As people age, their risk of falling increases. But people with Parkinson’s disease face about twice the risk of falling as compared to older adults without Parkinson’s. Each year, around 60 percent of people living with Parkinson’s experience at least one fall, and two-thirds of them fall more than once.

Motor symptoms (like freezing while walking, tremor, and balance issues) and nonmotor symptoms (such as dizziness or changes in thinking) can all contribute to balance problems and increased risk of falling.

“I have fallen at least a dozen times, and thankfully, have not broken anything,” one member of MyParkinsonsTeam wrote.

Another member said, “A good day is one without falls.”

As Parkinson’s disease progresses, the likelihood and fear of falling often increase. But not everyone with Parkinson’s will experience falls. Many strategies can help reduce fall risk and prevent serious injuries.

How Parkinson’s Causes Balance Issues and Falls

There are several reasons why people with Parkinson’s disease are more likely to experience balance problems and falls. Parkinson’s affects people in two major ways: through motor symptoms (changes in how you move) and nonmotor symptoms (changes in health that don’t directly involve movement).

Motor Symptoms

Specific motor symptoms from Parkinson’s may contribute to a person’s loss of balance and risk of falling. Some of these symptoms include:

• Axial rigidity — Stiffness and reduced flexibility in the neck and trunk
• Freezing of gait — A sudden, brief inability to move your feet
• Bradykinesia — Slowness of movement and delayed reaction time
• Changes in posture — Stooping or postural instability (trouble with balance)
• Shifts in center of gravity — Changes in body’s weight distribution that may affect stability
• Impairment of reflexes — Reduced ability to automatically catch yourself when off balance
• Vision changes — Blurry or double vision, for example, which can affect depth perception

Motor symptoms like these can make everyday movements — standing up, walking, or turning — more challenging and increase the chances of falling. The progression of Parkinson’s disease and its symptoms affects everyone differently. Some people might have more trouble with balance than others.

“I just gave in to using a walker. I am so excited at the difference it has made for me. My falls have decreased, and I can walk much longer distances.”

— A MyParkinsonsTeam member

Members of MyParkinsonsTeam commonly discuss changes with balance. One member wrote, “My biggest challenge has been overall balance.”

Another said, “I lose my balance very easily.”

Nonmotor Symptoms

Some nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s also raise the risk of falling:

• Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing) — This can cause dizziness, making it hard to walk without feeling lightheaded.
• Constipation — Rushing to the bathroom may increase the chance of tripping or slipping.
• Fatigue — Feeling tired can slow reaction time and reduce focus, making falls more likely.
• Stress or anxiety — Tense muscles and distracted thinking can affect coordination.
• Problems with cognition — Trouble concentrating or processing information can lead to unsafe movements.
• Side effects from medications — Some drugs used for Parkinson’s, such as amantadine, may cause dizziness or blurred vision as potential side effects.

One MyParkinsonsTeam member commented, “I’m dizzy. Sometimes it lasts a few hours, and sometimes it lasts for days.”

Another wrote, “It happens when I’m sitting or lying down — when I get up to stand, the dizzy spells happen. I have to stand still and hold on to something for a few minutes before they go away.”

How To Improve Balance and Prevent Falls With Parkinson’s

The good news is that there are many ways to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls when living with Parkinson’s disease.

1. Talk to Your Doctor

Don’t hesitate to bring up any falls or balance concerns with your doctor. Some people feel embarrassed or ashamed about falling, but it’s important to talk openly with your healthcare provider. Falls are common in Parkinson’s, and your care team can help you find solutions to prevent injuries.

Your doctor may review your medications to check for side effects or interactions that could affect your balance. They might also refer you to a physical therapist or recommend specific exercise programs designed to improve stability and coordination.

Be honest and thorough when describing your symptoms. The more your doctor knows about how Parkinson’s affects your daily life, the better they can support you.

2. Review Your Medications

Sometimes, balance problems in Parkinson’s are linked to medications or their dosages. Some Parkinson’s medications may cause side effects like dizziness, low blood pressure, or unsteadiness, which can increase your risk of falling.

For example, higher doses of carbidopa/levodopa — a common treatment for Parkinson’s symptoms — have been linked to a higher risk of falls in some people.

“I am dizzy from the meds. Does anyone else have problems with the carbidopa/levodopa?” asked one MyParkinsonsTeam member.

Medications for other health conditions, like high blood pressure, can also cause side effects that affect balance.

