Parkinson’s Disease is a debilitating motor condition with no known cause or cure. Unfortunately, many cases go undetected. Now, you might ask yourself, how does this disease go undetected? Although it’s a debilitating disease, it can have a rather slow onset and symptoms can be subtle at first. That’s why it’s worth taking some time to learn about the warning signs.
The Warning Signs of Parkinson’s Disease
What are some of the early warning signs of Parkinson’s Disease? Many individuals start with what are considered Primary Motor Symptoms. These can include the following:
Tremor (Resting)
This symptom is typically the first visible sign that something may be wrong. The term “resting” is used because the tremor occurs when the individual is at rest, unlike a “purposeful tremor,” which appears during specific tasks. A resting tremor often begins with one finger, hand, or foot (usually on one side of the body) and is beyond the individual’s control. Interestingly, this tremor may stop temporarily when the person initiates movement.
Slow Movement (Bradykinesia)
This hallmark feature of Parkinson’s Disease distinguishes it from other disorders. Bradykinesia causes an individual to appear unusually still, with slowed or diminished movements, including walking, repetitive actions, and facial expressions. Over time, it can impair the ability to perform daily activities, such as buttoning a shirt, brushing teeth, or speaking clearly.
Rigid Muscles
Stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and legs is another early indicator. This rigidity can make walking difficult, as arms fail to swing naturally. The stiffness can be persistent, causing discomfort or even pain, and may limit the range of motion.
Unstable Posture
Changes in muscle coordination and reflexes make it difficult for individuals with Parkinson’s to maintain balance. They often appear unstable when standing upright and are prone to falling backward, even with minimal nudges. This symptom is a result of impaired postural reflexes.
Masked Face
Parkinson’s can reduce the range of facial expressions, a symptom sometimes referred to as “masked face.” This results in a flat or emotionless facial appearance, even when the person feels otherwise, due to reduced muscle control.
Micrographia
This term refers to abnormally small or cramped handwriting, a subtle motor symptom of Parkinson’s. People with this symptom often find their handwriting becomes progressively smaller as they write.
Soft or Slurred Speech
Another early sign is changes in voice or speech. A person may develop a softer or more monotone voice or have difficulty enunciating words clearly.
Secondary Motor Symptoms
As Parkinson’s Disease progresses, additional Secondary Motor Symptoms often emerge. These include:
Inability to Start Movement (Freezing)
Also known as “freezing,” this occurs when an individual attempts to move but temporarily cannot. It is commonly observed when a person tries to walk. Their movements may resemble a shuffling gait, with short, stuttered steps, arms held at their sides, and minimal foot lifting. Turning often requires numerous small, shuffling steps.
Sensory Changes
Parkinson’s can affect the senses, leading to issues such as a diminished sense of smell, vision problems, dental issues (like excessive salivation), and skin disturbances.
Cognitive Issues
These include memory challenges, slowed thinking, confusion, and, in advanced cases, dementia.
Sleep Disturbances
Many individuals with Parkinson’s report trouble sleeping, including insomnia and REM sleep behavior disorder.
Other Symptoms and Changes
Additional troubling symptoms that may occur alongside or independent of motor symptoms include:
- Digestive Issues: Constipation or slowed digestion.
- Blood Pressure Drops: A decrease in blood pressure when standing up, causing dizziness or fainting.
- Bladder and Sexual Dysfunction.
- Mood Changes: Depression, anxiety, and mood swings.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness despite rest.
- Unexplained Weight Changes: Sudden loss or gain.
- Impulsive Behaviors: Difficulty controlling urges or acting without consideration.
Learn More About Parkinson’s Disease
At this point, genetics has not been ruled out but is not a strong contender. To date, no case has been directly linked to heredity. A second theory that scientists have, is that Parkinson’s disease may result from exposure to an environmental toxin or injury. Some research studies have discovered several factors that may be linked to Parkinson’s. These include rural living, well water, manganese and pesticides.
One important factor you should know is that simple exposure to an environmental toxin is never enough to cause Parkinson’s. Most people that have been exposed to a toxin do not develop the disease. In fact, there is no definitive evidence that any environmental factor, alone, can be the cause of this disease.