Parkinsonism is an umbrella term that refers to a group of neurological disorders that cause slowed movements, rigidity (stiffness), and tremors. Parkinsonism includes several conditions, including Parkinsons disease, which makes up about 80% of all cases of parkinsonism. Other conditions that fall under the term parkinsonism include multiple system atrophy or corticobasal degeneration. Parkinsonisms, also known as atypical Parkinson’s disease or Parkinson’s plus, represent about 10-15% of all diagnosed cases of parkinsonism. These syndromes tend to progress more rapidly than Parkinson’s, present with additional symptoms such as early falling, dementia, or hallucinations, and do not respond or respond only for a short time to levodopa therapy. Other types of dementia or inherited conditions, as well as other kinds of degenerative brain diseases and genetic conditions, can also cause parkinsonism. Parkinsonism is usually caused by neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, but it can also be the result of strokes, medication side effects, or another neurological condition such as normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Symptoms of parkinsonism include tremors, slow movement, stiffness, and unstable posture, all of which can cause a profound gait impairment. Parkinsonism typically progresses more rapidly than Parkinson’s disease and shares many symptoms with Parkinson’s, such as extreme slowness of movement (bradykinesia), postural instability, reduced coordination and dexterity, and change in speech (soft voice or mumbling). Symptoms that help differentiate Parkinsonism from Parkinson’s disease include difficulty with voluntary eye movements, early and severe dementia, and falling.

While there is no cure for parkinsonism, several treatment options are available to help relieve symptoms, including medication, physical therapy, and surgery.