There are early signs and symptoms that precede the onset of Parkinson's disease. Learn about them in this article.
Some of the initial signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease may be difficult to notice and so mild as to be overlooked, especially if a person doesn't experience all of them at once, but rather only one of them, and only mildly. In this article, we'll explore these symptoms.
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological motor disorder that begins in the nerve cells in the brain. These cells normally produce a substance called dopamine. The disease occurs when these cells die, causing dopamine levels in the brain to drop, affecting body movement.
Early symptoms of the disease
Smaller than usual handwriting
A sudden change in the size of your handwriting could be an early warning sign of the disease. This is because people with Parkinson's disease begin to lose control of their body movements due to changes in the brain, making even simple movements which are normally performed automatically more difficult than usual. Typically, the writing produced by Parkinson's patients is characterized by smaller than usual letters and very little space between each word.
This may begin in the early stages of the disease with a single smaller than usual letter, gradually increasing the number of smaller letters as the disease progresses.
Tremors or tremors
This is often the most common symptom of the disease and may appear as a slight tremor in a finger, hand, or foot. However, in the early stages of the disease, this tremor is often so mild that no one else will notice it, especially when the body is at rest. However, it will become more severe as the disease progresses.
Sleep Problems and Disorders
Although sleep disturbances, insomnia, and constant tossing and turning are common in many people, and are not necessarily indicative of Parkinson's disease, sleep disturbances take on a different dimension in those with the onset of the disease. Sleep disturbances may include numerous uncontrollable, regular movements, such as kicking, arm flapping, and falling out of bed.
Stiffness and slowness of movement
Parkinson's disease most commonly affects adults over the age of 60. While many individuals without the disease may experience morning stiffness and slowness of movement due to a lack of morning activity, this slowness of movement does not diminish over time and persists throughout the day. Over time, those with the disease will begin to notice motor spasms and begin to move in more organized and regular paths than before.
Voice Changes
Parkinson's disease affects movement in all its forms, including speech and language. While this is more pronounced in those with advanced disease, subtle changes in voice and speech may begin to appear in the early stages of the disease and may not be apparent even to the affected individual. These changes usually begin as a lower-pitched voice, progressing to a whisper in the advanced stages of the disease.
Mask-like face
Parkinson's disease not only affects the movement of body parts and limbs, but also affects facial expressions. Many Parkinson's patients have a blank stare, devoid of much emotion. This is a common symptom of the disease in its early stages, as the disease makes it difficult to control the small facial muscles. Parkinson's patients may also tend to blink less frequently than usual.
Posture While Standing
Parkinson's disease does not strike suddenly or suddenly. Rather, its symptoms begin gradually, including changes in posture while standing, which begin mildly and worsen over time. Some stooping while standing may be an early symptom of the disease. This is due to the patient gradually losing control over their coordination and gradually worsening balance impairment. Although stooping may be caused by a specific injury to their back, for example, the patient will often regain their posture upon recovery. This is different for a patient with Parkinson's disease, who often cannot regain control over their posture.
Consult a doctor immediately if you notice any of these early symptoms.