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 may indicate the presence of the disease. In this article, we will discuss some of the sure signs that you may be getting Parkinson’s, according to science. We will also provide some tips on how to reduce your risk of developing the disease. Finally, we will provide some dietary advice on what to eat and what to avoid in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Sure Signs You May Be Getting Parkinson’s, According to Science
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 symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
If you’re concerned that you may be developing Parkinson’s, here are some signs to look out for, according to science:
- Tremors: Uncontrollable shaking or trembling of the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head is one of the most common signs of Parkinson’s.
- Slowed Movement: People with Parkinson’s may experience a decrease in their ability to move quickly or smoothly.
- Stiffness: Stiffness in the arms, legs, and trunk can be a sign of Parkinson’s.
- Balance Problems: People with Parkinson’s may experience difficulty with balance and coordination.
- Speech Changes: People with Parkinson’s may experience changes in their speech, such as slurring or speaking more softly than usual.
- Writing Changes: People with Parkinson’s may experience changes in their handwriting, such as smaller letters or difficulty controlling the pen.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Like many progressive conditions, Parkinson’s disease (PD)—a disorder of the brain and central nervous system that can impair movement and speech—may have vague, subtle, or small symptoms at first. (Perhaps the most famous person living with Parkinson’s, Michael J. Fox, said he was diagnosed after feeling a twitch in his left little finger.)
But it’s important to know what those first signals may be, so a diagnosis can be made and treatment can begin as soon as possible. The key is to look for symptoms in combination. “There are a number of early signs of PD,” says James Beck, Ph.D., chief scientific officer of the Parkinson’s Foundation. “While you need not worry if you have any one of these symptoms alone, the Parkinson’s Foundation recommends seeing your doctor if you are experiencing more than one symptom.” Read on to find out what they are—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID..
Some people with Parkinson’s develop a tremor, or shaking. This often initially appears in your finger, hand, or chin while you’re at rest, says Beck. In people with Parkinson’s, brain cells that produce a natural chemical called dopamine are destroyed. That can produce tremors and other symptoms.
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“Micrographia is the term for when your handwriting gets smaller or more crowded,” says Beck. It can be a sign of Parkinson’s, but it can also have other causes. “While micrographia (small handwriting) is a symptom of PD, a change in handwriting can also be caused by stiff hands from arthritis or poor vision as you age,” he adds. But if you notice this in combination with other symptoms on this list, consult your doctor.
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This now-infamous symptom may be a sign of COVID-19, a cold or the flu—but it can also be a symptom of Parkinson’s. If you experience a loss of smell, get tested for the coronavirus. But it should come back. If it doesn’t, ask your doctor if you should be screened for PD.
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We all toss and turn occasionally, or suddenly jerk ourselves awake when falling asleep. That’s normal. But if you regularly thrash around in bed or act out dreams when you’re in deep sleep, it could be a sign of PD.
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Stiffness or trouble moving could be due to injury, or an issue like arthritis, says Beck. But if the stiffness doesn’t go away when you move, it can be a sign of Parkinson’s disease. An early signal may be stiffness or pain in your shoulder or hips; you might also feel like your feet are stuck to the floor.
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If you’re experiencing constipation, it could be due to a lack of fiber in your diet. But Parkinson’s affects the autonomic nervous system and prevents it from functioning properly, and that can slow down the digestive system and affect how your bowels move. If constipation is a new issue for you or has lasted longer than three weeks, call your doctor.
“Your voice may become softer or hoarse-sounding,” says Beck. You might think other people around you are losing your hearing, when in fact you’re speaking more softly.
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In this symptom, your expression may appear serious or even angry, says Beck, even when you don’t intend to. If you’ve been told you look serious, depressed or mad when you’re feeling fine, you should ask your doctor about screening for PD.
You might feel a sense of dizziness when you stand up or notice changes in your posture at any time. Those changes may include stooping, hunching over, or leaning, says Beck.
If you’re experiencing more than one of the above symptoms, ask your doctor about screening for Parkinson’s. “Unfortunately, making a PD diagnosis—especially in its early stages—is not easy,” says Beck. “There is not a simple blood test or brain scan that confirms a diagnosis. The presence of bradykinesia (slowness of movement), plus either tremor or stiffness/rigidity, will help doctors make a PD diagnosis.”
If you’re diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease by an internist or geriatrician, the Parkinson’s Foundation “strongly recommends following up with a movement disorder specialist for a second opinion,” says Beck. “Movement disorder specialists are neurologists who have specific training in diagnosing and treating PD.” And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.
For more information, the Parkinson’s Foundation has many resources on its website, or you can call their helpline toll-free at 1-800-4PD-INFO.