Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects the areas of the body controlled by nerves. It’s a condition that causes uncontrollable or unintended movements or constrictions of movements. Symptoms typically start slowly, and therefore it can be hard to tell if you or your loved one has Parkinson’s. Here are ten early signs of Parkinson’s Disease:
1. Tremors or Shakings – A Slight tremor or shaking in your chin or hand, particularly your finger or thumb.
- What’s normal? Shaking following exercise, because of an injury or stress, or due to certain medications.
2. Small Handwriting – Abnormally cramped or small handwriting (micrographia).
- What’s normal? Writing can change with age, especially if you have poor vision or stiff hands or fingers.
3. Loss of Smell – It seems more challenging to smell certain foods.
- What’s normal? Your sense of smell can change when you have a stuffy nose. However, it should return when you’ve recovered from your cold.
4. Sleeping Problems – Your significant other has moved to another bedroom because you thrash around when deeply asleep.
- What’s normal? Occasional tossing and turning or quick body jerks in the first stages of sleep.
5. Trouble With Moving – Your arms don’t swing as they used to when walking, and the stiffness doesn’t go away. Another indication might be pain or stiffness in your shoulder or hips – a feeling that you are stuck to the floor.
- What’s normal? A shoulder or arm injury may mean you can’t function properly until you’ve healed. Other conditions, such as arthritis, can cause similar symptoms.
6. Constant Constipation – Straining to move your bowels every day.
- What’s normal? Some medications and not drinking enough water or consuming sufficient fiber can cause bathroom problems.
7. Low or Soft Voice – Your voice has become very soft, or you are sounding hoarse or breathy.
- What’s normal? A chest cold or other viral condition can cause a voice change. However, you should return to sounding normal once you recover.
8. Facial Expression – You’ve been told that you have a depressed, serious, or mad look on your face, even when you are in a good mood. This issue is known as facial masking or hypomimia.
- What’s normal? Some medications can cause similar facial expressions. However, you should revert to normal if you stop taking the medication.
9. Feeling Dizzy or Fainting – A tendency to feel dizzy when getting up out of a chair. Dizziness or fainting can be because of low blood pressure and could be linked to Parkinson’s disease.
- What’s normal? Occasional dizziness is usually no problem. However, if it happens regularly, you should consult your doctor.
10. Hunching Over or Stooping – Leaning, stooping, or slouching when standing.
- What’s normal? Sickness or pain from an injury might result in you standing crookedly. Also, issues with your bones, such as osteoporosis, can make you hunch over.
Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease: Final Thoughts
Parkinson’s disease progresses at different rates in different individuals, but an early diagnosis can help you combat the loss of motor function. Also, although Parkinson’s can’t be cured, physical therapy and medications can significantly improve your symptoms.
These early signs of Parkinson’s disease may also indicate other issues. Therefore, no single one means you should worry. However, if you have more than one, it would be advisable to talk to your doctor.
Getting In-Home Help in Columbia, SC
If you have Parkinson’s or are caring for someone with the disease, you may need some help. Talk to Caring Healthcare – Parkinson’s is one of the issues we are competent to assist you with. Don’t wait – give us a call today.
