Neurodegeneration affecting movement
Parkinson’s disease is a brain condition that mainly affects movement but often also affects mood, sleep, bladder, bowels and thinking.
It often starts subtly; a tremor when resting, some stiffness or slowness on one side of the body and tends to get worse gradually over time.
Parkinson’s disease is the most common cause of a group of clinical conditions characterised by slow movement or parkinsonism. These other conditions, including progressive supranuclear palsy and multiple system atrophy, are often referred to as atypical parkinsonism.
Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease or these related conditions, but tailored treatment and support can help to improve how a person feels and functions day to day. Our work is closely integrated with research seeking to cure these diseases and improve symptom control.
Key topics
See further information on Parkinson’s symptoms, related movement conditions and diagnostic considerations.
Parkinson’s disease symptoms, and their progression, vary from person to person. Whilst some patients will experience significant tremor, others might be more affected by disturbances in their walking and balance.
Non-motor (movement) symptoms such as sleep, mood, memory, and bladder and bowel disturbances, are common but again vary widely between individuals.
Using precision medicine, we take a holistic and personalised approach to each patient, recognising that individuals need tailored management.
| Symptom type | Common symptoms |
|---|---|
| Movement (motor) | |
| Non-movement |
See related movement disorders similar to Parkinson’s disease:
Diagnosis is achieved through neuroimaging (brain scans) and neurologist assessment.
Common treatments include:
- medical team support
- medicines (eg levodopa, dopamine agonists)
- physiotherapy, occupational therapy and home safety
- specialised therapies
- speech pathology
- support for abnormal, erratic movements (dyskinesia).
Read more about Parkinson's disease diagnosis and treatments available.
The brain uses a chemical messenger called dopamine to help plan and control smooth, coordinated movement. Dopamine is made by nerve cells in a small area of the brain. In Parkinson’s disease, these cells gradually stop working and are lost over time.
As dopamine levels drop, it becomes harder for the brain to initiate and control movement, leading to common features such as tremor, stiffness and slowness. In addition, other brain cells that produce chemical transmitters important for mood, memory and thinking are also affected, leading to a wide range of symptoms.
Read more about related topics:
- Alpha-synuclein protein
- Dopamine and the substantia nigra
Research into new and existing treatments for Parkinson’s disease is ongoing, including trials of potential disease-modifying therapies.
If you’re interested in finding clinical trials near you, ask your neurologist or movement disorder specialist whether you may be eligible for any current studies, as availability varies by location and by individual health profile.
Read more about our research and clinical trials:
Our neurologists have expertise in movement disorder assessment, diagnosis and treatment. They perform a detailed clinical assessment of each patient’s individual pattern of motor and non-motor symptoms to guide diagnosis and tailor an appropriate care plan.
See our team:
To be seen by a neurologist with special expertise in Parkinson’s disease:
- speak with your GP about a referral for a Parkinson’s/movement disorders assessment
- bring a list of current medications and examples of the changes you have noticed
- a family member or support person is welcome to attend appointments.
We will work alongside your GP and existing care team to support ongoing management.
Learn more about the Macquarie University Brain Institute and Clinic.
When to seek help
You should seek assessment if:
- a tremor is present, particularly at rest
- balance is worsening, or falls are occurring
- changes are impacting safety, independence or daily activities
- family members notice changes in movement, posture or facial expression
- your sense of smell is deteriorating
- you start acting out your dreams
- movement is becoming slower, stiffer or less coordinated.
For sudden or rapidly worsening symptoms, call Emergency on 000.