Parkinson's Alert: 10 Early Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

 

Parkinson's Disease

Signs of Parkinson's Disease:

Parkinson's disease is a brain problem that can happen when you get older. It can create issues such as shaking hands and feet, walking difficulties, and vision problems. This happens because the neurons in your brain that help control your movements become weak and can't send signals properly. The signals they usually send are controlled by a chemical called dopamine. When the neurons don't work well, your body can't move the way it should. This can cause you to lose your balance or even make it hard to move at all. A higher prevalence of Parkinson's disease is observed in men than in women. Let's explore the symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.

1. Shaking Hands and Feet:

Lots of people may feel shaking in different parts of their body like their hands, arms, jaw, or head. Sometimes they might even feel it in their chin, lips, mouth, or legs. This shaking happens on its own and is not something that someone else can catch from them. About 40% of people who have this shaking might notice it first, but it doesn't necessarily mean they have a disease. However, it's important to keep an eye on it because it could lead to bigger problems later on.

2. Stiffness of Limbs:

The main sign of this disease is when your arms and legs feel stiff and are hard to move. This is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease, but some people might think they have arthritis at first. Sometimes, the muscles near the elbow can become very stiff, making it hard to move your arms back to your side. As the disease progresses, more health problems can develop, like muscle and joint pain.

3. Movement Stops:

Parkinson's disease can make a person move slowly and walk very slowly. They might also feel weak and have less strength than before. This happens because the disease affects the nerve cells that control movement. As these cells die off, the person's ability to move decreases, which is called bradykinesia. Falling down is also a common problem for people with this disease because they might have trouble with balance.

4. Memory Loss:

Memory loss is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease, believed to be related to dopamine loss. It ranges from mild forgetfulness to difficulty recalling recent events, learning new information, or multitasking. Treatment options include dopamine-boosting medications or cognitive training programs. Improvement in quality of life can be achieved through early detection and intervention.

5. Handwriting:

Parkinson's disease can cause a condition known as micrographia, which is characterized by abnormally small handwriting. Individuals with Parkinson's may also experience difficulty in writing due to motor impairments affecting their fine motor skills.

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6. Changes in Voice: 

As Parkinson's disease progresses, a person's speech can become difficult to understand. They might start to speak slowly and their voice might become hoarse. These changes can happen early on in the disease and get worse as it progresses.

7. Sleep:

People with Parkinson's disease might also have trouble sleeping, even before they start having problems with their movements. These sleep problems can include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restful sleep.

8. Loss of Intimate Ability:

Parkinson's disease can affect intimacy function, leading to inner desire ability loss. This common non-motor symptom can include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and difficulties with ejaculation. Treatment options include medications and counseling, and communication with a healthcare provider is essential for addressing these issues.

9. Loss of sense of smell:

Parkinson's disease can cause loss of sense of smell, also known as anosmia. It is a common non-motor symptom and can occur years before movement problems develop. Loss of smell can affect a person's ability to taste and enjoy food, detect dangerous odors, and recognize familiar scents. It is important to discuss this symptom with a healthcare provider as it can aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease.

10. Anxiety Problem:

People with Parkinson's disease may experience anxiety as a symptom of their condition. Anxiety can manifest as feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear. It may be related to the physical changes and challenges of Parkinson's, such as difficulty moving or communicating. Anxiety can also be a side effect of medications used to manage Parkinson's symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing anxiety related to Parkinson's, it's important to talk to a healthcare professional for support and treatment options.

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