What are the symptoms of Parkinson ’ s ? The doctor will look for the three main movement , or motor , symptoms of Parkinson ’ s : shaking ( tremor ), slowness and stiffness . To make a diagnosis , they need to see slowness plus tremor or stiffness . These symptoms look and feel different for different people .
+ Slowness may be taking longer to get ready in the morning or to do things around the house . Loved ones might notice you have trouble keeping up on usual walks , hikes or other activities . Some have difficulty typing or buttoning . Many realize one arm doesn ’ t swing like it should while walking .
+ Tremor is shaking that happens at rest , when you aren ’ t using your hands or legs . This could be while watching television , riding in the car , or chatting with a friend .
It goes away when you ’ re using your arms and legs , such as while making dinner , writing a note or gardening . Tremor typically starts in one finger , hand , arm or leg . It comes and goes .
+ Stiffness is described by many as tightness or pain . It may be in the same location as tremor , and it can come and go , too . Doctors check for stiffness by moving your arms and legs while you relax .
How do doctors make a Parkinson ’ s diagnosis ?
Even though no test can diagnose Parkinson ’ s , blood tests or brain scans may still be helpful . These can find or rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms . And tests can support a doctor ’ s diagnosis of PD , especially if your symptoms and examination are not fully consistent with the disease . Brain imaging could include a CT or MRI scan , which look at the brain ’ s structure and are normal in PD .
Sometimes , when a person ’ s examination does not clearly point to Parkinson ’ s , doctors may recommend a DaTscan . This specialized image peers into the brain ’ s dopamine system . It can separate diseases that affect dopamine , such as Parkinson ’ s and related conditions , from those that don ’ t , such as essential tremor . In this way , it can confirm a doctor ’ s diagnosis . But it cannot , on its own , diagnose or predict Parkinson ’ s , even among people who are at risk for the disease . Research studies , including PPMI , are looking at if and how DaTscan , along with other measures , might be able to predict who will get Parkinson ’ s and how symptoms will change over time .
I ’ m still worried . What else can I do ?
Knowing you have a risk for Parkinson ’ s can , understandably , cause concern . But it also can inspire positive actions that help you feel better in many ways . Some people living with increased risk for Parkinson ’ s choose to see a movement disorder specialist even if they don ’ t have PD symptoms . ( Ask your primary doctor for a referral or search online for someone in your area .) This can lessen worry by helping you learn more about your specific risk profile and what to watch for . You can go once and then check in again if you notice changes . Or , you can visit yearly so the doctor can monitor for signs of disease and share the latest research and opportunities to participate .
Others take a wait-and-see approach . In this case , you and your loved ones will want to be on the lookout for any changes in movement . If anything new or different comes up , even if it ’ s subtle or not significantly bothersome , visit a movement disorder specialist .
Living in fear of what may lie ahead doesn ’ t help . Michael J . Fox says : “ If you spend all your time focusing on your worst-case scenario and then it actually happens , you ’ ve lived it twice .” Is your worst-case scenario Parkinson ’ s ? Something else ? Naming it won ’ t make it happen . But it may help you find ways to work through worry . And it can shift your focus to living each day as well as possible , whatever that means for you .
Remember : You know yourself best . If you are feeling overwhelmed , or if anxiety or worry is interfering with your day-to-day activities , it can be helpful to talk with a therapist , counselor or spiritual advisor .
Better Brain Health | Section 03 — When Parkinson ’ s Risk Becomes Parkinson ’ s Diagnosis 47