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What Are Early Warning Signs Of Parkinson’s Disease



Parkinsons Disease Is Often Thought Of As A Disease Of Older Age But Symptoms And Even A Diagnosis Are Possible Well Before You Might Expect Someone To Show Symptoms Or Receive A Diagnosis Regardless Of Your Age Knowing The Warning Signs Of Early

Parkinson

 

7 Warning Signs Of Early-Onset Parkinson’s Disease

Early-stage Parkinson’s disease – or juvenile-onset Parkinson’s disease, as it’s also called – is diagnosed in people younger than 50. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation website. Although many of the symptoms of early-stage Parkinson’s disease are similar to, or at a certain point the same as, those diagnosed with late-stage Parkinson’s disease. A 2014 study published in Parkinsonism & Related Disorders found that symptoms other than tremors are more common in the early form of the disease. Still, it’s entirely possible that tremor and other symptoms more commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease also occur at a young age.

 

There are a number of additional symptoms that are not as well known as tremor. It’s important to know about this if you are concerned about early-onset Parkinson’s disease. And if the disease runs in your family, you’re more likely to develop symptoms at a younger age, according to the Parkinsonism & Related Disorders study mentioned above. If you notice that some if these things sound familiar, especially if you have a family history of Parkinson’s. You should discuss the issue with your doctor. It certainly doesn’t mean you’ll get a diagnosis for sure. But knowing what you’re dealing with can help you figure out the best way to move forward.

Parkinsons Awareness Month: Spot The Early Warning Signs And Exercise To Delay The Onset Of Parkinsons Disease

Kathy Mercuris, P.T., D.H.S.

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to spread the word about this degenerative disorder that attacks the central nervous system. According to the National Parkinson Foundation, each year in the United States, 50,000 to 60,000 new cases of Parkinson’s Disease are diagnosed. More than one million people in the U.S., and between four and six million worldwide, live with the disease.

PD is caused by a decreased production of the chemical dopamine in the part of the brain called the basal ganglia, but there is no clear reason for the change. It is typically diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 60, and is slightly more common in males. However, Michael J. Fox has a type of Parkinson’s that has an early age of onset. The early signs of Parkinson’s disease are subtle and it may take a few years before diagnosis is reached. Warning signs of PD include:

  • Tremors
  • Minimal facial expressions
  • Trouble moving, swinging arms and walking

Later stage symptoms associated with Parkinson’s are:

  • Tremor in hands, arms, legs or face
  • Stiffness in the arms, legs or trunk
  • Slowness in movement
  • Impaired balance and coordination
  • Exercises involving large movements, like walking.
  • Activities that involve doing something new, such as problem solving through an obstacle course.
  • Combining all exercises with other tasks, like counting, talking or looking for objects.
  • Strengthening and stretching the legs to maintain mobility and the back muscles to improve posture.

Want To Learn More About The Latest Research In Parkinsons Disease Ask Your Questions In Our Research Forum

3. Loss of SmellMany people temporarily lose their sense of smell due to colds or the flu, but if the loss is sustained over a length of time without any noticeable congestion, then it could be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease.

4. Sleeping DisordersTrouble sleeping can be attributed to many illnesses and Parkinson’s disease is one of them. Waking due to sudden body movements, or thrashing your legs in your sleep could be a warning sign of the condition.

5. Stiffness in Walking and MovingGeneral stiffness that can’t be attributed to exercise aches and pains and doesn’t ease up when moving around could be an early warning sign of Parkinson’s disease. Many patients complain that it feels like their feet are literally stuck to the floor.

MORE: Did you know that Parkinson’s disease patients may benefit from dancing?

6. ConstipationUnable to move your bowels is also a common early sign of Parkinson’s disease. Although this is a common enough problem in healthy people, Parkinson’s patients are more susceptible to constipation. If you suddenly find you’re constipated and consider your diet normal then you should have a doctor check you out.

7. Low or Soft VoiceA sore throat or a cold can change the way you speak, but if you have been experiencing a sudden softness to the tone of your voice and are now speaking in a quieter or hoarser tone, this could be an early symptom of Parkinson’s disease.

MORE: Check some seated exercises for patients with Parkinson’s disease

How Is Constipation An Early Warning Sign Of Parkinson’s It’s Such A Common Problem

A: It’s not as specific as other prodromal symptoms, like anosmia. The rate at which people with chronic and unexplained problems with constipation develop Parkinson’s disease is not as easy to pin down. But if someone has unexplained, persistent constipation, it should at least be noted, as it could be considered prodromal.

