Acknowledgements
Thanks to Dr K Ray Chaudhuri, Consultant Neurologist for his help with this section.
Tiredness or fatigue (physical, intellectual and emotional) is one of the most common problems that people with Parkinson’s experience.
We all feel tired if we are busy or are under particular strains. However people with Parkinson’s also experience fatigue because they generally have to work much harder to perform daily activities of living that people who do not have Parkinson’s take for granted. These can take longer to perform because of slowness of movement. Symptoms such as tremor and rigidity put stress on the muscles and make them work harder, often against each other, when making movements. Sleep problems are also common and can be a contributory factor. The side effects of medication, such as dyskinesias and motor fluctuations, can also cause tiredness.
Parkinson’s can also cause mental fatigue. In particular, many people find that concentrating for long periods or on more than one thing at a time can be difficult.
People at all stages of Parkinson’s can experience tiredness. The level of fatigue a person with Parkinson’s experiences can vary – certain times of the day may be better than others for undertaking particular activities or feelings of tiredness may fluctuate from day to day.
Physical fatigue can have an effect on a person’s psychological and emotional well being. People with Parkinson’s can become less active because they feel so exhausted. As a result their interests decline, they feel less inclined to engage in social activities and can consequently become bored, isolated and depressed.
Involuntary movements that tend to occur in people who have had Parkinson's disease for some years as a side effect of long-term use of Parkinson's medication.
Side effects of levodopa that tend to occur with long-term use (usually several years), because the body’s response to levodopa can become less reliable. These can include early wearing off ‘on/off’ syndrome ; and dyskinesias.
Stiffness of the limbs, joints or body that make movement and bending difficult.
Rhythmic shaking of part of the body. It is one of the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease, although it is not experienced by everyone.
