Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects the brain and mainly impacts how a person moves. It gets worse over time, and the first signs can be very subtle.
These signs often differ from one person to another. Knowing what to look for early on can help people get diagnosed and treated sooner, which may improve how well they manage the disease.
One of the most common early signs is a tremor, or shaking, that usually starts in the hands or fingers. It often happens when the hand is at rest and might look like the person is rolling a small object between their thumb and finger. This kind of tremor is often what leads people to visit a doctor.
Another early sign is slowed movement, known as bradykinesia. People may notice they take longer to do simple things like buttoning a shirt or walking. Facial expressions may also become less noticeable, and blinking might slow down. This slowness can make everyday tasks more difficult.
Stiffness in the muscles, called rigidity, can also show up early. This might affect the arms, legs, or upper body and can make it hard to move freely. It may also cause pain or discomfort. If someone tries to move the person’s arm, it may feel tight or hard to bend.
Changes in posture and balance are also early signs. A person might start to walk with a slight stoop or have trouble keeping their balance. This can increase the risk of falling, especially as the disease progresses.
People with Parkinson’s may also stop doing small automatic movements without realizing it. This can include blinking, smiling, or swinging their arms while walking. As a result, their face may seem less expressive and their walk may appear stiff.
Speech and writing can also be affected. Some people may start to talk more softly, quickly, or unclearly. They might also find it harder to write, with handwriting becoming smaller and more cramped than usual.
Other early symptoms don’t involve movement at all. Sleep problems like restless legs or acting out dreams during sleep can occur years before movement issues appear. Some people may lose their sense of smell or have problems like constipation, depression, or anxiety before they notice any tremors or stiffness.
It’s important to know these signs so that people can talk to their doctor if they notice any changes. A neurologist can help check for Parkinson’s and suggest treatment options.
Catching the disease early can make a big difference in how well symptoms are managed and may help slow down how quickly it gets worse. If you or someone you care about is showing these signs, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider.
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.
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