Ask The Expert: What Are The Most Common Early Warning Signs Of Parkinsons Disease

10 early warning signs of Parkinson

  • Dr. Renzo Figari

What are the most common early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease? What treatment options are available?

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder affecting your nervous system and brain that will steadily worsen and whose symptoms can appear in multiple forms.

The first symptom — and the symptom that usually causes patients to seek medical attention — is a new tremor in one arm or leg; this typically occurs in the arm more often than the leg. Some patients also might notice a slight slowness of movement that is commonly described by patients as weakness, although there is no loss of strength.

Patients with Parkinson’s also may begin to walk more slowly, with reduced arm swing on the same side of the body as the tremors. Patients might not perceive these changes initially, but family or friends will bring it to their attention. Not all patients will have the tremors, and the first symptoms for some patients will involve moving more slowly and a stiffening of the muscles.

Some patients will have what are called non-motor symptoms, such as a loss of the sense of smell, and constipation, for many years before developing the classic tremors and movement changes of Parkinson’s disease. Unfortunately, the non-motor symptoms are nonspecific and cannot be used to predict who eventually will develop the disorder. When in doubt, it is always a good practice to discuss any new symptoms with your primary care doctor and consider consulting a neurologist.

Depression And Anxiety Are Also Early Warning Signs Of Parkinson’s How So

A: Like the other symptoms discussed here, late-onset depression and anxiety are nonmotor prodromal manifestations of the condition. It’s not that everyone who is depressed will get Parkinson’s, and the numbers are lower than they are for symptoms like anosmia and REM behavior disorder. But the link is important to explore, and we are doing more research on it all the time.

Early Detection Of The Disease May Help To Slow Parkinsons Progression

Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative disorder that affects the brain and causes the central nervous system to slowly shut down over the course of many years. The world famous boxer Muhammad Ali lost his fight in 2016 to Parkinson’s after battling it for 32 years. Television and movie actor Michael J. Fox has also struggled with Parkinson’s Disease. The star deliberately did not take his medications so that lawmakers could see the intensity of the disease’s symptoms when he appeared before a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee to plead for more funding for research about the disease.

Early detection of the disease may help to slow its procession, so here are some of the early warning signs that may point to Parkinson’s and some of the treatment solutions that may help extend the quality and length of a Parkinson Disease sufferer’s life.

Signs Usually Appear after the Age of 60

The National Parkinson’s Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the research of the disease so that individuals and their families can have the highest quality of life until a cure can be found. They have established ten of the most common signs that a loved one may be experiencing the beginning stages of PD. The symptoms are seemingly harmless, but when more than one is present, it is time to speak with the doctor about where to go from there. One thing to keep in mind is that most symptoms related to PD do not typically arise until the person is at least 60 years old.

Our Eyes May Provide Early Warning Signs Of Alzheimers And Parkinsons

Forget the soul — it turns out the eyes may be the best window to the brain. Changes to the retina may foreshadow Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and researchers say a picture of your eye could assess your future risk of neurodegenerative disease.

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Pinched off from the brain during embryonic development, the retina contains layers of neurons that seem to experience neurodegenerative disease along with their cousins inside the skull. The key difference is that these retinal neurons, right against the jellylike vitreous of the eyeball, live and die where scientists can see them.

Early detection “is sort of the holy grail,” said Ron Petersen, director of Mayo Clinic’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. By the time a patient complains of memory problems or tremors, the machinery of neurodegenerative disease has been at work probably for years or decades.

Experts liken it to a cancer that only manifests symptoms at Stage 3 or 4. When patients begin to feel neurodegenerative disease’s impact on their daily life, it’s almost too late for treatment.

Catching the warning signs of neurodegenerative disease earlier could give patients more time to plan for the future — whether that’s making caregiving arrangements, spending more time with family or writing the Great American novel.

What Is Rem Behavior Disorder And How Is It Connected To Parkinson’s

A: REM behavior disorder is different than other sleep problems, like insomnia. People who have it may jerk or kick — it’s as though they are acting out their dreams. In a similar pattern to anosmia, people with idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder have at least a 50 percent chance of eventually developing Parkinson’s disease.

What Is Rem Behavior Disorder And How Is It Connected To Parkinsons

A: REM behavior disorder is different than other sleep problems, like insomnia. People who have it may jerk or kick — it’s as though they are acting out their dreams. In a similar pattern to anosmia, people with idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder have at least a 50 percent chance of eventually developing Parkinson’s disease.

