18 Parkinson's symptoms after Ozzy Osbourne's death five years after diagnosis

Daily Mirror

23-07-2025

Parkinson's disease charities have praised Ozzy Osbourne for talking about his diagnosis and helping others "feel less alone" in facing the challenges of the condition
People should be aware of eighteen signs that could indicate Parkinson's disease. The information comes as charities have lauded Ozzy Osbourne for his openness about his diagnosis, which helped others "feel less alone" in dealing with the condition.
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Following the death of the star at 76, Parkinson's UK commended the Black Sabbath singer for "normalising tough conversations". Cure Parkinson's expressed gratitude for "putting a spotlight" on their efforts.
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The proceeds from the Black Sabbath reunion earlier this month were donated to Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital and Acorns Children's Hospice. Osbourne disclosed his Parkinson's disease diagnosis in 2020 and took a break from touring in 2023 after undergoing extensive spinal surgery, reports Bristol Live.
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A fall at his home in 2019 exacerbated previous injuries from a near-fatal quad bike accident in 2003. Caroline Rassell, CEO of Parkinson's UK, said: "News of Ozzy Osbourne's death, so soon after his celebratory homecoming show, will come as a shock to so many. By speaking openly about both his diagnosis and life with Parkinson's, Ozzy and all his family helped so many families in the same situation.
"They normalised tough conversations and made others feel less alone with a condition that's on the rise and affecting more people every day. All of our heartfelt thoughts are with his family, friends and fans worldwide. His memory and the impact he left on the world will live on in all of them."
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Helen Matthews, the chief executive of Cure Parkinson's, expressed her deep concern upon hearing about Ozzy's death, saying: "We are devastated to hear the news about Ozzy and all our thoughts are with Sharon and his family. It seems incredible that a couple of short weeks ago Ozzy, Black Sabbath and all the acts that contributed to Back to the Beginning produced the most phenomenal and vibrant concert at Villa Park."
She continued to express gratitude for the rock legend's efforts in raising awareness, stating: "We are so grateful to Ozzy for all he has done to put a spotlight on the work of Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham children's Hospital and Acorns Children's Hospice. On behalf of us all at Cure Parkinson's – thank you."
Earlier this year, Osbourne reflected on his challenging experiences, saying that the last six years had been "full of some of the worst times I've been through". Parkinson's disease is a neurological condition marked by gradual brain damage over many years.
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What is Parkinson's disease?
The disease stems from the loss of nerve cells in a part of the brain known as the substantia nigra, leading to decreased levels of dopamine. Dopamine is crucial for body movement control, and its reduction causes numerous symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.
The exact reason for the nerve cell loss remains a mystery, but it is widely believed to be due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Typically, symptoms of Parkinson's begin to manifest in individuals over 50, though there are cases where people under 40 experience them.
According to the NHS, men are marginally more prone to developing Parkinson's disease than women.
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Symptoms of Parkinson's disease
The primary symptoms of Parkinson's disease include:
tremors – shaking. The NHS says this "usually begins in the hand or arm and is more likely to occur when the limb is relaxed and resting"
slowness of movement (bradykinesia) – the NHS notes that with this symptom, physical movements are much slower than normal. Everyday tasks seem difficult and result in a distinctive slow, shuffling walk with very small steps
muscle stiffness (rigidity) – the NHS says this symptom leads to stiffness and tension in the muscles, "which can make it difficult to move around and make facial expressions, and can result in painful muscle cramps (dystonia)"
Those suffering from Parkinson's disease can also experience a broad spectrum of other physical and psychological symptoms. The NHS says these encompass:
dizziness, blurred vision or fainting when moving from a sitting or lying position to a standing one – caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure
nerve pain – can cause unpleasant sensations, such as burning, coldness or numbness
excessive production of saliva (drooling)
problems with peeing – such as having to get up frequently during the night to pee or unintentionally peeing (urinary incontinence)
an inability to obtain or sustain an erection (erectile dysfunction) in men
balance problems – these can make someone with the condition more likely to have a fall and injure themselves
difficulty becoming sexually aroused and achieving an orgasm (sexual dysfunction) in women
excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
constipation
swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) – this can lead to malnutrition and dehydration
problems sleeping (insomnia) – this can result in excessive sleepiness during the day
loss of sense of smell (anosmia) – sometimes occurs several years before other symptoms develop
mild cognitive impairment – slight memory problems and problems with activities that require planning and organisation
depression and anxiety
dementia – a group of symptoms, including more severe memory problems, personality changes, seeing things that are not there (visual hallucinations) and believing things that are not true (delusions)
If you're worried that you might be exhibiting symptoms of Parkinson's disease, it's advisable to consult with a GP.