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Researchers have identified genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors associated with Parkinson’s disease but the exact cause remains unknown. Clinical trials and other ongoing research will be crucial in determining what causes Parkinson’s and how to cure it.

Parkinson’s symptoms begin gradually, often on one side of the body. Later, they affect both sides. Early symptoms include:

• Resting tremor on one side of the body, then both
• Trembling of hands, arms, legs, jaw and face
• Stiffness of the arms, legs and trunk, which can be painful
• Slowness of movement
• Poor balance and coordination

Additional symptoms include:

• Small, cramped handwriting
• Difficulty with “automatic” movements, like arm swinging and blinking
• Decreased facial expression
• Lowered voice volume
• Episodes of feeling “stuck in place” when you take a step (freezing)
• Foot drag
• Less swallowing
• Trouble walking, talking or doing simple tasks 
• Cognitive difficulties
• Constipation 
• Bladder problems
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty sleeping
• Depression and anxiety

There’s no one test that can tell you if you have Parkinson’s. And sometimes a correct diagnosis takes time. Usually, a neurologist will diagnose Parkinson’s disease based on your medical history, signs and symptoms, and a physical exam. MRI or CT brain scans can help rule out other disorders. Your doctor might also prescribe carbidopa-levodopa, a Parkinson’s disease medication. If you improve significantly, this may confirm your diagnosis.

Not yet. As of today, there’s no way to prevent or cure Parkinson’s, but many medications can make a big difference in how people feel and function. With medications, most people with Parkinson’s can live productive lives for many years.

The main therapy for Parkinson’s is levodopa, which helps nerve cells produce more dopamine.

Additionally, doctors may prescribe: 

• Dopamine agonists to stimulate the production of dopamine in the brain
• Enzyme inhibitors (e.g., MAO-B inhibitors, COMT inhibitors) to increase the amount of dopamine by slowing down the enzymes that break down dopamine in the brain
• Amantadine to help reduce involuntary movements
• Anticholinergic drugs to reduce tremors and muscle rigidity

For those that don’t respond well to medication, the doctor might recommend deep brain stimulation, in which surgically implanted electrodes stimulate the brain and can alleviate symptoms.

A wide variety of complementary and supportive therapies can help people with Parkinson’s. For instance, physical, occupational, and speech therapies can help with walking and voice disorders, tremors and rigidity, and cognitive decline. Other therapies include massage, tai chi, hypnosis, acupuncture, swallowing therapy, and the Alexander technique, which helps posture and muscle activity. Exercise also improve balance and minimize gait problems. It can even strengthen certain muscles to improve speaking and swallowing.

The National Institutes of Health