In the earliest stages of the disease, symptoms may be very slight or may not be noticed. Someone close to you might notice a slight limp, stooped posture, or a mild hand tremor. Other symptoms may include drooling and abdominal cramps. You may have trouble swallowing. In later stages, there is often a decline in the ability to think and remember.
Accurate diagnosis can be difficult.
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and examine you. He or she will look for the physical signs of tremor, rigid muscles, and slow movements that suggest Parkinson's disease. There are no tests that can confirm the diagnosis. However, tests are sometimes used to rule out other diseases. There is no cure yet for Parkinson's disease.