Are you concerned that you, or someone you know, may have Parkinson’s? You or another person might have certain signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s, but it doesn’t mean that you or they have the condition. Tremors, muscle stiffness and slowness of movement are all common early symptoms of Parkinson's. But there are also other signs to be aware of.This article explores the initial signs of Parkinson's and delves into the various approaches to managing the disease.
10 early symptoms of Parkinson's
1.Problems with your sleep
Sleep and night-time problems are common in Parkinson's. People with Parkinson’s are more likely to experience insomnia due to certain symptoms which can disrupt sleep. These include tremor, stiffness, pain and restless leg syndrome. If sleep is affected, people may also feel tired and drowsy during the day.
2.Losing your sense of smell
Someone with Parkinson’s may notice that their sense of smell may not be as strong as it was or has disappeared. For example, someone may struggle to smell their favourite foods. Loss of smell can sometimes start years before other symptoms develop.
3.Smaller handwriting
Because of changes in the brain, people with Parkinson’s can find that their movements become smaller and less forceful than before. This can lead to someone’s handwriting becoming smaller than it previously was or gradually getting smaller as they write.
4.Problems with your bladder or bowels
If you have Parkinson's, you may be more likely to have problems with your bladder or bowels.Signs of an overactive bladder, such as needing to use the toilet immediately without warning, or needing to go frequently throughout the night, are the most common bladder symptoms of people with Parkinson's.
5. Feeling fatigued
Fatigue is a tiredness that doesn’t just go away with rest. It affects up to half of people with Parkinson’s. You may feel quite fit and able one day and then too fatigued to do much the following day. Fatigue in Parkinson’s is thought to be caused by chemical changes in the brain. It may also be related to other symptoms or features of the condition, such as tremor, stiffness or feelings of stress. Mental (cognitive) fatigue can be another symptom of Parkinson’s. Some people may find it hard to concentrate for a long time without a break.
6. Noticing tremor and uncontrollable movement
Tremor is an uncontrollable movement that affects a part of the body. A Parkinson’s tremor typically starts in the hand before ‘spreading’ to affect the rest of the arm, or down to the foot on the same side of body. There is no cure for a tremor, but there are ways to manage the symptom with support from a specialist or Parkinson’s nurse.
7. Slowness of movement
Slowness of movement, also known as ‘bradykinesia’, may mean that it takes someone with Parkinson's longer to do things. For example, you might struggle with coordination, walking may become more like a shuffle or walking speed may slow down. Everyday tasks, such as paying for items at a check-out or walking to a bus stop, might take longer to do.
8.Stiffness, inflexibility and cramps
Parkinson’s causes stiff muscles, inflexibility and cramps. This is known as rigidity. This can make certain tasks such as writing, doing up buttons or tying shoe laces, harder. Rigidity can stop muscles from stretching and relaxing. It can be particularly noticeable, for example, if you struggle to turn over or get in and out of bed.
9.Experiencing depression
You may have depression if you are experiencing feelings of extreme sadness or a sense of emotional 'emptiness' for a long time. In some cases you may experience depression months before you notice any other symptoms. Depression can also be a symptom of ‘non-motor fluctuations’.
10.Experiencing anxiety
People with Parkinson's may experience anxiety, including feelings of unease, such as worry or fear, particularly in the early stages of the condition. Any concerns that someone has about living with a long-term condition may cause anxiety. Common symptoms of anxiety include: a sense of dread, constant worry or difficulty concentrating, sweating, pounding or racing heart (palpitations), feeling breathless, dizziness or trembling.
How can I manage my Parkinson's symptoms?
Parkinson's is a complex condition with many potential symptoms. Your Parkinson's is unique to you. This means there are lots of things that can help you manage your symptoms and what works for you may not work for someone else.
Exercise, Physical Therapy, and Parkinson’s Disease
What are the best exercises for Parkinson’s Disease?
Dr. Tinaz suggests exercises that are recommended by the Parkinson’s Foundation:
· Aerobic activity, like walking, cycling, or swimming.
· Strength training, like handheld weights, weight machines, or resistance bands.
· Balancing, agility, and multitasking activities, like yoga, tai chi, or boxing.
· Stretching activities, like dynamic stretching or deep breathing.
Is Physical Therapy helpful for Parkinson’s?
Physical Therapy can be immensely beneficial for Parkinson’s patients. A physical therapist can help you with exercises that can help maintain muscle strength, good balance, and good posture. Seeing a physical therapist at the onset of diagnosis can help create a plan to maintain essential physical functions so that physical function stays stronger for longer. Once any physical symptoms like stiffness or balance issues arise, seeing a physical therapist can help improve those symptoms.
Overall, early identification of Parkinson's disease symptoms can help doctors develop more effective treatment plans. Once diagnosed early, treatment should begin as soon as possible. This is a critical stage in the overall treatment of Parkinson's disease. Early treatment can significantly improve symptoms, delay disease progression, and improve patients' quality of life.
