Parkinson’s disease is a brain condition that mainly affects movement. It gets worse over time, but the early signs can be small and easy to miss.
These early signs are not the same for everyone, but noticing them early can help people get diagnosed and treated sooner. Starting care early can make a big difference in how well someone manages the condition.
One of the first signs is often a tremor, or shaking, in a part of the body—usually a hand or finger. This shaking usually happens when the hand is resting and not doing anything. It may look like the person is rolling something between their thumb and finger. Doctors call this a “pill-rolling” tremor. Research shows this kind of tremor often leads people to visit a doctor.
Another early symptom is moving more slowly than usual, which is called bradykinesia. A person may notice that their movements take longer. They might blink less or show fewer facial expressions. Everyday tasks, like buttoning clothes or walking, can become harder and slower.
Muscle stiffness, or rigidity, can also happen early in Parkinson’s disease. The arms, legs, or body may feel tight. When someone else tries to move the person’s arm, it may feel stiff instead of moving freely. This stiffness can make it harder to move and may also cause pain.
People may also have problems with posture and balance. They might begin to stand in a bent-over position and find it hard to stay balanced. This can raise the risk of falling, especially as the disease gets worse.
Another early sign is a loss of automatic movements—things we do without thinking, like blinking, smiling, or swinging our arms while walking. People with Parkinson’s may do these things less often. Their face might look less expressive and their walk might seem stiff or unusual.
Changes in speech and writing can also appear early. A person might speak more softly, quickly, or slur their words. They may also pause before speaking. Their handwriting may become small and cramped. This is called micrographia, and it’s a common early sign.
Sleep problems can be another early warning. Some people move or talk during their dreams, a condition known as REM sleep behavior disorder. They may also have restless legs or trouble sleeping through the night.
Other symptoms that can appear years before movement issues include losing the sense of smell, constipation, or feeling anxious or depressed.
It’s very important to notice these early signs. If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor—especially a neurologist, who focuses on brain and nerve problems. Getting diagnosed early can help you start treatment sooner, which may help control symptoms and slow down the disease.
By paying attention to these warning signs and getting medical help, people can improve their quality of life and manage Parkinson’s disease better from the beginning.
If you care about Parkinson’s disease, please read studies that Vitamin B may slow down cognitive decline, and Mediterranean diet could help lower risk of Parkinson’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing Plant-based diets could protect cognitive health from air pollution.
