower movements, and trouble with balance.
Early symptoms unrelated to movement can include trouble sleeping, cognitive changes, loss of smell, and digestive disturbances.
See your medical provider if you notice concerning movement changes, especially if they are worsening or if you are also experiencing non-motor symptoms.
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson’s disease happens when certain nerve cells in the brain gradually lose their ability to produce dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement. Without enough dopamine, you may feel more stiff, move more slowly, and struggle to keep your balance.
Symptoms typically begin on one side of the body and gradually spread to the other side as well. For some people, progress may be slow, which makes it easy to overlook the initial symptoms.
Everyone experiences Parkinson’s differently. Some people may notice their hand has a slight tremor at rest, while others may face trouble performing simple tasks such as getting dressed.
Categories of Parkinson's symptoms
Parkinson’s symptoms fall into two main categories: motor and non-motor.
Motor: These symptoms affect movement, balance, and coordination, including tremors, stiffness, and slowness.
Non-motor: These symptoms can affect mood, sleep, digestion, or cognitive abilities and often appear long before a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Who develops Parkinson's disease
While Parkinson’s can affect anyone, some factors make it more likely:
Age: The average age when symptoms appear is 70. However, some people have symptoms before the age of 50. Healthcare providers call this early-onset Parkinson’s.
Genetics & environment: Having a family history of Parkinson’s or being exposed to certain toxins, such as pesticides, may increase the risk.
Gender: Research shows men are 1.5 times more likely than women to develop Parkinson’s owing to several factors.
Why recognizing early Parkinson's symptoms is important
Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s, catching symptoms early on gives you and your medical provider a head start. Being diagnosed in the early stages enables you to start treatments and make lifestyle changes that may reduce symptom severity, slow disease progression, and support independence.
Motor symptoms that appear first
The most noticeable symptoms of Parkinson’s disease typically relate to movement.
Resting tremor: This is a tremor that happens when your hand is resting. It usually starts in one hand and may look like a “pill-rolling” motion between the thumb and fingers.
Muscle rigidity and stiffness: Your muscles may feel stiff or tense, resulting in slower and less fluid movements. Individuals with Parkinson’s often notice stiffness in their arms, legs, or neck, and may reduce arm swing while walking.
Bradykinesia: You may notice it’s more difficult to initiate movements. People with Parkinson’s often have reduced facial expressions, slower walking, or difficulty rising from a chair.
Non-motor symptoms that often precede motor signs
Early Parkinson’s symptoms aren’t always about movement. Some relate to sleep, mood, cognition, and the senses.
Sleep disturbances: Some people act out their dreams during sleep - a condition called REM sleep behavior disorder. Others may experience restless legs, frequent nighttime waking, or excessive daytime sleepiness.
Mood and cognitive changes: Depression, anxiety, or loss of motivation can show up before movement problems. You may also notice subtle cognitive changes, such as slower thinking, trouble focusing, or difficulty multitasking.
Loss of smell (anosmia): Some people experience a loss of their sense of smell long before motor symptoms appear.
Autonomic symptoms: Digestive changes, like constipation, can occur early on. Some individuals may notice a softer, monotone voice, minor balance challenges, or slight dizziness that cannot be attributed to other causes.
Comparing early Parkinson's symptoms to other conditions
Some symptoms of Parkinson’s are very similar to symptoms of other conditions. However, there are some key differences.
Normal aging vs Parkinson’s: Slower movements are common with age, but Parkinson’s slowness is more severe, progressively gets worse, and is paired with other signs like tremor or stiff muscles.
Essential tremor vs Parkinson’s tremor: Essential tremor usually appears during movement, while Parkinson’s tremor is most obvious when a limb is at rest.
Other movement disorders: Conditions like progressive supranuclear palsy, dementia with lewy bodies, or multiple system atrophy may cause balance issues similar to Parkinson’s, but they have different development patterns.
When symptoms warrant medical evaluation
If you notice a persistent tremor, your muscles feel especially stiff, or if your movements are slowing, it’s time to see a healthcare provider.
Here are some red flags to watch for:
Tremor when your hand is at rest
Muscle stiffness or trouble initiating movement
Combined signs (motor and non-motor) occurring over months
Symptoms are getting steadily worse
How to recognize and respond to early Parkinson's symptoms
Here are practical steps you or a loved one can use:
Self-monitoring: Watch for tremors, stiffness, changes in walking, or facial masking.
Symptom journal: Write dates, times, and descriptions of what you notice or feel.
Ask others for feedback: Family or friends may spot changes you don’t notice.
Record videos: Short clips of tremors or stiffness can help neurologists better understand your situation.
Important factors to consider
Not every tremor or stiffness is Parkinson’s. Some side effects of medications can cause symptoms similar to Parkinson’s. Other medical conditions and vitamin deficiencies can also mimic movement issues.
Having a family history of Parkinson’s may increase your risk, but it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll have the disorder.
When you have concerns, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider.
Getting a medical evaluation
If you or someone you know has potential early Parkinson’s symptoms, here’s how the diagnosis usually unfolds:
Visit your primary care provider: Share your observations, history, and concerns with your provider.
Referral to a neurologist or movement disorder specialist: These healthcare providers specialize in conditions related to Parkinson’s disease and similar disorders.
Clinical evaluation: No test can confirm Parkinson’s alone. Diagnosis is based on symptom patterns, physical exams, and ruling out other causes.
Further testing as needed: Occasionally, imaging or lab work is used to exclude other conditions.
Treatment planning: If Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed, your medical provider will develop a personalized plan that includes medications, therapy, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments.
Ongoing monitoring: Symptoms, medications, and needs often change over time.
Bottom line
The first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease often start small. You may notice a hand tremor, muscle stiffness, or changes in your sleep or sense of smell. Because they develop slowly, it’s easy to dismiss them as part of aging. However, when you notice multiple signs or worsening patterns, trust your instincts, take notes on what you see, and talk to a medical professional.
Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s, early diagnosis allows you to receive medical treatment for better symptom management and possibly reduce symptom severity.
Frequently asked questions
What is usually the first symptom of Parkinson's disease?
The first noticeable symptom is often a resting tremor of the hand. But many people also report non-motor symptoms (like loss of smell or sleep issues) before movement changes.
How early can Parkinson's disease be detected?
Non-motor symptoms may appear years before a formal diagnosis is made. But diagnosing early is challenging until motor signs become more evident.
Can Parkinson's symptoms come and go in the early stages?
In the early stages, symptoms may be mild and inconsistent. Over time, they tend to become more constant.
What's the difference between Parkinson's tremor and normal hand shaking?
Parkinson’s tremor often appears when a limb is at rest and reduces with movement. Normal shaking often happens during activity, stress, or fatigue.
How long does it take to get a Parkinson's diagnosis?
It varies. Because symptoms develop slowly and mimic other conditions, it can take months to years. A movement disorder specialist typically provides the definitive diagnosis.
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