What Is The Prognosis And Life Expectancy For Parkinson’s Disease

The severity of Parkinson’s disease symptoms and signs vary greatly from person to peson, and it is not possible to predict how quickly the disease will progress. Parkinson’s disease itself is not a fatal disease, and the average life expectancy is similar to that of people without the disease. Secondary complications, such as pneumonia, falling-related injuries, and choking can lead to death. Many treatment options can reduce some of the symptoms and prolong the quality of life.

Do People Actually Lose Their Sense Of Smell With Parkinson’s

A: Yes. It’s a condition called anosmia, and if you have it with no other disease , you have at least a 50 percent chance of developing Parkinson’s disease in the next five to 10 years. What happens is that alpha-synuclein, the protein that clumps in the part of the brain that regulates dopamine and leads to Parkinson’s disease, also aggregates in the olfactory bulb, the part of the brain responsible for your sense of smell. This happens well before the protein accumulations cause motor symptoms.

Masked Face Is Not Uncommon For Someone With Parkinsons Disease

 

Often a person’s face becomes stiff and seems frozen in place. There may appear to be a grouchy or angry look about them. Or they may be staring ahead without blinking or expression. This can cause distress for them and those around them. People who are not aware of their condition may be uncomfortable around them.

 

Understanding Parkinsons Disease: Know The Early Warning Signs

Be alert to the early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease in order to receive a prompt diagnosis.

Although almost a million individuals are living with Parkinson’s disease in the U.S. alone, the condition was perhaps first brought to the spotlight by the diagnosis of Michael J. Fox. Since his diagnosis, his foundation has provided for breakthroughs in research and awareness that were previously unparalleled, providing us with hope for a future cure.

In the meantime, it’s critical to know what Parkinson’s is in addition to signs to watch for in order to receive a prompt diagnosis and the earliest possible intervention and treatment. Home With You Senior Care’s Ellicott City elder care team has the information you need.

What Is Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that impacts an individual’s coordination, balance, and movement through tremors and progressive muscle rigidity and stiffness. Although the precise cause is unknown, scientists think that contributing factors are both genetic and environmental. In addition, it typically affects adults age 60 and older, though early onset Parkinson’s can occur before age 50. Furthermore, researchers know that men are diagnosed at a higher rate than as women.

In addition to trembling and stiffness, Parkinson’s may also cause changes in emotion , issues with eating and speaking, sleeping pattern changes, skin problems, and others.

The Early Warning Signs of Parkinson’s

Do People Actually Lose Their Sense Of Smell With Parkinson’s

Early warning signs of parkinsons disease

A: Yes. It’s a condition called anosmia, and if you have it with no other disease , you have at least a 50 percent chance of developing Parkinson’s disease in the next five to 10 years. What happens is that alpha-synuclein, the protein that clumps in the part of the brain that regulates dopamine and leads to Parkinson’s disease, also aggregates in the olfactory bulb, the part of the brain responsible for your sense of smell. This happens well before the protein accumulations cause motor symptoms.

Parkinsons Disease Signs And Symptoms: Before The Diagnosis

Mindy Bixby

Neurologist, Mindy Bixby, DO, discusses the early signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, commonly referred to as non-motor symptoms.

Dr. Bixby explains how to identify and differentiate these symptoms from other disorders and when it’s time to visit your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

She also covers therapy and treatment options if diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease or other movement disorders.

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What Are The Primary Motor Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease

There are four primary motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease: tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability . Observing two or more of these symptoms is the main way that physicians diagnose Parkinson’s.

It is important to know that not all of these symptoms must be present for a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease to be considered. In fact, younger people may only notice one or two of these motor symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease. Not everyone with Parkinson’s disease has a tremor, nor is a tremor proof of Parkinson’s. If you suspect Parkinson’s, see a neurologist or movement disorders specialist.

Tremors

Vocal Symptoms

What Are The Surgical Treatments For Parkinsons Disease

What Is The Outlook For Persons With Parkinsons Disease

The future is hopeful. Some of the research underway includes:

Many other investigations are underway too. Much has been learned, much progress has been made and additional discoveries are likely to come.

What Are The Primary Motor Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease

There are four primary motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease: tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability . Observing two or more of these symptoms is the main way that physicians diagnose Parkinson’s.

