Parkinson’s disease affects millions of individuals in the United States and is a progressive disorder which can severely impact movement and mobility.

Parkinson’s disease is caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the central nervous system. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which plays a crucial role in regulating movement, balance, and muscle control. When dopamine levels decrease, it leads to motor symptoms which are associated with Parkinson’s disease.

What Are the Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease?

The early signs of Parkinson’s disease can often be vague and difficult to diagnose. However, these early signs should be carefully monitored, as early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

Here are the most common early signs of Parkinson’s disease:.

Tremors

Tremors are one of the most obvious early signs of Parkinson’s disease. Tremors are involuntary shaking or trembling in the hands, fingers, or other body parts.

Tremors often start in one hand and can also occur in the legs, feet, chin, or upper body. Tremors in Parkinson’s disease typically occur when the muscles are at rest and decrease when the person moves that body part.

Bradykinesia

Bradykinesia is a term used to describe slowness of movement which is one of the key symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience difficulty initiating movement, making even simple tasks such as walking, getting up from a chair, or brushing their teeth slow and challenging.

Rigidity

Rigidity often accompanies the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. This is stiffness in the muscles which can cause pain or discomfort. People with Parkinson’s disease may also experience muscle cramps or aches.

Rigidity can also make it difficult for individuals with Parkinson’s disease to maintain good posture, and it can affect their ability to walk or perform other physical activities.

Change in Balance and Mobility

People with Parkinson’s disease may notice a change in their balance and mobility early on in the disease’s progression. They may experience difficulty walking or feel as though their steps are shorter or shuffling.

Parkinson’s disease can also cause unsteadiness or a feeling like they may lose their balance at any moment.

Loss of Smell

One of the earliest signs of Parkinson’s disease is a loss of sense of smell. While many people experience fluctuations in their sense of smell as they age, a more pronounced loss of smell can be an indication of Parkinson’s disease.

People may also find that they experience a change in the taste of food or a decreased appetite.

Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are common among people with Parkinson’s disease, although it can be difficult to determine which came first as these symptoms can worsen as the disease progresses.

Depression and anxiety can sometimes be the first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease before the physical symptoms manifest.

Sleep Disorders

Parkinson’s disease can disrupt normal sleep patterns and cause sleep disorders. People with Parkinson’s disease may experience rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, night sweats, insomnia, or abnormal daytime sleepiness.

Restless leg syndrome is also common among people with Parkinson’s disease.

Changes in Speech and Swallowing

Changes in speech and swallowing may also be early signs of Parkinson’s disease. People may notice that their speech has become softer or slurred, and that they need to clear their throat more frequently.

Swallowing difficulties can also occur in individuals with Parkinson’s disease in the early stages.

Constipation

Constipation can be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease can cause changes in the digestive system that can lead to constipation or slower digestion.

This can also lead to other digestive issues such as bloating and stomach pain.

Micrographia

Another early sign of Parkinson’s disease is micrographia. This is an abnormal shrinking or reduction in the size of handwriting.

As the disease progresses, micrographia can become more pronounced and may be more noticeable when writing notes, signing a document, or performing other routine tasks where handwriting is required.

Conclusion

While the early signs of Parkinson’s disease can be vague and challenging to diagnose, it’s essential to discuss any concerns with a medical professional.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve overall quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.