Parkinson’s Disease is the world’s fastest-growing neurological condition. When an individual receives a diagnosis, their support team will endeavour to provide them with as much knowledge as possible so that they, and their loved ones, are empowered to understand and make decisions around their disease management.  

This blog post provides definitions for 10 of the most common terms related to Parkinson’s Disease to help you in feeling more confident to navigate conversations with health workers and loved ones. 

#1 – Dopamine 

A chemical in the brain that helps in regulating mood, motivation, and movement. In Parkinson’s Disease, dopamine leaves decrease, leading to difficulties with regulation. 

#2 – Tremor 

Involuntary shaking or trembling, usually while at rest. In Parkinson’s Disease it often starts in one hand and is usually one of the first symptoms noticed. 

#3 – Rigidity 

Muscle stiffness which may be experienced by someone with Parkinson’s Disease, making it difficult to move or relax the muscles. This can lead to pain and limited range of motion. 

#4 – Bradykinesia 

This term relates to slowness of movement, causing the individual to take longer to complete daily tasks. 

#5 – Dyskinesia 

Another ‘-kinesia’ term, this one relates to involuntary, erratic movements (different to tremors). Dyskinesias may occur as a side effect of commonly prescribed Parkinson’s Disease medication. 

#6 – Akinesia 

The third common ‘-kinesia,’ akinesia refers to the inability to complete voluntary muscle movements. 

#7 – Basal ganglia 

This is the term for the area of the brain which is impacted in Parkinson’s Disease and is where dopamine is produced. The basal ganglia play an important role in movement, emotive, and cognitive function. 

#8 – Levodopa 

A medicine commonly used to treat Parkinsonian symptoms. It is typically most effective in managing bradykinesia. 

#9 – Dysphagia 

The term used for difficulty swallowing. As Parkinson’s Disease may impact the muscles used for eating, dysphagia can be typical at various points in the disease progression. Symptoms of dysphagia include coughing or choking during mealtimes, increased effort and duration of mealtimes, and sensations of food retention. 

#10 – Hypokinetic dysarthria 

A motor speech disorder caused by neurological damage, commonly linked to Parkinson’s Disease. Symptoms may include softness of speech, monotony, slurred speech, increased saliva production, difficulty commencing sentences, or quickened speech. 

Bonus #11 – Micrographia 

This term describes handwriting which can be typical in Parkinson’s Disease. Handwriting can often become small, cramped, and difficult to read. 

Many of the mentioned terms relate to one’s ability to communicate with others. Contact us for a speech pathology assessment session if you feel that your communication or swallowing is being impacted by the progression of your Parkinson’s Disease.