If you think your medications may be causing dizziness or affecting your balance, talk to your doctor. Never stop taking a medication without first consulting your healthcare provider.

3. Follow an Exercise Program

Exercise and physical activity programs can help improve balance, walking, and overall mobility for people living with Parkinson’s disease. One study found that people with Parkinson’s were able to move better after a six-week treadmill program, compared to those who did low-intensity balance and stretching exercises at home.

A meta-analysis — which combines results from multiple studies — reviewed 25 randomized controlled trials and found that various exercise programs helped improve balance, walking ability, and fall rates in people with Parkinson’s.

The most effective exercise programs for people with Parkinson’s often combine intentional movement with mental focus to support balance and enhance quality of life.

Examples of exercises that may benefit people with Parkinson’s include:

• Dance
• Tai chi — A slow, flowing practice that combines movement and meditation
• Walking
• Qi gong — A practice that combines posture, movement, breathing, and meditation
• Yoga — A mind-body practice that promotes flexibility and balance

“I have been doing tai chi for two and a half years, since my diagnosis,” one MyParkinsonsTeam member wrote. “My balance is still excellent. In my opinion, tai chi is great for balance and meditative activity, and I wouldn’t give it up for anything.”

Before starting any new exercise program — even home exercises — talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider. They can recommend exercises that match your needs and help keep you safe.

4. Try Physical Therapy

Working with a physical or occupational therapist can be an effective way to improve balance, walking, and posture in a supportive setting. A physical therapist can assess your risk of falling and guide you through personalized exercises to help you move more confidently.

Physical therapy can be beneficial at any stage of Parkinson’s disease, whether you’re experiencing frequent falls or looking to prevent them. “My balance has been helped by physical therapy,” shared one MyParkinsonsTeam member.

This feedback highlights how physical therapy can make people with Parkinson’s feel steadier and more secure on their feet — a valuable reason to explore this kind of support.

Bringing a caregiver or family member to your sessions can be helpful. They can support you in practicing the therapist’s recommended exercises at home.

5. Practice Balance-Improving Techniques

Many exercises that support better balance can be done at home. The right activities will vary depending on your symptoms and stage of Parkinson’s, so talk to your doctor or a physical therapist before trying any new balance techniques.

Some techniques recommended by a physical therapist with the Johns Hopkins Rehabilitation Network include:

• Sit-to-stand exercise — Repeatedly practice sitting down in a chair and standing up. Have a sturdy support like a countertop or table in front of you that you can reach for support.
• Balance exercise — Practice stepping side to side next to a table. Have someone with you in case you lose your balance, and also have a sturdy support in front of you that you can use to steady yourself.

You can also make small changes to how you move that may help prevent falls. Tips to manage balance loss and freezing of gait include:

• Swing both arms while walking to help keep your balance.
• Walk to a steady beat. Music or a metronome can help reduce freezing episodes.
• Lift your feet intentionally and imagine stepping over a line or laser.
• Use a “U-turn” strategy when turning. Walk in a curved path rather than pivoting suddenly.
• Focus on one task at a time. Avoid multitasking while moving.
• Move slowly when changing positions, such as sitting or standing. Try counting to 15 between each movement to stay steady.

6. Consider Walking Aids or Home Adaptations

There are several other ways to improve balance and avoid falls with Parkinson’s disease. Using a cane, walker, or other mobility aid can help you stay steady and move more safely.

“I just gave in to using a walker. I am so excited at the difference it has made for me. My falls have decreased, and I can walk much longer distances,” said one MyParkinsonsTeam member.

Making changes to the home may also help to prevent falls. If you live at home, your loved ones can help you with these changes. Helpful home adaptations include:

• Removing tripping hazards, like throw rugs
• Adding grab bars in the bathroom
• Making sure all areas are well lit
• Marking step edges with brightly colored tape
• Keeping walking paths clear of clutter

People with Parkinson’s may also be more likely to fall if furniture or household items are moved from their usual places. When you become familiar with a space, even small changes in layout can throw off your balance. Keep this in mind when making home adjustments or rearranging furniture.

As Parkinson’s progresses, the risk of falling may increase — but not everyone will fall. Many strategies can help you stay safer and avoid injury. Talk with your doctor about fall prevention options that match your needs.

Find Your Team

On MyParkinsonsTeam, people share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Do you have Parkinson’s and issues with balance and falling? Let others know in a comment below.