Parkinson's disease is usually associated with old age, but its first symptoms can appear long before a diagnosis is made. Experts from the publication Parkinson have named 10 signs that are worth paying attention to. However, one symptom alone does not confirm the disease - the appearance of several of them at the same time should be alarming.
1. Tremor
The most common and well-known symptom is shaking of the hands, fingers, or chin. However, it can also be caused by stress, exercise, or certain medications.
2. Micrographia (shrinkage of handwriting)
Narrowing of letters and compressed lines in notes is one of the early signals that may indicate the beginning of changes in brain activity.
3. Loss of sense of smell
If it suddenly becomes difficult to smell bananas, pickles, or even licorice, it may not just be a cold, but a sign of neurological changes.
4. Sleep problems:
Frequent twitching, fidgeting, or “struggling” during sleep is another marker to look out for. These symptoms are seen in many patients in the early stages of Parkinson’s.
5. Gait disorders
Stiffness in the legs, pain in the shoulders or hips, or a feeling as if the feet are “stuck to the floor” are not just age-related changes, but possible signals of neurodegeneration.
6. Constipation
Gastrointestinal disorders, especially regular constipation, often accompany the disease even before noticeable neurological symptoms appear.
7. Changes in voice
If your voice suddenly becomes quieter, hoarse, or less energetic, this may be an early sign of damage to the nervous system.
8. Frozen or anxious facial expression
People with Parkinson's disease often have a less expressive facial expression, like a "mask", even in emotionally charged situations.
9. Dizziness.
A feeling of unsteadiness when standing up suddenly can be related not only to the heart or blood pressure, but also to brain dysfunction.
10. Posture disorders (slouching)
If a person begins to noticeably slouch or their gait changes, this can also be an indirect marker of the disease.
Doctors advise not to panic, but not to ignore the changes either. It is worth seeing a neurologist for an examination - especially if you are over 50 and the symptoms have become constant.
Early detection is the key to improving the quality of life with Parkinson's.
