What is Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It is caused by the degeneration of cells that produce dopamine in a certain area in the brain known as the substantia nigra. As these cells die, the dopamine level drops, thereby causing the characteristic motor symptoms of PD.

What are the Stages of Parkinson’s Disease?

The Hoehn and Yahr scale categorizes the functional disability caused by Parkinson’s disease, providing a framework for understanding its progression. It’s important to remember that the rate of progression varies significantly from person to person.

Stage 1: Mild, Unilateral Symptom

During this early phase, the symptoms are only mild and typically do not affect the daily lives of the patients. Movement-related symptoms, such as tremors, rigidity, or slowness of movement (bradykinesia), are typically present on only one side of the body.

Postural changes, gait alteration, or changes in facial expression can be slight and not noticed easily. Symptoms at this level are usually at a moderate level to such an extent that at that level there is no need to carry out medication, or in case there should be the need, there can be medication that can effectively control the symptoms.

Stage 2: Bilateral Symptoms, No Balance Impairment

When the disease enters Stage 2, symptoms are more evident, and on both sides of the body. Tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia are now present on both sides, but they might still appear worse on either side. Issues with keen walking and poor posture are enhanced.

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