Introduction
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. It is estimated that more than 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease. While there is no single test to diagnose Parkinson’s, there are certain signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of the disease. In this article, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease according to experts. We will also provide tips on how to recognize the signs and what to do if you think you may have Parkinson’s.
Signs You Have Parkinson’s, According to Experts
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. It is estimated that more than 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s, and the number is growing. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
If you think you may have Parkinson’s, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for, according to experts.
Tremors
One of the most common signs of Parkinson’s is a tremor, or shaking, in one or both hands. This tremor usually begins in the fingers or thumb and can spread to the arm or leg. It may be worse when the hand is at rest, but it can also occur when the hand is in use.
Rigidity
Rigidity is another common symptom of Parkinson’s. This is when the muscles become stiff and difficult to move. It can cause pain and discomfort, and can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
Slowed Movement
People with Parkinson’s may experience a slowing of movement, or bradykinesia. This can make it difficult to perform simple tasks, such as buttoning a shirt or writing. It can also cause a person to walk slower than normal.
Balance Problems
People with Parkinson’s may experience balance problems, which can lead to falls and injuries. This can be caused by a combination of rigidity, slowed movement, and impaired coordination.
Speech Changes
People with Parkinson’s may experience changes in their speech, such as slurring or speaking more softly than normal. They may also have difficulty finding the right words or speaking in a monotone.
Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are common in people with Parkinson’s. These can be caused by the physical and emotional effects of the disease, as well as the fear of the unknown.
Fatigue
Fatigue is another common symptom of Parkinson’s. This can be caused by the physical and emotional effects of the disease, as well as the medications used to treat it.
If you think you may have Parkinson’s, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Every year an estimated 60,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease–a disorder that compromises motor control and memory, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. “Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic and slowly progressive neurological condition that presently affects more than 1 million Americans and over 8 million people internationally. It is marked by tremor, muscular rigidity, and slow, imprecise movement,” Melita Petrossian, MD, neurologist and director of the Movement Disorders Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA tells us. There’s several signs that indicate you could have Parkinson’s and Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with experts who explain warning signals to pay attention to. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Dr. Petrossian says the following are signs to watch out for:
“Tremor in the limbs when completely relaxed
Muscular stiffness
Slow movement
Decreased facial expressions
Low voice volume
Small handwriting
A stooped posture
Walking with small, shuffled steps
Decreased arm-swing on one side
Difficulty getting out of a chair or turning in bed”
Dr. Petrossian says, “Other symptoms that may sometimes precede these classic symptoms include changes in mood, slowed thinking, acting out vivid dreams, chronic constipation, loss of smell, and dizziness when standing. Furthermore, Parkinson’s disease is ultimately an individualistic condition. Initial symptoms, as well as the progression of symptoms over time, vary from person to person.”
Jennifer Prescott, RN, MSN, CDP and founder of Blue Water Homecare and Hospice shares, “The cause of Parkinson’s Disease remains unknown however we understand that certain neurons (nerve cells) slowly break down and die. This results in low dopamine levels in the brain which impacts motor function, speech, emotional changes and sleep disturbances.
Risk factors include advanced age (greater than 60), heredity (someone in family that was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease), being a male and exposure to toxins such as PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, that were used in various industrial processes until they were banned in the 1970s. Researchers have found high concentrations of PCBs in the brains of people who had Parkinson’s.”
Prescott explains, “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle has been shown to play an important part in overall brain and body health. However, there is no definitive research that shows direct correlation between risk factors and incidence of Parkinson’s Disease. Some research has supported the benefits of exercise and use of caffeine to lower risk for Parkinson’s Disease.”
Prescott states, “Since Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disease the impact to the person can be significant as they live with the disease. Parkinson’s Disease may cause both motor and non-motor symptoms. Motor symptoms may include tremors, slow movement, rigidity, and balance problems. People with Parkinson’s Disease often experience vocal symptoms such as soft tone to voice, loss of vocal tone and rapid speaking and stuttering. Non-motor symptoms can include cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, weight loss, fatigue, constipation, sleep disturbances and reduction in sexual desire (libido). There are medications and surgical therapies that can support the person to live the highest quality life.”
Prescott explains, “Parkinson’s disease, documented in 1817 by physician James Parkinson, is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease. Since Parkinson’s is more common in people 60 years old and older, it is expected that the incidence of Parkinson’s will increase with the aging of the baby boomers. Caring and supporting a loved one with Parkinson’s Disease can be challenging and impacts the entire family. There are many resources available both nationally and locally to provide support to people impacted by this disease. Increasingly, studies are showing that recreational physical activities such as walking, swimming, dance, yoga, and Tai Chi can play an important role for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. If you are experiencing symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, please seek medical attention from your medical professional for diagnosis and treatment.”
Heather Newgen