15 Early Warning Signs of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder that primarily affects movement. It develops when nerve cells in the brain become damaged or die, lowering levels of dopamine — a neurotransmitter that helps control muscle activity. The resulting brain signal disruptions lead to tremors, stiffness, and other symptoms. The condition is most often diagnosed in people over 60.

1. Tremors

One of the earliest and most recognizable symptoms of Parkinson’s is a resting tremor — shaking that occurs when a muscle is relaxed. It often starts in one finger or hand, but may also affect the feet, face, or jaw. These tremors can be subtle at first and are not always exclusive to Parkinson’s, but they’re a common early indicator.