What Are The Early Signs Of Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease affecting the motor abilities of a patient. The early signs of Parkinson’s disease are normally related to the motor functions, which may be voluntary or involuntary in nature. Such symptoms usually start on the one part of the body which are initially mild, and progresses over the period of time. The early signs of Parkinson’s disease include-

Tremors: Tremors originating in fingers, hands, feet, arms, jaw, legs or head. Such tremors are seen to occur most often while the patient is resting. These tremors might worsen when the patient gets excited, stressed or tired.

Rigidity: A pattern of stiffness or rigidity is seen in the trunk & limbs which might increase in case of movement. Such rigidity might produce muscle aches & pain.

Micrographia: Loss of fine motor skills may lead to sloppy handwriting which may be difficult to read. Such condition is called micrographia. Patient may also find it difficult to eat.

Loss of Movement: Progressive dullness of voluntary movement which may result in difficulty to initiate movement and to even complete a movement gradually.

Loss of Reflexes: Impairment or loss of reflexes to adjust the posture and maintain balance.

Parkinsonian Gait: Patients are seen to develop a distinctive form of walking characterized by shuffling and stooping with absent or diminished arm swing. This type of walking is called Parkinsonian gait. Sufferers may freeze and appear to fall forward while walking.

The primary symptoms of the Parkinson’s disease have to be obviously movement related and lose of muscles control. Since it is a neurodegenerative disease, continued destruction to brain leads to secondary signs which varies in severity and people-

• Feelings of insecurity, anxiety and stress.
• Loss of memory, confusion and dementia.
• Constipation.
• Feelings characterized by depression and low mood.
• Excessive salivation and difficulty in swallowing.
• Reduced feel of smell.
• Erectile dysfunction in men.
• Speech problems.

Parkinson’s disease is progressive and eventually affects every aspect of life from social engagements to work and normal life routines. The gradual loss of independence may be difficult, but being well informed about the disease may reduce the anxiety to a large extent. There are various support groups that offer valuable information to the patients with such disease and how to cope with the same. These groups provide emotional support and also advice the patients with regard to finding experienced doctors, therapists and other related information.

According to the research done so far, the doctors and scientists believe that Parkinson’s disease is triggered through a combination of genetic factors and exposure to factors like trauma and certain kinds of toxins and illness. Thus, the Parkinson’s disease cannot be prevented as of now since proper etiology are yet to be discovered.

The severity of Parkinson’s disease may vary from person to person which makes it impossible to predict how quickly this disorder will progress. One thing is for sure that Parkinson’s disease is not fatal and the average life expectancy of people with Parkinson’s disease is similar to that of people without the disease. In today’s medical field, there are various treatment options available that help reduce the symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, which affects about two times more often in men than in women. The symptoms of the disease range from primary to secondary ones, which are generally progressive in nature. Parkinson’s disease basically relates to the diminished motor abilities, which gradually progresses to a point where the patient may find even difficult to eat with his own hands or move his fingers. Support groups and proper care from healthcare professionals may help patients with this disease cope better.

Also Read:

• What is the Life Expectancy of Someone with Parkinson’s Disease?
• Why do People With Parkinson’s Lose Weight?
• How Long Does It Take For Parkinson’s Disease To Progress?
• Who May Be Trapped with Parkinson’s Disease?
• How Do I Care For Someone With Parkinson’s Disease?
• How Do You Get Parkinson’s Disease?
• Can You Reverse Parkinson’s Disease?