How to Detect Parkinson's: A Guide to Early Signs
Degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's
and Parkinson's represent some of the largest challenges facing medical
researchers today. These diseases not only rob us of control over our
own bodies but slowly sap our mental capabilities as well. Like most
diseases, however, they are best detected early on, when we can at least
slow down the progress of the disease, hopefully until better
treatments are found. To do this, we must be aware of the early symptoms
and signs that point to Parkinson's.
Note: Don't panic if you have one or more
of these symptoms, as they can be related to other issues. However, to
stay on the safe side, if you think there is even a small chance you are
showing early signs, please get tested, if only for your own peace of
mind. If you do have it and you catch it early, the prognosis will be
much better for you.
Here are 8 symptoms of the onset of Parkinson's disease:
1. A Change in Handwriting
If a person's handwriting starts to go from
big and free to small and cramped, this may well be an early sign of
Parkinson's. The telling signs are letters that get smaller and words
that seem crowded together with letters almost written on top of each
other. Many patients also take longer to write and have trouble with
repetitive tasks.
2. A Reduced Sense of Smell
If someone is suddenly having trouble smelling pungent foods or picking
up on scents, they should go see a doctor. Most times it has to do with
sinuses, and it's definitely not one of the most obvious signs of
Parkinson's, but doctors say that patients with Parkinson's claim it to
be the earliest sign they had of the disease. While studies haven't
proven the link between the symptom and the disease, a working theory is
that certain proteins form clumps in the brain and may form in the
olfactory area, reducing our sense of smell.
3. Trouble Sleeping
Another symptom that can be easily ignored
because it's so common, is the sudden inability to sleep well, even if
you're usually a sound sleeper. You may toss and turn, your limbs move
and twitch during sleep, or you may even wake up on the floor, having
fallen from bed. Ask your significant other if you are making a lot of
movements at night, and go see a doctor if it persists.
4. A Quieter, Softer Voice OR an Expressionless Face
A softer voice and a vacant facial expression are common signs of
Parkinson's. Some will not notice they are speaking in a softer tone,
and they definitely won't notice their face losing expression, so it is
up to the people around them to be aware of these signs. Speaking too
rapidly or stammering a lot is also a symptom.
5. Depression
Obviously many patients develop depression after learning they have
Parkinson's, but there is a physical link between the deterioration that
comes with Parkinson's and depression. Some patients get depressed
years before the other symptoms of the disease appear. Lower-than-normal
secretions of serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters involved
with many bodily functions as well as mood, can cause this effect.
6. Constipation
If you find that you've seriously reduced
the number of times you move your bowels, sometimes even skipping a day -
it's not a good sign, even if it's not Parkinson's, and so you should
check it out. The disease has an effect on the autonomic nervous system,
which is responsible for unconscious processes such as digestion and
bowel function. Constipation on its own is usually nothing to worry
about, but if it comes with some of the other symptoms on this list - go
get checked immediately.
7. Shaking/Tremors While Perfectly Relaxed
Shaking is perfectly normal under certain circumstances. We may be
excited or anxious, have just finished a workout or are feeling
restless. But small shakes in our fingers, our hands, our chin, lip or
our limbs, while we're at rest, could be a strong sign of Parkinson's,
according to the National Parkinson Foundation. This symptom appears in
about 70% of patients and can become more noticeable during stress or
excitement.
This symptom usually arrives AFTER the other symptoms on this list
though. However, many a time it is the first one truly noticed, as the
others can all have other explanations.
8. Stiffness and Slowness of Movement
Stiffness in the joints that doesn't go away, coupled with muscle
weakness that's here to stay can spell bad news. Suddenly everyday tasks
like buttoning your shirt, walking or fixing things around the house
become bothersome and difficult. You stop swinging your arms as you walk
and your legs and feet feel heavy and 'stuck to the floor'. If you
start hesitating before taking steps, or people are commenting that you
look stiff or sore - please see a doctor.