Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects the way a person moves. It is characterized by tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement, and is caused by a loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain.

However, the disease does not always present with these obvious symptoms. In fact, there are several premonitory symptoms that can appear years before the onset of Parkinson’s disease.

What are premonitory symptoms?

Premonitory symptoms, also known as prodromal symptoms, are non-specific signs that can indicate the presence of a particular disease. In the case of Parkinson’s disease, these symptoms can appear years before the actual diagnosis is made.

It’s important to note, however, that not everyone who experiences premonitory symptoms will go on to develop Parkinson’s disease.

What are the premonitory symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

There are several premonitory symptoms that have been linked to Parkinson’s disease. These include:.

1. Loss of sense of smell

One of the earliest signs of Parkinson’s disease is a loss of sense of smell. This means that a person may not be able to detect certain odors or may have difficulty distinguishing between different scents.

2. Constipation

Constipation is another common premonitory symptom of Parkinson’s disease.

It is thought to be caused by a decrease in the movement of the digestive tract, which is controlled by the same part of the brain that is affected by Parkinson’s disease.

3. REM sleep behavior disorder

REM sleep behavior disorder is a condition in which a person acts out their dreams while they are asleep. This can include talking, yelling, or even hitting or kicking. This condition is more common in people with Parkinson’s disease.

4. Fatigue

Many people with Parkinson’s disease report feeling tired or fatigued even when they have had enough sleep. This can be a symptom that appears years before the onset of other Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

5. Depression and anxiety

Depression and anxiety are common in people with Parkinson’s disease. However, they can also be premonitory symptoms that appear years before the diagnosis is made.

6. Orthostatic hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension is a condition in which a person’s blood pressure drops when they stand up from a sitting or lying position. This can cause dizziness or fainting and is more common in people with Parkinson’s disease.

7. Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain is a common premonitory symptom of Parkinson’s disease. It often occurs on one side of the body and is caused by stiffness in the muscles of the shoulder.

8. Loss of dexterity

Loss of dexterity, or the ability to perform fine motor movements, can be a premonitory symptom of Parkinson’s disease. This can manifest as difficulty with tasks such as buttoning a shirt or typing on a keyboard.

9. Changes in handwriting

Changes in handwriting, such as smaller or more cramped writing, can also be a sign of Parkinson’s disease. This is often due to a decrease in fine motor control.

10. Slowed reaction time

Slowed reaction time can be a symptom of Parkinson’s disease that appears years before the diagnosis is made. This can make tasks such as driving more difficult and can increase the risk of accidents.

Conclusion

While not everyone who experiences premonitory symptoms will go on to develop Parkinson’s disease, it’s important to be aware of these symptoms and to talk to a doctor if you are experiencing any of them.

Early detection and treatment of Parkinson’s disease can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.