– It occurs when nerve cells in the brain, specifically those producing a chemical called dopamine, become damaged. Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease inculde those problems other than tremours , rigidity and slowness which are crucial to recognize and manage because they can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While motor symptoms are often the most visible, non-motor symptoms can be just as debilitating and might occur earlier in the disease process which can help neurologists in early detection. 1. Depression & anxiety : Approximately 40-50% of individuals with Parkinson’s experience depression at some point, either as part of the disease process or as a response to the challenges of living with the condition.2. Cognitive impairment 20-40% of people with Parkinson’s develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can affect attention, memory, and executive function like inability do the learned skills activities.3. Sleep Disturbances: Nearly 60-90% of people report sleep issues, including insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) which include aggressive movements of hands and legs in deep sleep , which can be noticed even 10 years before onset of motor symptoms. 4. Autonomic Dysfunction: 30-40 % people may experience sudden dizziness , black out , palpitations , constipation , increased frequency of urination which can be noticed years before the onset of motor symptoms. 5. Sexual Dysfunction:such as erectile dysfunction in men or reduced libido in both men and women have been reported.6. Fatigue: causing persistent tiredness or exhaustion despite adequate rest.7. Loss of Smell (Anosmia): Present in about 70-90% of people with Parkinson’s, often occurring early in the disease.8. Speech and Swallowing Problems: Speech may become softer, more monotone, or less intelligible, while swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) can lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia. In summary, non-motor symptoms are important in overall management and quality of life for those affected. Recognizing these non-motor symptoms is crucial for providing comprehensive care and improving the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
