Stages and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

What is your stage?

(For symptoms, click here.)

Stages of Parkinson’s disease are tricky to determine. This is largely because each person’s set of symptoms is unique.

Still, experts have tried their best to describe a typical progression.

The method I’m going with is Hoehn & Yahr’s five stages of Parkinson’s disease, devised in 1967 and based on clinical disability. Below are the basics; see where you might be:

Stage 1

  • Mild symptoms rarely interfere with daily activities
  • Tremors are on only one side of the body
  • Changes in posture, walking and facial expressions observed

Stage 2

  • Tremors and rigidity affect both sides and perhaps the midline (neck and trunk)
  • Walking problems and poor posture are evident
  • Daily tasks are more difficult and take longer

Stage 3

  • Loss of balance and unsteadiness is felt while turning the body
  • Falls are more common
  • Motor symptoms continue to worsen
  • Independent life is still possible

Stage 4

  • Standing doesn’t require help, but a cane/walker is used for walking
  • Significant help is needed for daily tasks
  • Living alone is usually not possible

Stage 5

  • Stiffness in legs restricts standing or walking
  • Wheelchair is needed unless aided
  • Around-the-clock care is required for all activities

What are your symptoms?

The list of symptoms of Parkison’s disease is long and scary. It’s a good thing they don’t all happen at once.

I like to savor each one as it comes to me. (Always trying to find the positives. Even when it’s a stretch.)

This post looks at specific symptoms of Parkinson’s that may affect hiking.

It’s important to know that each person living with Parkinson’s has a unique set of symptoms. There’s no one else exactly like you.

Here is a list of symptoms that can be attributed to Parkinson’s disease. It includes both motor and non-motor symptoms.

  • tremor (limbs, head, jaw)
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • apathy
  • gait or walking issues
  • slowness (bradykinesia)
  • muscle stiffness (rigidity)
  • balance difficulties
  • low blood pressure
  • dizziness, fainting
  • dyskinesia
  • sleep troubles
  • fatigue
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • loss of smell
  • other gut issues
  • nausea
  • dry eyes
  • nerve pains
  • facial masking (bored look)
  • speech issues
  • sexual dysfunction
  • urinary incontinence
  • excessive saliva
  • swallowing difficulties
  • temperature dysregulation
  • cognitive slowness
  • hallucinations
  • delusions
  • memory problems
  • acting out dreams
  • small handwriting (micrographia)