8 early signs of Parkinson’s disease that shouldn’t be ignored

Parkinson’s is a disorder that slowly encroaches upon an individual’s neurological health, making it difficult for them to perform daily tasks. Old age is usually the leading cause of the disease. Before the obvious motor symptoms emerge, however, some discreet signs can serve as early indicators. Detecting these can provide valuable insight into the presence of Parkinson’s disease, offering a window of opportunity for intervention and better management of symptoms.

Here are some of the early signs that one should pay attention to:

• Tremors
  In Parkinson’s disease, tremors are a hallmark motor symptom that usually begins in the hands, fingers, or limbs. These tremors often appear as rhythmic shaking or trembling and may be more pronounced at rest. They can gradually worsen, affecting daily activities such as writing, eating, or holding objects. While not everyone with Parkinson’s experiences tremors, they are a recognizable and significant early sign of the disease.
• Loss of manual dexterity and motor skills
  Dexterity refers to the skill and ability to use one’s hands or body with precision and coordination. Fine motor skills can be affected early in Parkinson’s disease. Individuals may notice a slight decline in their ability to perform intricate tasks, such as writing or buttoning clothes. They may experience stiffness, slowness, or difficulty initiating movements.
• Changes in posture and balance
  Parkinson’s disease can cause changes in posture and balance, even in its early stages. Individuals can develop a stooped or hunched posture and experience difficulty maintaining balance while walking.
• Loss of smell
  Individuals may struggle to distinguish between odors or notice a diminished sense of smell. This subtle change in olfactory perception can occur years before other noticeable symptoms emerge. That said, the sense of smell may be temporarily altered or affected due to infections or stuffy noses. Still, if the symptoms don’t improve, one should consult their primary healthcare professional.
• Changes in speech or voice
  If one experiences any changes in voice quality, it may be the onset of Parkinson’s. Here, one’s voice may get softer or lower than usual, hoarse, or breathy. Others may experience a monotone speech pattern or difficulties with articulation and pronunciation.
• Changes in handwriting
  Micrographia refers to a gradual reduction in handwriting size and legibility. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease may notice that their handwriting becomes progressively smaller and more cramped over time. This change occurs due to motor control difficulties and impaired fine motor skills associated with the condition.
• Changes in facial expressions
  Parkinson’s disease can affect facial expressions, leading to a lack of natural and spontaneous movements of the facial muscles. This condition, called facial masking, can make individuals appear expressionless or emotionless. Reduced blinking, less frequent smiling, and a fixed or mask-like facial expression are characteristic features. Facial masking can have a significant impact on non-verbal communication and social interactions.
• Trouble falling asleep
  Disrupted sleep patterns and difficulty falling asleep are common early signs in individuals at risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. One should note, however, that this symptom may be the result of numerous other factors. Still, if this problem persists without any lifestyle changes, it is worth discussing with a healthcare professional.