What are the five stages of Parkinson's disease?

The progression of Parkinson's disease is often categorized into five stages based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily life. These stages are commonly referred to as the Hoehn and Yahr scale:

1. Stage 1: Mild symptoms that may be barely noticeable and usually only affect one side of the body. Tremors or other movement problems may be present, but they are generally mild and do not significantly interfere with daily activities.
2. Stage 2: Symptoms become more noticeable and may affect both sides of the body. Tremors, stiffness, and other movement difficulties become more pronounced, but individuals can still perform daily tasks independently.
3. Stage 3: Symptoms become more significant and may start to interfere with daily activities. Balance and coordination problems may develop, making it more challenging to walk or perform tasks that require fine motor skills. Falls have become more common.
4. Stage 4: Symptoms are severe and significantly impact daily functioning. Individuals may require assistance with daily activities and may experience significant mobility issues, including difficulty walking and standing without assistance.
5. Stage 5: Advanced stage of Parkinson's disease is characterized by severe symptoms and significant disability. Individuals may be unable to walk or stand without assistance and may require round-the-clock care. Cognitive decline and dementia may also be present in this stage.

It's important to note that the progression of Parkinson's disease can vary widely among individuals, and not everyone will experience all stages or progress through them in the same way. Additionally,the Hoehn and Yahr scale is just one way of categorizing the stages of Parkinson's disease, and other staging systems may also be used by healthcare professionals.