Low muscle mass is more common in early-stage Parkinson’s disease

Jan 19, 2026

Study finds higher odds of low muscle mass, especially in older men

Written by Margarida Maia, PhD | January 16, 2026

  • Low muscle mass is common in Parkinson’s disease, especially in older men.
  • It was linked to a slightly larger blood pressure drop shortly after standing.
  • However, it wasn’t linked to more orthostatic symptoms like dizziness or lightheadedness.

Low muscle mass is more common in people with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease than in those without the condition, especially in older men, a study found. While it was linked to a slightly larger blood pressure drop shortly after standing, it was not linked to more orthostatic symptoms, such as dizziness or lightheadedness.

The findings come from the study, “Prevalence of low muscle mass and its association with orthostatic hypotension and related symptoms in Parkinson’s disease,” published in npj Parkinson’s Disease by researchers in South Korea.

Loss of muscle mass has been linked to problems with movement, balance, and blood pressure — issues that are common symptoms of Parkinson’s, a neurodegenerative disease caused by the loss of certain nerve cells in the brain. While muscle loss appears to be frequent in Parkinson’s, researchers are still working to understand how it relates to symptoms and day-to-day function.

Read more here: Low muscle mass is more common in early-stage Parkinson’s disease