It is important to know that not all of these symptoms must be present for a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease to be considered. In fact, younger people may only notice one or two of these motor symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease. Not everyone with Parkinson’s disease has a tremor, nor is a tremor proof of Parkinson’s. If you suspect Parkinson’s, see a neurologist or movement disorders specialist.

Tremors

Read more about Parkinson’s tremors

Rigidity

Bradykinesia

mask-like expression of the face

Postural Instability

Walking or Gait Difficulties

episodes of freezing

Dystonia

Dystonia

Vocal Symptoms

Benefits Of Home Care For Seniors With Parkinsons Disease

Finding out your aging parent is suffering from Parkinson’s disease is a truly life-changing moment for your parent and for you as their family caregiver.

You suddenly find yourself at the beginning of what will likely be an extremely challenging care journey characterized by a wide variety of symptoms and limitations that can change quickly and without warning.

You know that much of what you thought about your future and the future of your aging parent, or what you planned for the care you were going to give them is no longer applicable and you will need to change your approach to handle what they go through as they move through this disease.

As you are dealing with this news and preparing yourself for the challenges that lay ahead for your parent and for you, one of the best decisions you can make for them is to start home care services. Having an elderly home care services provider in the home with your parent from as early as possible in the disease can make a tremendous difference in your parent’s quality of life, health, and well-being throughout the progression.

Some benefits of starting home care services for a senior in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease include:

What Are The Early Warning Signs Of Parkinson’s Disease

The early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease include tremors in one or both hands, as mentioned before. Apart from that, patients may see that their face shows little or no expression. Arms may not swing when they walk, and speech may also become soft or slurred. However, these are just signs of the disease at an early stage. As the disease progresses, the symptoms may worsen over time. 

Other signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include –

  • Changed handwriting
  • Slow movement

Can Doctors Miss The Early Signs Of Parkinsons Disease

Yes, doctors are human.

There has been a tremendous increase in human knowledge over recent years. It is not possible for a single person to recognize all the symptoms of all the diseases.

Thus, when a patient only has the early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is often missed.

As noted above, the early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be vague.

Even if you have some of these symptoms, your diagnosis needs to be confirmed by a physical examination. This examination detects the early signs of Parkinson’s disease.

Sometimes when the doctor examines you, everything might be perfectly normal. This may be due to one of two things:

  • You don’t have Parkinson’s disease.
  • Your Parkinson’s disease is so mild that treatment is not needed at this stage.
  • The last thing to make sure is that you don’t have a disease that can mimic Parkinson’s disease. This can lead to misdiagnosis.

    If the doctor is not sure, a test called Trodat/F-Dopa scan may help with diagnosis

    What Medications Are Used To Treat Parkinsons Disease

    Medications are the main treatment method for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Your doctor will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan best suited for you based on the severity of your disease at the time of diagnosis, side effects of the drug class and success or failure of symptom control of the medications you try.

    Medications combat Parkinson’s disease by:

    Treatment Options For Early Onset Parkinsons Disease

    Experience Quality Care At Garden Plaza Of Florissant

    If your loved one is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease by a medical professional, one of the best things you can do for their health is to get them the help and care they deserve. That’s where Garden Plaza comes in. Our assisted living community is well equipped to provide care for the unique needs of those with Parkinson’s. The warm and friendly atmosphere allows them to settle in comfortably to their new home, while exciting activities and amenities nourish their mind, body and spirit.

    To learn more about how your loved one can flourish with a vibrant life at Garden Plaza of Florissant, contact our team today.

    How To Spot Symptoms In Yourself Or Someone You Love

    Most diagnoses of  come after age 60, but about 4 percent of diagnoses come before age 50. What signs of Parkinson’s should you watch out for in yourself or someone you love? 

    Diagnosing Parkinson’s  Some?Parkinson’s diseases symptoms?are well known, like the tremors that boxing great Muhammad Ali experienced. But Parkinson’s is often difficult to diagnose when it’s in its early stages, and no blood or imaging test can confirm if someone has the disease. 

    So how is Parkinson’s diagnosed? A healthcare provider will take a medical history and look for signs. In addition to slow movement—called bradykinesia—either stiffness or tremors must also be present. The HCP may also use a SPECT test that tracks the chemical dopamine in the brain. But your HCP needs to know to look for Parkinson’s, and that’s where you come in. Tell your HCP if you’ve noticed any of these early warning signs. 

