Family members may notice the individual's face lacks expression or he appears stiff, unsteady or unusually slow. As the disease progresses, the tremor may interfere with daily activities such as holding a newspaper or a utensil. Major Symptoms Parkinson's major symptoms affect people differently. For example, the tremor may be one person's most serious symptom while it hardly affects another. It usually begins in the hand, foot or jaw and is most noticeable when the individual is at rest or under stress.
Muscles remain constantly tensed, resulting in movements that are short and jerky.
Often the most disabling and distressing symptom, this refers to the slowing down and loss of spontaneous and automatic movement. Activities such as dressing and bathing may take several hours. Impaired balance and coordination. The individual develops a forward or backward lean and falls easily. Other Symptoms Some of the following symptoms are minor and many can be treated with medication or physical therapy.