Is It Common to Feel Tired with Parkinson’s?

Yes – it’s actually very common. Fatigue is one of the most frequently reported symptoms in Parkinson’s disease, and for many people, it’s one of the most limiting in daily life. Yet it rarely gets as much attention as tremors, stiffness, or balance issues.

What causes the fatigue?

Fatigue in Parkinson’s can have many causes, and it’s often a combination of factors:

• Dopamine deficiency: Parkinson’s affects the brain’s dopamine system, which not only controls movement but also alertness, motivation, and energy.

• Medications: Some drugs used to treat Parkinson’s can cause fatigue as a side effect.

• Sleep disturbances: Many people have difficulty sleeping due to stiffness, pain, or needing to use the bathroom at night.

• Depression or anxiety: Mental health issues are common in Parkinson’s and can intensify the feeling of exhaustion.

• Effortful daily activities: Everyday tasks like moving around, getting dressed, or speaking can take much more energy than before.

What does the fatigue feel like?

It varies from person to person, but many describe a constant sense of being “out of energy.” It’s not just about being sleepy – it’s about not having the strength or motivation to do even enjoyable things. Others notice they hit a “wall” during the day and need frequent rest to keep going.

What can help?

There’s no quick fix, but several strategies may ease the fatigue:

• Talk to your healthcare provider: Fatigue should be taken seriously. Medication adjustments or screening for other health issues might help.

• Balance your day: Plan rest breaks, avoid overloading yourself, and focus on what matters most.

• Keep moving: Gentle physical activity can improve both sleep and energy levels, even if it feels hard to start.

• Improve sleep habits: Good routines and addressing sleep issues can make a big difference.

• Get emotional support: Managing stress, anxiety, or depression may also reduce fatigue.

So what does this have to do with dementia?

Fatigue can be more than just a symptom – it may be an early sign that Parkinson’s is affecting other parts of the brain, including those responsible for thinking, memory, and focus. Research shows that people who go on to develop dementia in Parkinson’s often report earlier issues with fatigue and mental exhaustion. This doesn’t mean that fatigue causes dementia, but it is an important signal. Recognizing it early gives healthcare providers and families a chance to monitor cognitive changes and offer the right support at the right time.

Sensorem’s safety alarm has GPS positioning, medication reminders and automatic fall alarm

Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people with dementia. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app. Relatives are automatically called by the personal alarm (two-way communication) if the user leaves a predetermined geographical area. The personal alarm also has medication reminders, which means that the watch emits a sound and tells the user that it is time to take their medication. The personal alarm can also alert automatically in the event of a fall with the built-in fall sensor.