The Mayo Clinic Diet Book, learn more

Free

E-newsletter

Subscribe to Housecall

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now

Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Parkinson's disease is often accompanied by these additional problems, which are variably treatable:

  • Thinking difficulties. You may experience cognitive problems (dementia) and thinking difficulties, which usually occur in the later stages of Parkinson's disease. Such cognitive problems aren't very responsive to medications.
  • Depression and emotional changes. Many people with Parkinson's disease may experience depression. Receiving treatment for depression can make it easier to handle the other challenges of Parkinson's disease. You also may experience other emotional changes, such as fear, anxiety or loss of motivation.
  • Sleep problems and sleep disorders. People with Parkinson's disease often may have sleep problems, including waking up frequently throughout the night, waking up early or suddenly falling asleep during the day, or rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder — acting out your dreams. Medications may help your sleep problems.
  • Bladder problems. Parkinson's disease may cause you to experience bladder problems, including being unable to control urine or having difficulty urinating.
  • Constipation. Many people with Parkinson's disease develop constipation primarily due to a slower digestive tract.
  • Sexual dysfunction. Some people with Parkinson's disease may notice a decrease in sexual desire or performance.
Preparing for your appointment Risk factors
References
  1. Parkinson's disease: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease/detail_parkinsons_disease.htm. Accessed Feb. 13, 2012.
  2. Parkinson's disease. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec16/ch221/ch221g.html. Accessed Feb. 13, 2012.
  3. Chou KL. Clinical manifestations of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 20, 2012.
  4. Jankovic J. Etiology and pathogenesis of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 22, 2012.
  5. Chou KL. Diagnosis of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 13, 2012.
  6. Tarsy D. Pharmacological treatment of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 13, 2012.
  7. Tarsy D. Surgical treatment of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 20, 2012.
  8. Ahlskog JE. Does vigorous exercise have a neuroprotective effect in Parkinson disease? Neurology. 2011;77:288.
  9. Tarsy D. Nonpharmacologic management of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 24, 2012.
  10. Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-2/0/1494/0.html. Accessed Feb. 24, 2012.
  11. Parkinson's disease: Fitness counts. National Parkinson Foundation. http://www.parkinson.org/Search-Pages/Search.aspx?pKeywords=fitness. Accessed Feb. 24, 2012.
  12. Parkinson's disease. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed April 1, 2010.
  13. Complementary therapies and Parkinson's disease. National Parkinson Foundation. http://www.parkinson.org/Search-Pages/Search.aspx?pKeywords=complementary%20therapy. Accessed Feb. 24, 2012.
  14. Ahlskog, JE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 1, 2012.
DS00295 May 11, 2012

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

  • Reprints
  • Print

  • Share on:

  • Email

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger