Symptoms

Parkinson’s is commonly characterized by its motor symptoms. However many people experience other changes that are often not identified as symptoms. These are known as non-motor symptoms and are often left untreated. Below, you will find information outlining both types of symptoms, how to identify symptoms you may not realize are linked to Parkinson’s, and how to manage them. 

Motor symptoms

Parkinson’s is characterized by: 

Slowness of movement

Rigidity 

Tremor 

Postural instability 

Non-motor symptoms

Non-motor symptoms can impact your quality of life and can be experienced prior to motor symptoms. You may not realize that these symptoms are linked to Parkinson’s. As a result, many non-motor symptoms often go untreated. 

Depression may be an early symptom of Parkinson’s 

Depression is one of the most common, and most disabling, non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. As many as 50 percent of people with Parkinson’s experience the symptoms of clinical depression at some stage of the disease. Some people experience depression for up to a decade or more before experiencing any motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. 

Clinical depression and anxiety are underdiagnosed symptoms of Parkinson’s. Researchers believe that depression and anxiety in Parkinson’s may be due to chemical and physical changes in the area of the brain that affect mood as well as movement. These changes are caused by the Parkinson’s itself. 

Here are some suggestions to help identify depression in Parkinson’s: 

  • Mention changes in mood to your physician if they do not ask you about these conditions. 
  • Complete our Geriatric Depression Scale-15 to record your feelings so you can discuss symptoms with your doctor. Download the answer key and compare your responses. 

Here are some suggestions for managing depression: 

  • For information and support on living well with Parkinson’s, contact our Information and Referral line (link: /services-resources/hotline). 
  • As much as possible, remain socially engaged and physically active. Resist the urge to isolate yourself. 
  • You may want to consult a psychologist and there are medications that help relieve depression in people with Parkinson’s, including nortriptyline and citalopram (Celexa). 

Other non-motor symptoms 

Non-motor symptoms can vary substantially from patient to patient and can include: 

  • Drooling 
  • Change in taste and smell 
  • Choking and swallowing difficulties 
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Constipation 
  • Uncontrolled loss of stool 
  • Bladder dysfunction 
  • Unexplained changes in weight 
  • Dementia and cognitive impairment 
  • Hallucinations 
  • Sexual dysfunction 
  • Orthostatic hypotension 
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness 
  • Insomnia 
  • REM sleep behaviour disorder 
  • Restless leg syndrome 
  • Leg swelling 
  • Excessive sweating 
  • Double vision 
  • Delusions and impulse control disorders 

How to identify and manage non-motor symptoms 

With support from donations, tools and resources have been developed that can help you and your physician identify and manage non-motor symptoms. 

Download Parkinson’s: An Introductory Guide 

This guide will help you better understand Parkinson’s. Developed and authored with the McGill University Health Centre Patient Education Office with support from Parkinson Canada, it describes the illness, changes in your body over time, treatment and care options, possible health problems, as well as when and where you can find more help. 

The focus of this resource is on providing you with the tools to understand Parkinson’s, and to live well. You are encouraged to review this guide with your family. Bring it with you to your appointments with your healthcare team.

Download the guide