The Hoehn and Yahr scale is a commonly used system for describing how the symptoms of Parkinson's progress. The higher the stage the more advanced the disease.
Stage 1 Unilateral (one side of the body) symptoms only.
Stage 2 Bilateral symptoms. No impairment of balance.
Stage 3 Balance impairment. Mild to moderate disease. Physically independent.
Stage 4 Severe disability but still able to walk or stand unassisted.
Stage 5 Needing a wheelchair or bedridden unless assisted.

I think I’m in stage three. I have symptoms on both sides of my body. Stage 4 you need a walker and stage 5 you’re in a wheelchair. Personally I think it’s like a doomsday prediction. I’d rather just be who I am now and figure this is who I am now. If something happens I’m smart enough to figure out how to live with it and go on being me.

MillerSigmon
I have added you to my team. I will be 79 next Sunday and was diagnosed in 2007. I was determined to continue to be involved in the lives of our 3 children, our 5 grandchildren and the 5 great grand children who were to follow. I don't want to be remembered as a cranky old lady sitting in the background. I want to be involved. To this end I exercised every day, riding a recumbent bike, going to classes with the local U3A group in Balance & Bones, Tai Chi, QuiJong, Heart Moves, Yoga etc. To exercise fine muscle control I collect stamps & coins & to keep my brain involved, I read, do crosswords, write, play Scrabble, Ma Jong etc. This worked very well for the first 10 years but in the 11th year I noticed that the left side had become involved & I was slowing down, followed by losing balance, softer speech etc. The days are not long enough to do all I want to do. I have a 4 wheeled walker & my husband & I walk regularly, up to 5 kilometres per day.
All the best, June.

Dear taylorp660,
I am not a doctor but I can tell you as one person with Parkinson's to another what it means to me. I was diagnosed in 2007 at age 65.At first my symptoms affected only one side of my body_ the right. When the left side was affected also I considered that I was now at stage 2. It was not until 2020 that my symptoms became worse__ I often feel faint & my balance is affected. I tend to lean to the right & need a walker to walk any distance, my feet often freeze & cause me to fall.I am more emotional and sometimes depressed. I am now at stage 3. My doctor has prescribed a low dose anti depressant that has helped.
To answer your question I would describe the end stage indicators as being confined to a wheelchair or bed. being unable to walk without help & unable to look after yourself. I hope this helps, regards June.

Parkinson’s disease impacts people in many different ways. Not everyone will experience all of the symptoms of Parkinson’s, and if they do, they won’t necessarily experience them in quite the same order, or at the same level of intensity.

Stage One
During this initial stage, the person has mild symptoms that generally do not interfere with daily activities. Tremor and other movement symptoms occur on one side of the body only. Friends and family may notice changes in posture, walking and facial expressions.

Stage Two
In stage two of Parkinson’s, the symptoms start getting worse. Tremor, rigidity and other movement symptoms affect both sides of the body. Walking problems and poor posture may become apparent. In this stage, the person is still able to live alone, but completing day-to-day tasks becomes more difficult and may take longer.

Stage Three
Stage three is considered mid-stage in the progression of the disease. Loss of balance and slowness of movements are hallmarks of this phase. Falls are more common. Though the person is still fully independent, symptoms significantly impair activities of daily living such as dressing and eating.

Stage Four
During this stage of Parkinson’s, symptoms are severe and very limiting. It’s possible to stand without assistance, but movement may require a walker. The person needs help with activities of daily living and is unable to live alone.

Stage Five
This is the most advanced and debilitating stage of Parkinson’s disease. Stiffness in the legs may make it impossible to stand or walk. The person requires a wheelchair or is bedridden. Around-the-clock nursing care is required for all activities. The person may experience hallucinations and delusions. While stage five focuses on motor symptoms, the Parkinson’s community acknowledges that there are many important non-motor symptoms as well.

Read more http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinso...