The clinical symptoms of Parkinson's disease

J Neurochem. 2016 Oct:139 Suppl 1:318-324. doi: 10.1111/jnc.13691. Epub 2016 Jul 11.

Abstract

In this review, the clinical features of Parkinson's disease, both motor and non-motor, are described in the context of the progression of the disease. Also briefly discussed are the major treatment strategies and their complications. Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressing neurodegenerative disorder, causing impaired motor function with slow movements, tremor and gait and balance disturbances. A variety of non-motor symptoms are common in Parkinson's disease. They include disturbed autonomic function with orthostatic hypotension, constipation and urinary disturbances, a variety of sleep disorders and a spectrum of neuropsychiatric symptoms. This article describes the different clinical symptoms that may occur and the clinical course of the disease. This article is part of a special issue on Parkinson disease.

Keywords: Parkinson's disease; clinical symptoms; dopamine; therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Progression*
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / physiopathology
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / psychology
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders / physiopathology
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Parkinson Disease / diagnosis*
  • Parkinson Disease / physiopathology*
  • Parkinson Disease / psychology
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / diagnosis
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / physiopathology
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / psychology
  • Tremor / diagnosis
  • Tremor / physiopathology
  • Tremor / psychology