What is advanced Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s symptoms may be considered to have ‘progressed’ or ‘advanced’ when treatment is no longer able to adequately control them and the condition is starting to significantly impact your everyday life.
A characteristic of advanced Parkinson’s may be decreased independence, with people requiring more help with daily tasks as symptoms become more severe and limiting. The risk of falling increases and some people may benefit from assessment for mobility aids. Eating and swallowing may also become more difficult.
Advanced Parkinson’s has little to do with how old you are and how long you have had the condition. Reaching this point also doesn’t mean you haven’t been managing the condition well or that your previous treatments haven’t worked. These changes are simply the result of the condition advancing.
As your symptoms progress, it’s important to recognise how you manage your condition may also need to adapt to help you have the best possible quality of life throughout your journey.
If you notice any new or worsening Parkinson’s symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor or specialist to discuss these changes and review your management plan if needed.
Is your Parkinson’s progressing?
People move through the stages of Parkinson’s at a different pace, and it is not entirely unrelated to how long you have had the condition.
Recently, you may have noticed that a slight tremor in your hand or arm has worsened or that symptoms that used to affect only one side of your body now affect both sides. Problems with walking, talking or doing various everyday activities may also develop. For instance, your handwriting may be getting smaller, or you may notice signs of tremor in your writing.
At this point, you may be experiencing involuntary movements (e.g., writhing and/or erratic movements), known as dyskinesia, and may increasingly rely on support from those who care for you with tasks such as opening doors, picking up objects, buttoning clothes, or getting up from a chair. The need for support may vary for each person and may come from family, friends or healthcare professionals.
Your Parkinson’s may be progressing if:
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Symptoms are increasingly impacting your quality of life, affecting how you move, eat, sleep, think and/or feel.
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You are relying more on others to complete everyday tasks.
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Symptoms become less well-controlled due to a reduced or unpredictable response to medication. For example, you may notice symptoms returning between doses.
If you feel like these apply to you please download the symptoms checklist to support discussions with your doctor.
Signs and symptoms of progressing Parkinson’s
When you have Parkinson’s, particularly in its advanced stages, you can experience a wide range of symptoms.
As your Parkinson’s progresses, you may notice more pronounced movement issues (motor symptoms) or fluctuations, as well as other troubling health issues (non-motor symptoms) that may affect your quality of life.
Sharing the changes you are experiencing with your doctors and family is important as you navigate the progression of Parkinson’s.
Always advise your doctor of any changes in symptoms so that your care plan can be reviewed and adjusted as needed to help support your quality of life.
Motor symptoms may include:
- Dyskinesia: Uncontrolled or extra movements in your arms and legs
- Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement
- Tremors
- Stiffness
- Muscle rigidity
Non-motor symptoms may include:
- Anxiety
- Lack of interest or motivation
- Constipation
- Memory problems
- Depression
- Fatigue or constant exhaustion
- Speech and swallowing difficulties
- Urinary issues, like more frequent or urgent urination
- Sleep problems
- Daytime sleepiness
People may experience different symptoms at different stages. This is not a comprehensive list of motor and non-motor symptoms. Always refer to your healthcare professional for further questions.
Motor symptoms may appear when experiencing ‘off time’ and ‘wearing off’:
Off time: Periods between medication doses when you experience slowness, stiffness, muscle tightness, difficulty walking, increased tremor or shakiness.
Wearing off: When Parkinson’s symptoms return before your next dose of medication.
Management of advanced Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s can turn your life upside down, especially as symptoms start to progress. It can take time to get used to, accept and cope with the changes that will continue to throw you new challenges. Talking to your family and your doctors can help you face these challenges together.
There are a variety of management strategies available that may support you as you manage your symptoms and continue daily activities. These may include medications and device-assisted therapies, exercise, and approaches to improve general health and wellbeing.
You may need to try different strategies as your Parkinson’s progresses over time. Your doctor can work with you to review different options and find management approaches that support your individual needs and lifestyle goals.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yes, many people find that regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress-reducing activities are helpful as part of their approach to living with Parkinson's. Working with a physical therapist or joining exercise programs tailored to your stage of Parkinson’s can also be beneficial. Lifestyle adjustments can play a role in supporting symptom control and overall well-being.
Yes, many organisations offer support groups, educational resources, and social networks for people with Parkinson’s and their families. These resources provide community, shared experiences, and helpful tools to navigate the challenges of living with Parkinson’s disease.
Caregivers and family members play an important role in providing physical and emotional support. Seeking out resources and connecting with Parkinson’s support groups can help caregivers manage stress and learn more about the best ways to provide care.
The advanced stage of Parkinson’s can also be known as advancing or progressive Parkinson’s. Advanced Parkinson’s refers to a stage where symptoms may become less predictable or harder to manage, even with ongoing adjustments to your management plan, and may start to significantly impact your everyday life. Discussing these changes with your doctor can help decide if your management plan needs to be reviewed to best support your daily activities.
As your Parkinson’s progresses, you may notice more pronounced movement issues (motor symptoms) or fluctuations that may not be completely controlled by your medication, as well as other troubling health issues (non-motor symptoms) that affect your quality of life. A key characteristic of advanced Parkinson’s is a loss of independence, with people requiring increasingly more help with daily tasks as symptoms become more severe and limiting.
There is a range of treatments to help manage symptoms when Parkinson’s progresses, including medications, device-assisted therapies and physical therapy. Working closely with your healthcare team can help you review available options and develop a plan that aligns with your needs and goals to support your quality of life.
Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, so symptoms will worsen over time and new ones may appear.
It is difficult to estimate how quickly or slowly Parkinson’s will progress in each person, as individuals may experience symptoms at a different rate. It may progress more quickly in people who are older when the symptoms first begin.
In most cases, symptoms change slowly, with progression occurring over several years. This may vary for the individual.
Disease progression can happen over many months and years, with symptoms and experiences varying from person to person. Therefore, it is impossible to predict a timeframe for this, but with appropriate management and support from your healthcare team it is possible to live for a long time and continue to enjoy everyday activities.
Learn more about Parkinson’s
There is a wealth of information available about Parkinson’s disease that can help you navigate your journey with Parkinson’s. Visit the Resources and Support page.
For more information on Advanced Parkinson’s download our guide below.
Remember, this information is designed to support, not replace, the role of your healthcare professional. It is important to discuss any issues or concerns you have with your care team and use this guide to support you in your Parkinson’s journey.
Download the guide to Advanced Parkinson’s
With information and support to help you and those around you, this guide is for anyone with progressing Parkinson’s. Learn more about your symptoms, care and management approaches so that you can access the right support.
AU-NEUP-250004. August 2025
