Follow the links below for more detailed information on treatment. Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder. Symptoms usually begin on one side, and most often involve an extremity - e.g., tremor in one hand. The disease progresses slowly, over a decade or more, usually first involving the other extremity on the same side, and then the opposite side. Because of the continued decline in motor ability, a wheelchair may be needed for mobility later in the disease course.
Depression is common in late-stage PD, as is anxiety and sleep disturbance.
Constipation, increased sweating, urinary incontinence, and male impotence also occur. Because of the progressive loss of substantia nigra cells, the response to drug therapy changes over time, with increased doses required later in the disease. Long-term use of the most effective drug, levodopa, is associated with development of dyskinesias , or abnormal movements. WE MOVE 2001.