Parkinson's Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Parkinson's Disease?
A neurologist, a doctor who treats diseases of the brain and nerves, usually diagnoses and treats Parkinson's disease. A primary care doctor can also help coordinate your care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the nervous system that affects movement and gets worse over time. It happens when nerve cells in the brain die or stop working well, so the brain makes less dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement. As symptoms get worse, people may have trouble walking, talking, or doing everyday tasks.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually start slowly and get worse over time. They often begin on one side of the body and later affect both sides. There are four main symptoms:
- Tremor (shaking) in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head.
- Muscle stiffness.
- Slowness of movement.
- Poor balance, which sometimes leads to falls.
A resting tremor usually happens when your limbs are not moving, and it goes away when you move. Other symptoms can include:
- Depression and other emotional changes.
- Trouble swallowing, chewing, and speaking.
- Urinary problems or constipation.
Causes and who gets it
Scientists do not yet know what causes the nerve cells to die. Many researchers believe it comes from a mix of genes and the environment, such as exposure to toxins. Some cases are inherited. But in most cases it does not seem to run in families. People with a close relative who has Parkinson's are more likely to get it. Exposure to some types of pesticides and other pollutants is linked to a greater risk. Most people first develop the disease after age 60, but about 5% to 10% start before age 50. It affects more men than women.
How doctors diagnose it
No single test can clearly diagnose Parkinson's disease. Doctors review your medical history. They also do a nerve exam, which looks for problems with movement. Your provider may run tests to check for other conditions that cause similar symptoms. If symptoms get better with medicine, that is another sign.
Treatment
There is no cure for Parkinson's disease. Medicines or surgery can help people move more easily and improve other symptoms. The main medicine is levodopa, which nerve cells use to make dopamine. People usually take it with carbidopa, another medicine that reduces some of its side effects. Doctors may also use other medicines that raise dopamine, slow the breakdown of dopamine, or ease tremor and stiffness. The medicine may wear off at times during the day, and symptoms can return. Parkinson medicines can cause side effects that may be severe, such as seeing or hearing things that are not there. Never change or stop taking any medicine without talking with your provider. Stopping levodopa suddenly may cause serious problems, like being unable to move or having trouble breathing. Doctors usually consider deep brain stimulation, or DBS, after medicines stop working well or cause hard side effects. In this brain surgery, a neurosurgeon, or brain surgeon, places a thin wire in the brain area that controls movement. A battery pack in the chest sends the signals to the wire. DBS does not cure the disease. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy may help with walking, speech, tremor, and stiffness. Walking, dancing, cycling, and swimming can improve balance, strength, and the ability to move. Check with a doctor before starting a new exercise program.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have signs of Parkinson's, if symptoms get worse, or if new symptoms appear. If you take medicine for Parkinson's, tell your provider right away about side effects such as hallucinations or severe confusion. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or a head injury after a fall.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can offer evaluations and follow-up visits. They can also help coordinate care with a neurologist and therapists.
Common questions
Is there a cure for Parkinson's disease?
No, there is no cure yet. Medicines or surgery can help people move more easily and improve other symptoms.
Does Parkinson's disease run in families?
Sometimes, but in most cases it does not seem to run in families.
At what age does Parkinson's disease usually start?
Most people first develop it after age 60. About 5% to 10% of people start before age 50.
Does Parkinson's disease get worse over time?
Yes, it gets worse over time. The rate of change is different from person to person.
Can exercise help with Parkinson's disease?
Yes, physical activity can help people with Parkinson's disease.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Parkinson disease
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Parkinson's Disease
- National Institute on Aging - Parkinson's Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
