Parkinson's Disease is characterized by motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms. Non-motor symptoms may include anxiety, apathy, cognitive problems, constipation, depression, fatigue, hallucinations and delusions (psychosis), incontinence, low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), pain, sexual dysfunction, sleep problems, speech and swallowing problems (dysphagia), sweating and temperature regulation, vision problems, etc.
Here are some general overviews of non-motor symptoms in PD.
Podcasts & Webinars
Non-motor Symptoms
By Parkinson Rockies, April 8, 2020
In this one-hour webinar, Caroline Goldin, MD, and Teresa Lee, MD, discussed the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and how to address these symptoms should they arise.
Non-motor Symptoms: What’s New?
By Parkinson’s Foundation, January 15, 2019
In this one-hour webinar, neurologist Dr. Ronald Pfeiffer helps listeners recognize various non-motor symptoms that may be present years before classic motor features of PD appear and certainly continue throughout the disease process. In fact, non-motor symptoms are frequently the most troublesome symptoms of PD as it advances. Treatments other than traditional PD medications may be the most effective way to relieve non-motor symptoms.
Parkinson’s Disease - Approach to Non Motor Symptoms
By Panorama Patient Network, 2017
In this 24-minute video, neurologist Matt Stern, MD, discusses non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, including urinary problems, constipation, sleep problems, mood and cognitive challenges. In the second half of the video, psychiatrist Daniel Weintraub, MD, explains psychiatric issues, including anxiety, depression, and compulsive behaviors.
The PD You Don't See: Cognitive and Non-Motor Symptoms
By Davis Phinney Foundation, June 14, 2016
In this 26-minute video, Joanne Hamilton, PhD, ABPP-CN, explains common non-motor symptoms in PD and how to distinguish symptoms caused by Parkinson’s from those caused by medications.
Last updated April 2025 by Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach
