What Organs Does Parkinson Disease Affect?

Parkinson’s disease is most often associated with tremors and movement issues, but many people are surprised to learn that it impacts far more than just motor function. So, what organs does Parkinson disease affect? The answer is that this neurological condition can influence multiple systems and organs in the body—both directly and indirectly—causing a wide range of symptoms that go beyond the familiar tremor or rigidity.

The Brain: The Primary Target
Parkinson’s disease is fundamentally a disorder of the brain, particularly the substantia nigra, a region that produces dopamine—a critical chemical for coordinating movement. As dopamine-producing neurons deteriorate, the brain loses its ability to regulate movement, leading to symptoms such as bradykinesia (slowness), stiffness, and tremors. However, other parts of the brain also become involved as the disease progresses, including areas responsible for mood, sleep, and cognitive function. This is why many people with Parkinson’s also experience depression, anxiety, insomnia, and eventually, in some cases, dementia.

The Muscular and Skeletal System
Because of its impact on the brain, Parkinson’s affects the muscular system, too. Muscle stiffness, rigidity, and postural instability are common. Over time, the disease can cause significant changes in mobility, making routine activities difficult and increasing the risk of falls and injury.

The Digestive System
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is another area often impacted by Parkinson’s disease. Many people experience constipation early—even before being diagnosed. The disease slows down the muscles of the intestines, making digestion sluggish and inefficient. Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) may also develop, especially in later stages, increasing the risk of choking or aspiration pneumonia.

The Heart and Blood Vessels
Parkinson’s disease can also interfere with the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate and blood pressure. This can result in orthostatic hypotension—a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up—causing dizziness or fainting. Some people may experience irregular heart rhythms or have a reduced ability to regulate temperature and perspiration.

The Bladder and Reproductive Organs
Urinary problems, such as urgency or incontinence, are also common in Parkinson’s patients due to impaired bladder control. In men, erectile dysfunction may be an early or persistent symptom due to disruptions in the autonomic nervous system.

Support and Services Are Available
Living with Parkinson’s can be overwhelming, especially when it affects multiple parts of the body. That’s why community support is essential. For over twenty-five years, the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) has provided effective programs and services that improve quality of life, educate, enrich, and empower our Southwest Floridians touched by PD and related neurological diseases.

Each week, PASWFL offers more than 25 free programs and support groups for individuals with Parkinson’s and their care partners. There are no fees to become a member, and the membership application is available online at www.parkinsonassociationswfl.org.
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