    Early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease 1. Tremors. If one of your fingers, a foot, or part of the jaw or face shakes while you’re at rest, that could be an early sign of Parkinson’s. Tremors usually start on one side of the body, and eventually progress to the whole body as the disease progresses. 

    3. Rigid limbs.?Stiffness in the arms or legs is another hallmark sign of Parkinson’s. Like tremors, rigidity often starts on one side of the body before it progresses to the other. Take note if you notice that you’re starting to shuffle, or not swinging one of your arms as you walk. 

    Recommended

    Tips For Caring For Someone With Parkinsons Disease

    10 Early Warning Signs of Parkinson

    Caring for a loved one with early onset Parkinson’s can be difficult. If you’re a caregiver for someone with this condition, it’s important that you remember your own emotional and physical health.

    Not only are you dealing with a difficult diagnosis, you’re also managing an increased number of responsibilities. Burnout is common in caregivers, so make sure you’re checking in with your own needs.

    The Michael J. Fox Foundation Center for Parkinson’s Research recommends these tips for caregivers:

    What Are The Different Stages Of Parkinsons Disease

    Each person with Parkinson’s disease experiences symptoms in in their own unique way. Not everyone experiences all symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. You may not experience symptoms in the same order as others. Some people may have mild symptoms; others may have intense symptoms. How quickly symptoms worsen also varies from individual to individual and is difficult to impossible to predict at the outset.

    In general, the disease progresses from early stage to mid-stage to mid-late-stage to advanced stage. This is what typically occurs during each of these stages:

    Early stage

    Early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are usually mild and typically occur slowly and do not interfere with daily activities. Sometimes early symptoms are not easy to detect or you may think early symptoms are simply normal signs of aging. You may have fatigue or a general sense of uneasiness. You may feel a slight tremor or have difficulty standing.

    Mid stage

    Sleeping Issues Plague Many With Parkinsons Disease

     

    Trouble getting to sleep or remaining asleep can also be early signs of Parkinson’s. Often patients report waking because their limbs are twitching, thrashing, or sharking. 

     

    Additionally, there may be an increase in nightmares. This can cause insomnia at night. And may lead to extreme tiredness during the day and even narcolepsy and sleep apnea. 

    Learn The Early Warning Signs Of Parkinsons Disease

    Identify the early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease in order to seek prompt treatment options.

    Despite the fact that nearly one million people are living with Parkinson’s disease in the United States alone, the condition was perhaps first brought to the spotlight by the diagnosis of Michael J. Fox. Since then, his foundation has funded advancements in awareness and research, which were previously unheard of, giving us hope for a future cure.

    In the meantime, it’s important to know the early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease in order to receive a timely diagnosis and the earliest possible treatment and intervention. Absolute Companion Care, a top provider of home care in White Hall, Maryland and the surrounding areas, has the important information you need.

    What Is Parkinson’s?

    Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that affects an individual’s coordination, balance, and movement through tremors and progressive muscle stiffness and rigidity. While the precise cause is unknown, researchers believe that contributing factors are both environmental and genetic. It also usually impacts adults ages 60 and older, but early onset Parkinson’s can occur before age 50. Additionally, we know that men are diagnosed twice as often as women.

    In addition to trembling and stiffness, Parkinson’s may also cause changes in emotion , issues with speaking and eating, sleeping pattern changes, skin problems, and others.

    The Early Warning Signs of Parkinson’s Disease

    Understanding The Early Warning Signs Of Parkinsons

    Knowing the early warning signs of Parkinson’s can lead to an earlier diagnosis.

    Even though almost a million people are living with Parkinson’s disease within the United States alone, the condition was perhaps first brought to the spotlight by the diagnosis of Michael J. Fox. His foundation has funded breakthroughs in research and awareness, which were previously unmatched, providing us with hope for a future cure.

    In the meantime, it’s important to understand the early warning signs of Parkinson’s, as well as an overview of the disease, in order to receive a prompt diagnosis and the earliest possible treatment and intervention. Abby Senior Care, the award-winning provider of Denver senior care, has the information you need.

    What Is Parkinson’s?

    Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that affects a person’s coordination, balance, and movement through tremors and progressive muscle rigidity and stiffness. Although the precise cause is not yet known, scientists think that contributing factors are both environmental and genetic. In addition, it usually affects adults ages 60 and older, although early onset Parkinson’s can occur before age 50. Researchers also know that men are diagnosed at a higher rate than women.

