Parkinson’s disease is a long-term illness that affects the brain and mainly causes problems with movement. It develops slowly over time, and the early signs are often easy to miss.
These early symptoms can be different for each person, but noticing them early can help doctors find the problem sooner and start helpful treatments.
One of the first signs many people notice is a small shake or tremor, usually in the hands or fingers. This shaking often happens when the hand is resting. It can look like the person is rolling a small object between their thumb and finger, which is sometimes called a “pill-rolling” tremor. This is often the reason people go to see a doctor.
Another early sign is slower movement, called bradykinesia. Simple tasks like buttoning a shirt, walking, or brushing teeth may take longer or feel harder to do. Some people notice that their face looks less expressive or that they blink less. These changes can happen in many parts of the body.
Stiffness in the muscles, called rigidity, is also common. It can make arms or legs feel tight and harder to move. This stiffness can be painful and make walking or other daily tasks more difficult. Sometimes, people don’t notice the stiffness until someone else tries to move their arm or leg.
Changes in posture and balance may also be an early clue. A person may start to lean forward when they walk or stand, and their balance might become weaker, leading to more falls. These changes can be small at first but tend to get worse over time.
Some people stop doing automatic movements without realizing it. They might blink less, stop smiling as much, or not swing their arms when they walk. These small things are often overlooked but can be early signs of Parkinson’s.
Speech and handwriting changes may also appear. A person may begin to speak in a softer voice, or their speech might become faster or harder to understand. Their handwriting might get smaller and more cramped—this is called micrographia.
There are also signs that don’t involve movement. Trouble sleeping is one of them. Some people move a lot in their sleep or act out their dreams, which is called REM sleep behavior disorder. Other early signs include losing the sense of smell, feeling constipated, or having mood problems like depression or anxiety.
These different signs might not seem connected, but together, they can be a warning that Parkinson’s disease is starting. If you or someone you know notices these changes, it’s important to see a doctor. A neurologist can help find out what’s going on.
Getting diagnosed early means starting care sooner. This can lead to better ways to manage symptoms, slow the disease down, and plan for the future. Watching for early signs and getting medical help can make a big difference in how well someone lives with Parkinson’s.
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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