Parkinson’s stages and symptoms

What is your stage?

(For symptoms, click here.)

Stages of Parkinson’s disease is a tricky topic. 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?

Symptoms of Parkison’s comprise a long and scary list. 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. OK, that’s a stretch.)

This post looks at specific symptoms 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
  • dizziness, fainting
  • dyskinesia
  • sleep troubles
  • fatigue
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • loss of smell
  • other gut issues
  • nausea
  • nerve pains
  • facial masking (bored look)
  • speech issues
  • sexual dysfunction
  • urinary incontinence
  • excessive saliva
  • swallowing difficulties
  • hallucinations
  • delusions
  • memory problems
  • acting out dreams
  • small handwriting (micrographia)