10 Early Parkinson Symptoms

It would be ideal for all of us to recognize the early symptoms of Parkinson’s. Thus, we can do early detection on what happen to ourselves or even to people whom we care about. Hopefully, with early detection and treatment we can maintain the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease as long as possible.

Tremor

The most frequent and easily detected sign is tremor. The initial tremor usually only occurs on one hand or finger when Parkinson’s sufferers are not moving their hands.

Micrographia

Handwriting which is getting smaller and closer (micrograph)

This process happens gradually. Most of people aware of this changes when they compare their current hand writings with the one they wrote a few years ago.

Difficulty in Walking

Someone who has Parkinson’s disease might walk slowly or drag their feet as they walk. Many refer to this as a “shuffling gait.” The person might walk at an irregular pace, suddenly walking faster or slower or changing the length of their stride

Poor Balance

The brain area affected by Parkinson’s has the function of regulating balance and flexibility. A person with Parkinson’s disease is very easy to fall, even with a slight push.

Facial Masking

Facial expressions involve many subtle, complex muscle movements. People with Parkinson’s disease often have a reduced ability to make facial expressions.

Vocal Changes

Vocal changes is one of early Parkinson’s symptoms. A person may start to speak at a usual volume and then the voice becomes softer or fades away. In other cases, a person might lose the usual variation in the volume and tone of their voice, so that the voice appears monotonous.

Loss of Smell

70–90 percent of people with Parkinson’s disease might experience difficulty detecting odors, difficulty identifying odors, and difficulty telling the difference between odors.

Sleep Problems

• Insomnia

• Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep

• Nightmares

Sleep Apnea

Uncontrolled or sporadic movements while asleep

Constipation

Constipation is one of the most common non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Hunched Posture

People who have Parkinson’s disease may notice changes in their posture due to other symptoms of the disease, such as muscle rigidity. They may start bending forward, making them appear hunched or stooped over.

Consult your doctor if one or more symptoms to get an early detection.