    In addition to trembling and stiffness, Parkinson’s also can cause changes in emotion , problems with speaking and eating, sleeping pattern changes, skin problems, and more.

    The Early Warning Signs of Parkinson’s

    Braaks Hypothesis On How Parkinsons Disease Begins

    Braak’s hypothesis, named for professor Heiko Braak, MD, who outlined the theory in 2003, suggests that rather than beginning in the brain, Parkinson’s disease begins in the periphery of the body. Braak’s hypothesis proposes that the earliest signs of PD are found in the gut and the olfactory bulb, an area of the brain involved in the sense of smell.2-4

    The accumulation of the protein alpha-synuclein is believed to begin in the gastrointestinal tract or the olfactory bulb before progressing to other areas of the brain. After the aggregates of alpha-synuclein have formed, they appear to be capable of growing and spreading from nerve cell to nerve cell across the brain.2-4

    The appearance of alpha-synuclein aggregates coincides with the appearance of symptoms: alpha-synuclein aggregates in the brainstem correlates with the onset of motor symptoms. Appearance of alpha-synuclein aggregates in the cortex correlates with dementia and cognitive dysfunction.2-4

    Is There A Way To Slow The Progress Of Parkinson’s

    Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder, which means its symptoms worsen slowly over time. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease yet and no known way to slow its progress.

    But there are treatments and medications that can control or reduce the symptoms and help people live productive lives. Some research suggests that regular exercise may slow the progress of Parkinson’s. Physical activity can also alleviate stiffness and other symptoms.

    Early symptoms of Parkinson’s

    Spot The Early Warning Signs Of Parkinsons Disease

    Did you know that Parkinson’s disease is the second most common degenerative neurological disorder? In fact, approximately 1 percent of all adults over 60 are affected by it — men more so than women. While there is no current cure or an overall consensus on how or why Parkinson’s happens, there are still some things you can do for your loved one, including learning about the disease and the early signs of Parkinson’s.

    Alternative Therapies To Treat Parkinsons Disease

    Although no herbs or supplements have been approved by the FDA to treat Parkinson’s, there are a variety of alternative therapies currently being researched.

    • Calcium supplements are often prescribed because dairy makes it harder for the body to absorb levodopa.
    • Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant thought to improve mitochondria health. Some researchers believe abnormal function of the mitochondria may play a role in Parkinson’s.
    • Creatine may help increase levels of phosphocreatine, a substance that provides energy to the brain.
    • Folate, aka vitamin B9, is vital to both brain health and the nervous system.
    • Ginger is often recommended to reduce nausea caused by medications.
    • The Mediterranean Diet may help manage symptoms and reduce blood pressure.
    • Vitamin D supplements may be needed to help your body absorb calcium, particularly if you don’t get enough sunshine.
    • Vitamin E may help fight damage to brain cells caused by free radicals, although studies concluded it does nothing to manage symptoms after diagnosis.

    Finally, anecdotal evidence suggests that medical marijuana, now legal in 33 states plus Washington, D.C., may help patients with Parkinson’s disease. The Parkinson’s Foundation has a full page on the research being conducted to determine whether medical marijuana is a viable treatment option for PD patients.

    Depression May Be An Early Symptom Of Parkinsons

    Depression is one of the most common, and most disabling, non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. As many as 50 per cent of people with Parkinson’s experience the symptoms of clinical depression at some stage of the disease. Some people experience depression up to a decade or more before experiencing any motor symptoms of Parkinson’s.

    Clinical depression and anxiety are underdiagnosed symptoms of Parkinson’s. Researchers believe that depression and anxiety in Parkinson’s disease may be due to chemical and physical changes in the area of the brain that affect mood as well as movement. These changes are caused by the disease itself.

    Here are some suggestions to help identify depression in Parkinson’s:

    • Mention changes in mood to your physician if they do not ask you about these conditions.
    • Complete our Geriatric Depression Scale-15 to record your feelings so you can discuss symptoms with your doctor. Download the answer key and compare your responses.
    • delusions and impulse control disorders

    Early Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Can Be Overlooked

    Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are divided into 2 groups: motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms.

    Early non-motor symptoms can be subtle and it’s possible to overlook them as signs of Parkinson’s: for example, anxiety and depression, fatigue, loss of smell, speech problems, difficulty sleeping, erectile dysfunction, incontinence and constipation. Another sign of Parkinson’s is handwriting that becomes smaller.


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