HOW WEATHER CAN AFFECT PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Most people associate Parkinson's disease with tremors and movement difficulties, but many don't realize that the weather can also influence how symptoms are experienced. Changes in temperature, humidity, and even altitude may affect mobility, energy levels, medication response, and overall comfort. Understanding these effects can help people with Parkinson's plan ahead and stay healthier year-round.

One of the most common challenges is temperature dysregulation—the body's reduced ability to maintain a normal internal temperature. Parkinson's can affect the brain's hypothalamus and the autonomic nervous system, both of which help regulate sweating, blood flow, and body temperature. As a result, some people may feel unusually hot or cold, sweat excessively, or have difficulty cooling themselves during warm weather.

Hot weather deserves special attention. High temperatures can increase fatigue, dizziness, dehydration, and low blood pressure, all of which may worsen balance problems and raise the risk of falls. Dehydration can also make it more difficult for medications to work effectively. During periods of extreme heat, experts recommend drinking fluids regularly, wearing lightweight clothing, limiting time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, and staying in air-conditioned environments whenever possible. Cooling towels or ice packs can also provide relief.

Cold weather presents a different set of challenges. Many people notice that stiffness and muscle rigidity become more pronounced when temperatures drop. Walking may feel slower, fine motor tasks such as buttoning clothing can become more difficult, and cold hands and feet may be especially uncomfortable. Dressing in layers, protecting the hands and feet, and warming up before physical activity can help reduce these effects.

Weather is only one piece of the puzzle. Humidity, changes in barometric pressure, and higher elevations may also affect how some people feel, although each person's experience is unique. Paying attention to patterns between symptoms and the environment can help individuals recognize what affects them most and make adjustments accordingly.

While the weather cannot be controlled, preparation can make a meaningful difference. Staying hydrated, dressing appropriately for the conditions, planning outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day, and discussing any concerns with your healthcare provider can help you remain active and comfortable throughout the year.

With a few practical strategies, people living with Parkinson's can continue to enjoy daily activities, whatever the forecast may bring.

It wasn’t until a neurologist recognized the symptoms, about four years later, and referred her to a specialist who ordered a DaTscan, an imaging technique specifically used to help diagnose Parkinson’s.

Within two weeks of being diagnosed, Signorelli got involved with organizations such as Parkinson Canada, the Michael J. Fox Foundation and Parkinson’s Foundation. She signed up for a fundraising cycle ride and raised $12,000 with family and friends. She also started sharing her experience on Instagram. She has since grown a community of more than 70,000 followers.

“Hopefully, we raise enough awareness that women are counted, considered, and centered in conversations about this disease that many people still think of as an ‘old man’s’ disease,” she said.

“There are unique considerations when it comes to Parkinson's disease in women,” said Dr. Sarah Lidstone, a neurologist and physician innovator for Parkinson Canada.

People with Parkinson’s experience motor symptoms, such as tremors, slowed movement, difficulty with gait, posture, and balance, and joint stiffness. “However, that’s only the tip of the iceberg,” Lidstone told Yahoo Canada.

There are also autonomic symptoms, such as constipation and changes in bladder function, as well as in blood pressure and heart rate. Mood and psychiatric symptoms include depression, anxiety, apathy, and even hallucinations in later stages. However, women may present with different symptoms compared to men. Women may experience more non-motor symptoms, such as mood symptoms like depression, anxiety, pain, and fatigue.

Other considerations, including hormonal fluctuations, can affect how women experience symptoms, although more research is needed in this area. “If someone's feeling pretty lousy because they are in a menopausal state and they also have Parkinson's, it's going to make Parkinson's symptoms worse as well,” Lidstone explained.

Women also tend to respond to medication differently, and there are psycho-social considerations, including activities, relationships, working, parenting, and caregiving.

“Sometimes there's a lot of burnout in patients because they're still performing a lot of their caregiving roles while also having Parkinson's disease,” added Lidstone.

If women and men of any age develop a tremor, Lidstone says it’s important to have it checked by a doctor. Women experiencing persistent mood symptoms, pain, fatigue, slowness, or changes in mobility that are slowly getting worse over time should also see a doctor. “It’s important to listen to your body and get checked out if you’re concerned,” she said.