03
Leads to tremor , slowness and stiffness The cardinal PD symptoms are movement changes . But how these come on and to what degree — as well as how they change over time — are different in each person .
04
Brings mood , sleep and other symptoms The lesser-known PD symptoms involve other body systems . Not everyone has any or all of these symptoms . They can come on years or decades before movement changes .
05
Can run in families PD can , but doesn ’ t always , affect multiple family members . Even in families where several members have Parkinson ’ s , known genetic risks are not always present ; this tells us that PD also can arise as a result of shared environmental factors .
06
Does not have a test for diagnosis Unlike other conditions ( such as heart disease ), there is no objective test that can , by itself , tell whether you have or will get PD . Currently , doctors diagnose the disease through physical examination . But researchers are nearing a test for PD .
07
Has treatments for symptoms , but no cure yet Medications , surgeries and other therapies lessen symptoms to help people stay active and independent . And many therapies in clinical testing have the potential to slow or stop disease .
Better Brain Health | Section 03 — When Parkinson ’ s Risk Becomes Parkinson ’ s Diagnosis 49