Saturday, March 23, 2024
Saturday, March 23, 2024
HomeCureWhat Are The Very First Signs Of Parkinson's Disease

What Are The Very First Signs Of Parkinson’s Disease

How Is Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosed

Recognizing Early Signs of Parkinsons Disease

A person doesn’t need to have all the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease to be diagnosed with it.

“In general, people have a combination of the motor symptoms and the non-motor symptoms,” says Dr. Nwabuobi. “Some people have more non-motor symptoms than motor and vice versa, but in order to have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s, you definitely need the motor symptoms. We’re looking for specific things , including a rest tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and poor balance.”

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, a person needs to have two of the four main motor symptoms of Parkinson’s over a period of time to be diagnosed with the disease.

Stiffness In Walking Or Movements

People often experience stiffness that is not due to exercise or lack of exercise. Some people have mentioned that they feel like their feet are stuck to the floor.;

The person may start taking smaller steps or dragging or shuffling their feet. They also may have difficulty gauging the size of steps to take. And things like the length of their stride can cause people to trip and fall.;

Stooping Or Hunched Posture

People who have Parkinsons disease may notice changes in their posture due to other symptoms of the disease, such as muscle rigidity.

People naturally stand so that their weight is evenly distributed over their feet. However, people who have Parkinsons disease may start bending forward, making them appear hunched or stooped over.

Recommended Reading: How Long Can You Live With Parkinson’s Dementia

How Is Parkinsons Disease Treated

There is no cure for Parkinsons disease. However, medications and other treatments can help relieve some of your symptoms. Exercise can help your Parkinsons symptoms significantly. In addition, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language therapy can help with walking and balance problems, eating and swallowing challenges and speech problems. Surgery is an option for some patients.

Causes Of Parkinson’s Disease

Part 1 early warning signs of parkinsons disease ...

Parkinson’s disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain called the substantia nigra. This;leads to a reduction;in a chemical called dopamine in the brain.

Dopamine plays a vital role in regulating the movement of the body. A reduction in dopamine is responsible for many of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Exactly what causes the loss of nerve cells is unclear. Most experts think that a combination of genetic and environmental factors is responsible.

Read Also: Lifespan Of Someone With Parkinson’s

Complementary And Alternative Therapies

Some people with Parkinson’s disease find;complementary therapies help them feel better. Many complementary treatments and therapies claim to ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

However, there’s no clinical evidence they’re effective in controlling the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Most people think complementary treatments have no harmful effects. However, some can be harmful and they shouldn’t be used instead of the medicines prescribed by your doctor.

Some types of herbal remedies, such as St John’s wort, can interact unpredictably if taken with some types of medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

If you’re considering using an alternative treatment along with your prescribed medicines, check with your care team first.

Loss Of Sense Of Smell Is Also Common

This may happen due to a temporary illness. But if it continues after an illness or happens without any illness attached to it Pay attention. Loss of smell could be an early sign and should be checked out.;

This is quite common and while they may not notice, others around them will. They may be unable to detect body odor, smell smoke, or if something is burning or smell the difference between two items.;

Don’t Miss: Is Parkinson’s Disease A Motor Neuron Disease

What Can You Do If You Have Pd

  • Work with your doctor to create a plan to stay healthy.;This might include the following:
  • A referral to a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in the brain
  • Care from an occupational therapist, physical therapist or speech therapist
  • Meeting with a medical social worker to talk about how Parkinson’s will affect your life
  • Start a regular exercise program to delay further symptoms.
  • Talk with family and friends who can provide you with the support you need.
  • For more information, visit our;Treatment page.

    Page reviewed by Dr. Chauncey Spears, Movement Disorders Fellow at the University of Florida, a Parkinsons Foundation Center of Excellence.

    Your Home And Lifestyle

    What are the early signs of Parkinson’s disease?
    • Modify your activities and your home. For example, simplify your daily activities, and change the location of furniture so that you can hold on to something as you move around the house.
    • Eat healthy foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, legumes, poultry, fish, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products.
    • Exercise and do physical therapy. They have benefits in both early and advanced stages of the disease.

    Recommended Reading: Is Restless Leg Syndrome Related To Parkinson’s Disease

    Is Parkinsons Disease Inherited

    Scientists have discovered gene mutations that are associated with Parkinsons disease.

