Understanding the differences between Parkinson’s disease and various types of dementia is crucial for families and carers seeking the right support. While these conditions can share similar symptoms, they have different underlying causes, patterns of progression and treatment approaches. Knowing how they differ can help you recognise the symptoms earlier, seek appropriate medical advice and make informed care decisions.
Discover what Parkinson’s disease is, the differences in symptoms with Alzheimer’s and how Sova Healthcare can provide support and guidance for complex care needs.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a long-term, progressive movement disorder, meaning its symptoms gradually worsen over time. It develops over time as the nervous system becomes less able to control movement and leads to muscle stiffness and rigidity. This makes everyday activities, like walking, washing and shopping, more challenging – especially when some individuals experience involuntary shaking and tremors.
How does Parkinson’s disease develop?
It develops when the brain produces less dopamine than it needs. This shortage of dopamine impacts the brain’s ability to control and coordinate movements, and as it progresses, affects mood changes and cognitive ability.
Who is most at risk of developing Parkinson’s?
While Parkinson’s is a disease that can affect anyone, certain factors increase the likelihood of developing it. Age is the biggest factor, with most cases occurring in people over 50 and the average age of onset around 60. If a close relative has or had Parkinson’s, this may raise your risk, especially if there is family history of early on-set cases. Studies also show that men are slightly more likely to develop the disease than women.
Birmingham music legend Ozzy Osbourne was diagnosed with a rarer form of Parkinson’s disease called ‘Parkin’ or PRKN-2. This condition typically leads to early-onset symptoms but tends to progress slower than the more common form of Parkinson’s. While the disease itself is not fatal, people may pass away from related complications such as pneumonia or falls due to weakened motor control. Despite his diagnosis, he continued to perform well into recent years, with a final show in July 2025, just weeks before his passing at age 76. His resilience underscored the message that someone with a Parkinson’s diagnosis can still live a meaningful life with fulfilling experiences.
How does Parkinson’s differ from types of dementia?
Parkinson’s disease primarily affects movement, whereas dementia refers to a collection of symptoms related to changes in thinking, memory and cognitive function. Although they are separate conditions, there can be overlap. When someone with Parkinson’s later develops significant memory and thinking problems, they may be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease dementia. This type of dementia develops when the brain changes that initially affect movement in Parkinson’s progress to also impact cognitive abilities.
Lewy body dementia and timing of symptoms
The timing of symptoms helps specialists distinguish between Parkinson’s dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies.
- If movement symptoms, like tremors or stiffness, occur at least a year before dementia symptoms, the diagnosis is usually Parkinson’s dementia.
- If dementia symptoms appear before or at the same time as movement symptoms, it’s typically diagnosed as dementia with Lewy bodies.
Both conditions share overlapping characteristics, particularly when the timing of symptoms is unclear. Despite the differences in diagnosis, the underlying causes and approaches to managing symptoms are the same for both conditions. Having a domiciliary carer can help provide stability and peace of mind with mobility, bathing and companionship.
How it differs from Alzheimer’s dementia
Parkinson’s dementia also differs from Alzheimer’s dementia. People with Alzheimer’s are more likely to experience severe memory issues, such as repeating questions or conversations and difficulty recognising loved ones. These symptoms are less common in Parkinson’s dementia.
Learn more about the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease symptoms often begin subtly and may go unnoticed at first. They typically start mildly, fluctuate over time and gradually become more prominent. Common early symptoms include:
- Slow and stiff walking
- Coordination difficulty, like putting on clothes
- Tremors that affect the face and limbs
- Stiff sensations throughout legs, arms and torso
- Handwriting changes
- Issues with balance
- Difficulty concentrating, slowness in thinking, being less engaged
Over time, individuals may develop worsened symptoms, such as:
- Depression, mood changes and agitation
- Digestive issues
- Constipation or difficulty with regular bowel movements
- Memory loss and hallucinations
- Cognitive decline or dementia
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty eating or swallowing food
Looking for care assistance for someone with Parkinson’s disease and dementia?
At Sova Healthcare, we understand the complex needs of those living with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Our specialist home care services are tailored to provide compassionate and personalised support to aid independence and improve quality of life. Our experienced carers are here every step of the way, whether it’s assistance with daily activities or ongoing management of Parkinson’s or dementia symptoms.
If you would like to know more about why we’re widely recognised as one of the top dementia home care companies in the UK, get in touch with our professional carers today.