10 Early Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease to Look Out For

10 Early Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease to Look Out For

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurological illness that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is a degenerative disorder that affects the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain which are responsible for body movement control. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, but early detection and management can significantly help.

Here are ten early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease that you should look out for.

Tremors and Shaking

One of the most common early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is tremors or shaking of body parts. Typically, it starts in the hand or fingers and can spread to arms, legs, and other body parts. The tremors occur when the muscles are at rest and disappear while performing voluntary movements.

Muscular Rigidity

Stiffness or rigidity in limbs, neck, or trunk is another common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. The muscles become tense, and it may become difficult to move or maintain a specific posture. The stiffness can also cause pain and limit the range of motion.

Slowed Movement

Parkinson’s disease can cause bradykinesia, which is a slowing down of movements. It can affect both voluntary and involuntary movements, such as blinking or swallowing. Over time, it can be difficult to walk, button your shirt, or perform other routine tasks.

Impaired Balance and Coordination

Due to problems with posture and stability, people with Parkinson’s disease may have difficulty maintaining balance, and their coordination may also be impaired. They are more likely to fall, and this can result in fractures or other severe injuries.

Loss of Sense of Smell

Another early symptom of Parkinson’s disease is a loss of sense of smell or reduced olfactory function. In fact, up to 90% of people with Parkinson’s disease experience this symptom before diagnosis. It can affect your ability to smell obvious things like food, flowers, or smoke.

Depression and Anxiety

Another common early symptom of Parkinson’s disease is depression and anxiety. Both are prevalent symptoms of the disease, and they can occur even before the onset of movement problems. Depression and anxiety can also occur as a result of the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

Sleep Problems

Sleep problems are also often linked to Parkinson’s disease, including insomnia, nightmares, and daytime sleepiness. People with Parkinson’s disease can also experience restless leg syndrome, which makes it challenging to sleep soundly at night.

Bowel and Bladder Problems

Parkinson’s disease can cause urinary incontinence and other bowel problems, including constipation. These issues occur because the disease affects the muscles responsible for controlling urinary and bowel movements.

Speech and Swallowing Problems

Some people with Parkinson’s disease experience speech and swallowing problems, known as dysarthria and dysphagia. They may speak softly, slur their words, or hesitate before speaking. Swallowing may also be affected, leading to choking or aspiration pneumonia.

Cognitive Decline

Parkinson’s disease can contribute to cognitive decline, including memory loss, confusion, and difficulty in focusing. This cognitive impairment occurs as a result of changes to the brain and can sometimes progress to dementia.

Conclusion

If you notice any of the above symptoms, visit your doctor right away. Although Parkinson’s disease is incurable, early interventions and treatments can improve the quality of life significantly. You can mitigate the effects of Parkinson’s disease by taking your medications on time, exercising regularly, and working with your healthcare team. A healthy lifestyle can make all the difference in living a fulfilling life with Parkinson’s.

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