    There is some belief that some cases of early-onset Parkinsons disease disease starting before age 50 may be inherited. Scientists identified a gene mutation in people with Parkinsons disease whose brains contain Lewy bodies, which are clumps of the protein alpha-synuclein. Scientists are trying to understand the function of this protein and its relationship to genetic mutations that are sometimes seen in Parkinsons disease and in people with a type of dementia called Lewy body dementia.

    Several other gene mutations have been found to play a role in Parkinsons disease. Mutations in these genes cause abnormal cell functioning, which affects the nerve cells ability to release dopamine and causes nerve cell death. Researchers are still trying to discover what causes these genes to mutate in order to understand how gene mutations influence the development of Parkinsons disease.

    Scientists think that about 10% to 15% of persons with Parkinsons disease may have a genetic mutation that predisposes them to development of the disease. There are also environmental factors involved that are not fully understood.

    Early Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease

    Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease of the nervous system that affects movement. Approximately 1 million people in the U.S. are living with the disease. This year, about 60,000 more will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

    Many people associate Parkinson’s disease with tremors or shaking of their hands. While this is a common symptom, other important symptoms include stiffness of muscles and slowing of movement.

    Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease usually start on one side of the body. They usually remain worse on that side even after symptoms begin to affect both sides.

    The early signs and symptoms are different for each person. The symptoms may be mild enough to go unnoticed for months or years.

    Here are early symptoms that can raise concern for Parkinson’s disease:

    • Smaller handwriting
    • Family members may observe that one arm swings less on one side when walking.
    • Soft or low voice Again, it is family members or friends who may ask one to speak louder. The speech may be more of a monotone without the usual inflections.

    It is the combination of several symptoms that would raise suspicion for Parkinson’s disease. A single symptom is not enough to make a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

    It is important to talk with your health care provider if you have any of the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. This is to properly diagnose the condition and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

    Leonardo Fugoso, M.D., is a neurologist;in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

    Read Also: Is Gabapentin Used For Parkinson’s Disease

    Trouble Moving Or Walking

    Do you feel stiff in your body, arms or legs? Have others noticed that your arms dont swing like they used to when you walk? Sometimes stiffness goes away as you move. If it does not, it can be a sign of Parkinson’s disease. An early sign might be stiffness or pain in your shoulder or hips. People sometimes say their feet seem stuck to the floor.

    What is normal?If you have injured your arm or shoulder, you may not be able to use it as well until it is healed, or another illness like arthritis might cause the same symptom.

    How To Cope With The Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease

    What are the symptoms of parkinsons?

    The only predictable thing about this disease is that it is unpredictable. Richard, diagnosed at 36

    Tremors are the first sign noted in about half of all people with Parkinsons disease. But maybe, like 15 percent of people with the illness, you have never experienced this symptom. That is because Parkinsons disease affects everyone somewhat differently.

    As you will discover, your symptoms will continue to change, often from day to day, and throughout the course of your life. But even though there is no cure for Parkinsons, the sooner you can take steps to manage symptoms when they arise, the better chance you will have at maintaining a good quality of life.That is why the first step in coping with the changes that accompany a Parkinsons diagnosis is to simply increase awareness, to notice new symptoms as well as how your body responds to certain activities, stresses and therapies. A helpful way to do this is by logging your symptom patterns in a daily journal.; It is just a matter of jotting down small changes you notice in your physical and emotional health each day. That way you can discuss these issues promptly with your doctor and receive treatment.

    Recommended Reading: Does Hemp Oil Help With Parkinson’s

    What Are The Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease

    The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include tremors or trembling ; difficulty maintaining balance and coordination; trouble standing or walking; stiffness; and general slowness.

    Over time, a person with Parkinson’s may have trouble smiling, talking, or swallowing. Their faces may appear flat and without expression, but people with Parkinson’s continue to have feelings even though their faces don’t always show it. Sometimes people with the disease can have trouble with thinking and remembering too.

    Because of problems with balance, some people with Parkinson’s fall down a lot, which can result in broken bones. Some people with Parkinson’s may also feel sad or depressed and lose interest in the things they used to do.

    The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease appear gradually and get worse over time. But because Parkinson’s disease usually develops slowly, most people who have it can live a long and relatively healthy life.

    Prescription Medications To Treat Parkinsons

    Most movement symptoms are due to a lack of dopamine. Therefore, drugs prescribed to treat PD are dopaminergic; they either replenish dopamine or mimic its effects on the brain. The most common is called levodopa. The body converts this medication into dopamine to help control movement symptoms.

