Kenneth2, your doctors would be a good resource to answer that question. They know your health picture the best. The Parkinsons Foundation has an 800 number with real people that answer and are happy to give you a lot of information. the Facebook sites offer endless groups and information for anyone to look at. You can use a combination of any of these or all of them to get a better understanding and help you prepare questions for your neurologist to answer. Best to you!
August 20 (edited)
Doctors typically use a system called the Hoehn and Yahr scale to track how Parkinson's is progressing. It breaks things down into 5 stages based on how movement symptoms are affecting daily life. Another tool is the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), which also looks at non-movement symptoms like mood and Show Full Answer
Doctors typically use a system called the Hoehn and Yahr scale to track how Parkinson's is progressing. It breaks things down into 5 stages based on how movement symptoms are affecting daily life. Another tool is the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), which also looks at non-movement symptoms like mood and thinking changes.
Here's a quick overview of what each stage generally looks like:
- Stage 1: Mild symptoms on one side of the body only; daily life mostly unaffected
- Stage 2: Symptoms on both sides of the body; daily tasks take longer but independence is maintained
- Stage 3: Balance problems become more noticeable; falls are a bigger concern, but most people can still live independently
- Stage 4: Symptoms are more severe; a walker or cane is often needed, and help with daily tasks is usually required
- Stage 5: The most advanced stage; a wheelchair or full-time care is typically needed
It's worth noting that everyone's journey is different. As one MyParkinsonsTeam member shared, "My PD has advanced slowly, and I feel pretty good most of the time." Progression can vary a lot from person to person. Tracking changes in symptoms over time is really helpful for both you and your doctor. Some signs that things may be progressing include:
- Uncontrolled movements (dyskinesia)
- Freezing while walking
- More frequent falls
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Cognitive (thinking) changes
- "Off" time — when symptoms return before the next medication dose is due
Keeping notes on these changes and sharing them at appointments can help your care team decide if any treatment adjustments are needed.
August 18
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