In a survey from 2011, the Parkinson’s Foundation uncovered that people will avoid a visit to the doctor even though they are experiencing the worrying symptoms of Parkinson’s, including tremors. This is perhaps why it’s even more important that you know the 10 most common early symptoms of the disease.
There might not be any cure for the disease, but early diagnosis is key in getting the treatment right. As per the Parkinson’s Foundation, the following symptoms of 10 early signs of the disease.
The Symptoms
Loss of Smell
This might be one of the least recognizing sign 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 that you can’t detect then it may be an indication that Parkinson’s disease is on the horizon.
PD is linked 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 later develop PD (even 10 years after the fact).
There are two other sleep issues, which have been associated with Parkinson’s disease – sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
This is probably the most common and overlooked because constipation, bloating, and gas are indicative of a wide variety of medical issues. However, PD affects the muscles and as such can have an impact on how your bladder and bowels operate.
They become less efficient and less sensitive, thus impairing the entire process. How will you know if it’s just a bout of constipation or a sign of Parkinson’s? If your constipation is also accompanied by a weighty feeling of being too full (even if you haven’t eaten much) then it could be PD.
No Facial Expression
A lack of dopamine can have an effect on your facial muscles, leaving them slow, stiff, and lacking in expression. This 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 its less pain-like and more like tingling.
Small Handwriting
When you’re writing starts to get smaller, spidery, and it takes longer to write then it could be an indication of Parkinson’s. This is referred to as bradykinesia and the other symptoms of this include difficulty with buttons, zippers, and washing.
Excessive Sweating
While heat and anxiety can cause excessive sweating if you find yourself sweating heavily for no reason then this may be an indication that you are in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. In women, this is often dismissed as a hot flash.
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 and this is one symptom that family tends to pick up on long before you yourself do. It’s also common for PD patients to slur their words; this is 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 subtle stiffness and a reduction in someone’s range of motion.
