Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that primarily affects movement and can severely impact the quality of life. Detecting the early signs of this condition is vital to managing its progression and maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. Discover the often subtle and early signs of Parkinson's disease. Keep in mind that some of these signs may resemble other health conditions, so you should always seek professional medical advice for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
What Is Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease, named after the doctor who first identified it, is a long-term degenerative disease that affects the nervous system, particularly areas responsible for movement and coordination. Early diagnosis can lead to improved disease management, slowing its progress and mitigating its effects.
8 Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
Below, we've listed some early signs of Parkinson's:
1. Presence of Tremors or Shaking in a Limb, Often in the Fingers or Hand
This shaking can occur even when the limb is at rest and is often most noticeable when the individual is relaxed, stressed, or tired. Although tremors can be symptomatic of various health issues, persistent shaking warrants further investigation by a medical professional.
2. Small Handwriting
While changes in handwriting can represent a part of the natural aging process, a noticeable reduction in letter size or a sudden change in writing style might indicate Parkinson's. This symptom, known as micrographia, is often one of the earliest signs of the disease.
3. Loss of Smell
Although other reasons exist for loss of smell, such as a cold or sinus issue, prolonged loss or significant reduction in the sense of smell is associated with Parkinson's and should require a discussion with a healthcare professional.
4. Sleeping Problems
People with Parkinson's may thrash around in bed or kick and punch while deep in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, a stage of sleep when most dreaming occurs. Though not every sleep problem leads to Parkinson's, it's undoubtedly a symptom worth discussing with a doctor.
5. Reduced Mobility or Difficulty Walking
This mobility issue may present as a slower movement (bradykinesia) or a decreased swing of the arms while walking. Changes in posture can also indicate early Parkinson's.
6. Constipation and Other Bowel and Bladder Problems
The problems are due to the disease's impact on the autonomic nervous system, which controls these functions.
7. Changes in Voice (Soft or Low Voice) and Facial Expression (Masked Face)
The disease may cause a noticeable reduction in the volume or tone of the voice or a lack of facial expressiveness.
8. Blood Pressure
Parkinson's might make someone feel dizzy or faint due to a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying-down position.
We Are Here to Help
At Senior Helpers Lawrence, we specialize in providing a compassionate and comprehensive range of services to help manage Parkinson's disease. Our care plans are customized to each individual's needs and preferences and designed to enhance quality of life, encourage independence, and maintain dignity even as the disease progresses.
Recognizing the early signs of Parkinson's disease can lead to early diagnosis, which is instrumental in managing the disease's progression. Whether you or your loved one are experiencing these symptoms, seeking professional advice is essential. If you reside in Lawrence, Andover, Haverhill, North Andover, or Essex County, we encourage you to contact us at Senior Helpers Lawrence. We would love to discuss our services for seniors and their caregivers, such as Companion Care and Chronic Disease Care.