10 Early Signs Of Parkinson's Disease
In a survey from 2011, the Parkinson's Foundation uncovered that people would avoid a visit to the doctor even though they are experiencing worrying symptoms of Parkinson's, including tremors. Lack of medical care is perhaps why it's even more critical that you know the ten most common early signs of the disease. There might not be any cure for the disease, but early diagnosis is essential to getting the treatment right. (http://www.parkinson.org/our-impact/press-room/pressreleases/press-release-archives/when-is-it-time-to-talk-to-your-doctor-aboutparkinson-s-disease).
Per the Parkinson's Foundation, the following symptoms are ten early signs of the disease.
The Symptoms
• Loss of Smell – This might be one of the slightest signs of Parkinson's. It may also include a loss of taste, as there is an overlap in these two senses. So, if your favorite types of food suddenly don't taste the same or everyone else is commenting on a scent you can't detect, then it may indicate that Parkinson's disease is on the horizon.
Parkinson's disease starts with a lack of dopamine, and it is dopamine that carries signals, including odors and tastes.
• Difficulty Sleeping – A common early indication of Parkinson's is RBD or rapid eye movement behavior disorder. During the deepest stage of sleep, those with RBD will commonly grind their teeth, kick out, and shout. Around 40% of RBD patients develop PD (even ten years after the fact). In addition, two other sleep issues, sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome could point to Parkinson's disease
10 Early Signs Of Parkinson's Disease
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome is probably the most common and overlooked because constipation, bloating, and gas indicate various medical issues. However, PD affects the muscles and, as such, can impact how your bladder and bowels operate. They become less efficient and less sensitive, thus impairing the entire process. So how will you know if it's just a bout of constipation or a sign of Parkinson's? If you feel full and constipated l (even if you haven't eaten much), it could be PD.
• No Facial Expression – A lack of dopamine can affect your facial muscles, leaving them slow, stiff, and lacking in expression. This facial symptom is known as the Parkinson's mask, and while it is an early symptom, it's one of the later early symptoms. In its earliest stages, the change will be subtle and include staring into the distance and someone being slow to frown or smile.
• Chronic Neck Pain – For women, this is one of the most common signs (after stiffness and tremors). It isn't typical neck pain that disappears after a couple of days, and it's less pain-like and more like tingling.
• Small Handwriting – When your writing starts to get smaller, spidery, and it takes longer to register, it could indicate Parkinson's. Difficulty writing may be bradykinesia, and other symptoms include difficulty with buttons, zippers, and washing may suggest Parkinson's symptoms.
• Excessive Sweating – While heat and anxiety can cause excessive sweating, if you find yourself sweating heavily for no reason, this may indicate that you are in the early stages of Parkinson's disease. Unfortunately, in In women, this is often dismissed as a hot flush.
• Mood Swing – One of the first signs of Parkinson's might be mood swings caused by depression. The changes are subtle and affect concentration and an inability to multitask. This feeling can cause anxiety and lead to social withdrawal.
• A Change in Speech – Your voice may become monotone or softer, which is one symptom the family tends to pick up on long before you do. It's also common for PD patients to slur their words because of stiffening in facial muscles.
• Reduced Arm Swing – While this may be the official description of the symptom, it's more along the lines of slight stiffness and a reduction in someone's range of motion.
