Parkinson’s disease is a brain condition that mostly affects movement and gets worse over time.
The early signs can be very small and different for each person, so they’re often easy to miss.
But knowing these early warning signs is important because getting diagnosed and treated early can help people feel better and stay active longer.
One of the first signs of Parkinson’s disease is a small tremor, or shaking, in one part of the body. This usually starts in a hand or finger when the person is resting.
It may look like they’re rolling something between their fingers, which doctors call a “pill-rolling” tremor. According to a study in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, this kind of tremor often leads people to visit a doctor.
Another early symptom is that movements start to slow down. This is called bradykinesia. A person might notice they blink less often or their face looks more serious and still. Simple things like buttoning a shirt or walking across a room can take longer and feel harder. This slowing down can affect many everyday tasks and may lead to a feeling of stiffness.
Stiff muscles, or muscle rigidity, are also common. A person might feel tightness in their arms or legs. If someone tries to move their arm, it may feel stiff and not swing naturally. This stiffness can make it harder to move and may cause pain.
Changes in posture and balance can also be early signs. Someone with Parkinson’s may begin to stand in a hunched or stooped position. They might have trouble staying balanced, which makes it easier to fall as the disease gets worse.
People with Parkinson’s often lose automatic movements—like blinking, smiling, or swinging their arms while walking. This can make their face seem less expressive or their walking look stiff.
Changes in voice and handwriting are also early clues. A person might start to talk more softly, more quickly, or slur their words. They may also pause more when speaking. Their handwriting may become small and cramped, a condition called micrographia. The Parkinson’s Foundation says these are common early signs of the disease.
Other early symptoms are not related to movement. These include trouble sleeping, such as restless legs or moving around during dreams (a problem called REM sleep behavior disorder). Some people lose their sense of smell, become constipated, or feel depressed or anxious. These problems can show up years before any movement symptoms appear.
It’s important to notice these early changes. If you or someone you know shows signs like these, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. A neurologist, who specializes in brain and nerve health, can help diagnose and manage Parkinson’s disease.
Getting medical advice early can lead to better treatment, help manage symptoms, and possibly slow the disease. Paying attention to the early signs gives people a chance to improve their quality of life and take action from the very beginning.
If you care about Parkinson’s disease, please read studies about Parkinson’s gene variant is found predominantly in people of African ancestry and research shows a dangerous cause of Parkinson’s disease.
For more about Parkinson’s disease, please read studies that exercise hormone may help stop Parkinson’s symptoms and scientists make new breakthrough in Parkinson’s disease treatment.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
