One of the most common neurological disorders is Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. An estimated 60,000 people a year are diagnosed with PD. Symptoms associated with Parkinson’s tend to start gradually and can be barely noticeable.
Interestingly, various signs of Parkinson’s have been recognized and described for over 2,000 years, yet it wasn’t until James Parkinson’s observations that caused him to develop the first description of this disease. Generally speaking, people with Parkinson’s disease have trouble controlling the speed and/or the size of their movements, but the form that may take varies.
Here is a list of symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease and what to look out for if you or a loved one is experiencing any one of these. If you are concerned, be sure to discuss any symptoms with your doctor.
1. Tremors
They are the most frequently noticed symptom of early Parkinson’s disease. A limb, most commonly the hand or fingers, begins to tremble at rest.
2. Slowed Movement
This is considered one of the early symptoms of PD. One must be diagnosed with this, as well as one other major symptom such as tremor or rigidity, to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Simple tasks become difficult and time-consuming.
3. Rigid Muscles
Muscle stiffness may occur in any part of the body and can limit your motor functions. This stiffness goes beyond the aches and pains of aging or arthritis. Many describe this symptom as a tightening of the muscles leading to a reduction in the range of motion.
Facial muscles can seem to freeze leading to one of the advanced symptoms called facial masking.
4. Decreased Posture
Posture often becomes stooped and hunched over. Take notice if you are unable to stand up as straight
as you used to.
5. Trouble Balancing
As your posture may become stooped, balance can also decrease.
6. Speech Changes
Speech may soften or quicken. One may also slur or hesitate before talking and lose the usual inflections and become monotone.
7. Trouble Swallowing
Difficulty swallowing may increase over time and lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and/or aspiration (when food or water goes down the wrong pipe).
8. Vertigo and Dizziness
While non-movement related symptoms are common in people diagnosed with PD, doctors often overlook them when considering Parkinson’s as a possible diagnosis. Dizziness can often be related to poor balance and should be discussed with one’s doctor.
Vertigo and dizziness can be caused by medications or a drop in blood pressure.
9. Writing Changes
One’s handwriting may begin to change. It can become difficult to write and writing may become smaller. A few helpful solutions include using a weighted pen and practicing writing as a daily exercise.
10. Dystonia
The warning signs of dystonia include clenched toes or hands, and cramping in the hands or feet. It is caused by repetitive muscle spasms that twist muscles, causing painful cramps.
Dystonia often occurs when beginning a movement. For example, one can start to walk and suddenly feel the toes curling or the foot turning in on itself at the ankle.
These are a few of the common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. While there is no cure, there are many proactive approaches that one can take to improve their quality of life. Once you talk to your doctor and have an understanding of the symptoms, creating an exercise routine, eating healthy foods, drinking lots of water, and getting plenty of rest can all help you maintain an active lifestyle.
Amanda Butas is a Geriatric Case Manager at Home Care Assistance Mesa Office, located right next to Bed Bath and Beyond on Power and McKellips roads. Her company provides home care services on an hourly or around-the-clock basis to older adults who need help. Her services include support with basic activities of daily living and those living with certain conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, as well as supporting a successful transition home from the hospital or a rehab facility. Amanda can be reached at her office at (480) 699-4899.