## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Parkinson's Today Blog](/resources-support/blog) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Parkinson's Today Blog](/resources-support/blog) Raise Awareness # What To Do After You Notice Parkinson’s Symptoms Oct 08, 2021 ![Doctor talking to patients](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/whattodoafteryounoticepdsymptoms-blog.jpg?itok=KUHswhff) After reading all [10 early signs of Parkinson’s disease](https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/10-early-signs), perhaps you notice you or your loved one is experiencing several symptoms. What should you do next? Take a second to remember that no single one of these signs means that you should worry. Also know that sometimes [symptoms](https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/symptoms/movement-symptoms) can be caused by an injury, age, or another underlying issues. However, if you have several of these symptoms and you are worried, it may be a good time to: 1. Make an appointment with your primary doctor. Ask for a referral to a neurologist, or a [movement disorder specialist](https://www.parkinson.org/library/fact-sheets/specialist) (a neurologist who has completed extra training in movement disorders). [Find a movement disorder specialist near you.](https://www.parkinson.org/search) 2. Follow up with a movement disorder specialist, who will administer a check-up and several tests in the office. A skilled practitioner can come to a reasoned conclusion that it is Parkinson’s. Every person with Parkinson’s has a unique [diagnosis](https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed) story — some people are surprised that a specialist can diagnose them after one in-office visit, while others can take years of misdiagnosis. #### If you are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, take these steps: 1. ![man and woman stretching on yoga mats](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/whattodoafteryounoticepdsymptoms-blog1.jpg?itok=-9fdp3t7) [Learn about coping with a diagnosis](https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed/coping-with-diagnosis). When you or a family member is diagnosed with Parkinson's, you will experience a range of emotions and go through several stages of adjustment to the disease. 2. Get tips for living as a [newly diagnosed person with Parkinson’s](https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed). Download our [Newly Diagnosed Guide](https://www.parkinson.org/newlydiagnosed), designed to help you get started living well with Parkinson’s. 3. [Build your care team](https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/building-your-team). If your symptoms interfere with your life in any way, it is never too early to find specialists who are trained in Parkinson’s. For instance, find a physical therapist experienced in Parkinson’s if you have balance issues or a mental health professional who can help with mood changes associated with Parkinson’s. 4. [Be active](https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed). Evidence shows that exercise is essential to managing Parkinson’s. Creating a fitness routine soon after your diagnosis is key to living well. Regular physical activity can improve many PD symptoms and offer a neuroprotective effect. 5. Find what works for you. Take your time to build your new community. We know it can be overwhelming, so here are some ways to get started: - [Find your local Parkinson’s Foundation chapter](https://www.parkinson.org/get-involved/local-resources), which can direct you to a support group that works for you - Explore [Parkinson.org](https://www.parkinson.org/): from [free resources](https://www.parkinson.org/library/fact-sheets/specialist), a [blog](https://www.parkinson.org/blog) with new weekly articles, it has all of the information you need to live well with PD - Register for [local and online events](https://www.parkinson.org/events) - Join [PD Conversations](https://www.pdconversations.org/), an online community of people living with Parkinson's, care partners and people new to a PD diagnosis - Listen to our [podcast](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/online-education/podcast) 6. Call our Helpline. Speak with a Helpline specialist who can help you find your nearest support group, PD-tailored exercise class, movement disorder specialist and answer your Parkinson’s questions. Call us at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. ET to 7 p.m. ET. **Want the latest in Parkinson’s news, resources and articles?** [**Sign up to receive Parkinson’s Foundation emails today.**](https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/SSurvey;jsessionid=00000000.app30118b?NONCE_TOKEN=81BEB2BB90BE86C810006062005DD32C&ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=7681) ## Related Blog Posts ![DNA double helix](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/lrrk2-blog-0826-hero.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=ar_y6okl) Raise Awareness ### [ Parkinson’s Genes Explained: 5 Facts about LRRK2 ](/blog/awareness/5-facts-about-lrrk2) READ NOW ![Doctor speaking with patient](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/neuro-talk-getting-diagnosed-blog-preview.jpg?h=9105c3fe&itok=hTcf9_Hk) Advancing Research ### [ Neuro Talk: Getting Diagnosed ](/blog/research/getting-diagnosed) READ NOW ![Press conference with Parkinson's Foundation group](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/state-advocacy-blog-hero.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=RQRZ_X7a) Policy & Advocacy ### [ Why State Advocacy Matters and What the Parkinson's Foundation Is Doing About It ](/blog/policy/why-state-advocacy-matters) READ NOW [VIEW ALL BLOGS](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/blog) ### Subscribe for the latest news - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn