Symptoms Archives | American Parkinson Disease Association

Early signs of Parkinson’s disease

Posted on March 18, 2025March 19, 2025 by Rebecca Gilbert, MD, Ph.D.

In the beginning….The first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease Dr. Gilbert discusses the common first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

Questions About Vision & Parkinson’s Disease

Posted on November 19, 2024November 19, 2024 by Rebecca Gilbert, MD, Ph.D.

Exploring Vision Changes in Parkinson’s Disease Insights from Dr. Gilbert Hosts with Dr. Janet Rucker Vision changes are a...see more common but often under-discussed non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease. These changes can include eye movement problems, dry eyes, visual hallucinations, and more. On a recent episode of APDA’s Dr. Gilbert Hosts, we spoke with Dr. Janet Rucker, […]

The Heart of The Matter: Cardiovascular Effects of Parkinson’s Disease

Posted on August 14, 2024August 22, 2024 by Rebecca Gilbert, MD, Ph.D.

It has long been understood that Parkinson’s disease (PD) does not just cause movement, or motor, symptoms, but also...see more causes a litany of non-motor symptoms with effects throughout the body. One of the organ systems that is affected is the cardiac system, encompassing the heart, as well as the major and minor blood vessels.

Lewy Bodies, Dementia, and Parkinson’s – What Does it all Mean?

Posted on June 18, 2024June 18, 2024 by Rebecca Gilbert, MD, Ph.D.

Understanding Cognitive Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease: PDD vs. DLB Cognitive challenges are a very common non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s...see more disease (PD). When the cognitive challenges are severe enough to interfere with daily activity, they are known as Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). You may have heard of another condition called Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). Although […]

What Worsens Parkinson’s Disease’s Motor Symptoms?

Posted on May 21, 2024October 15, 2024 by Rebecca Gilbert, MD, Ph.D.

Understanding what factors may worsen Parkinson’s symptoms Many people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experience variation in their motor symptoms...see more (e.g. tremor, stiffness, slowness, trouble walking, balance difficulties) throughout the day and from one day and the next. This variability is often related to medication dosing, and you and your doctor may focus on adjusting the […]

Impulsive-compulsive behaviors in Parkinson’s disease

Posted on February 27, 2024March 1, 2024 by Rebecca Gilbert, MD, Ph.D.

How Parkinson’s medications may affect behavior Dopaminergic medications (or medications that enhance the brain’s dopamine system) are the mainstay...see more of treatment for the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). These medications have the potential to dramatically improve the quality of life of someone with PD by improving slowness and stiffness, tremor, and gait difficulties – […]

Medicinal plants, herbal remedies, and supplements for Parkinson’s disease symptoms

Posted on February 6, 2024February 6, 2024 by Rebecca Gilbert, MD, Ph.D.

Insights from Dr. Britt Stone on APDA’s Dr. Gilbert Hosts On a recent episode of APDA’s Dr. Gilbert Hosts, I spoke...see more with Dr. Britt Stone, a movement disorders specialist with a particular interest in herbal remedies, medicinal plants, and supplements and their use in Parkinson’s disease (PD). We covered a lot of ground during the broadcast and […]

Questions About Blood Pressure Control & Parkinson’s Disease

Posted on December 19, 2023August 18, 2025 by Rebecca Gilbert, MD, Ph.D.

Exploring Parkinson’s Disease’s Impact on Blood Pressure Control On a recent episode of APDA’s Dr. Gilbert Hosts, I spoke...see more with Dr. Jose Palma, a doctor with expertise in autonomic dysfunction and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Autonomic dysfunction is common in PD and refers to the dysregulation of body functions that are not under conscious control such […]

Questions About Urinary Dysfunction & Parkinson’s Disease

Posted on December 5, 2023December 7, 2023 by Rebecca Gilbert, MD, Ph.D.

Exploring Parkinson’s Disease’s Impact on Urinary Dysfunction On a recent episode of APDA’s Dr. Gilbert Hosts, I spoke with...see more Dr. Victor Nitti, a urologist with expertise in Parkinson’s disease (PD). We covered a lot of ground during the broadcast and answered questions from the audience. It was a very informative conversation, and we encourage you […]

Cognitive Fluctuations in Parkinson’s Disease

Posted on November 21, 2023September 6, 2024 by Rebecca Gilbert, MD, Ph.D.

Understanding Cognitive Fluctuations: What Do They Entail? Cognitive difficulties are a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease and can be...see more very challenging both for people with PD and their care partners. Typically, these changes are noticed slowly over time as the person with PD develops more difficulty with tasks and activities. Sometimes, however, a person with […]

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