    Make sure your doctor knows all medications you take including over-the-counter and supplements. This helps reduce the risk of drug interactions, a common issue for Parkinsons patients.

    Also Check: How To Deal With Parkinson’s Delusions

    Masked Face Is Not Uncommon For Someone With Parkinsons Disease

    Often a persons 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.

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

    Early Symptoms of my Parkinson’s Disease

    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.

    Read Also: How Can I Help My Dad With Parkinson’s

    After Struggling For Four Years I Was Finally Given A Diagnosis At The Age Of 44

    In July 2017, I found myself in yet another doctors office to see a third neurologist, this time for migraines. But the doctor didnt ask me about my headaches. Instead, he asked me to stand up and do a few exercises. Then, he sat down across from me, took a deep breath, and told me he suspected I had young onset Parkinsons disease .

    I had been fighting for so long to figure out what was wrong with me that I had a small sense of satisfaction in receiving a diagnosis. But that satisfaction was fleeting and overwhelmed by an impending sense of fear. I knew there was no cure and I knew first-hand what the disease could look likemy father-in-law had Parkinsons disease. While I explained to my children that the disease affected everyone differently, they were worried I would end up like their Poppy, and I was too. I feared that this disease would take away my two greatest passions: my ability to take care of my kids and make art.

    Most people with Parkinsons develop symptoms when theyre 50 or older, but 2 to 10 percent of uslike mebegin to experience signs of the disease earlier. Because young onset Parkinsons disease is so rare, its much harder to diagnose and many of us go untreated or misdiagnosed with something else.

    How Is Parkinsons Disease Diagnosed

    Diagnosing Parkinsons disease is sometimes difficult, since early symptoms can mimic other disorders and there are no specific blood or other laboratory tests to diagnose the disease. Imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans, may be used to rule out other disorders that cause similar symptoms.

    To diagnose Parkinsons disease, you will be asked about your medical history and family history of neurologic disorders as well as your current symptoms, medications and possible exposure to toxins. Your doctor will look for signs of tremor and muscle rigidity, watch you walk, check your posture and coordination and look for slowness of movement.

    If you think you may have Parkinsons disease, you should probably see a neurologist, preferably a movement disorders-trained neurologist. The treatment decisions made early in the illness can affect the long-term success of the treatment.

    Recommended Reading: Can Concussions Cause Parkinson’s Disease

    Tips For Caring For Someone With Parkinsons Disease

    Caring for a loved one with early onset Parkinsons can be difficult. If youre a caregiver for someone with this condition, its important that you remember your own emotional and physical health.

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

    The Michael J. Fox Foundation Center for Parkinsons Research recommends these tips for caregivers:

    Diagnosing Early Onset Parkinsons Disease

    Parkinsonâs Disease: Signs, Risks and Treatme

    There is no single test to detect Parkinsons. A diagnosis may be difficult and take a while. The condition is usually diagnosed by a neurologist based on a review of your symptoms and a physical exam.

    A DaTscan to visualize your brains dopamine system may help confirm diagnosis. Blood tests and other imaging tests, such as an MRI scan, dont diagnose Parkinsons. However, they may be used to rule out other conditions.

    Read Also: Is There A Connection Between Parkinson’s And Alzheimer’s

    Medications For People With Parkinsons Disease

    Symptoms of Parkinsons disease result from the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and other organs such as the gut, which produce a neurotransmitter called dopamine. This causes a deficiency in the availability of dopamine, which is necessary for smooth and controlled movements.;Medication therapy focuses on maximising the availability of dopamine in the brain. Medication regimes are individually tailored to your specific need. Parkinsons medications fit into one of the following broad categories:;

    • levodopa dopamine replacement therapy
    • dopamine agonists mimic the action of dopamine
    • COMT inhibitors used along with levodopa. This medication blocks an enzyme known as COMT to prevent levodopa breaking down in the intestine, allowing more of it to reach the brain
    • anticholinergics block the effect of another brain chemical to rebalance its levels with dopamine
    • amantadine has anticholinergic properties and improves dopamine transmission
    • MAO type B inhibitors prevent the metabolism of dopamine within the brain.

    If You Have Parkinson’s Disease

    If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, call your doctor if:

    • You notice any significant change in your symptoms, such as severe episodes of freezingâa sudden loss of mobilityâwhich may affect walking.
    • Your response to your medicine changes.
    • Any other symptoms occur, such as constipation, sexual problems, or incontinence.
    • You have symptoms of depression, such as feeling sad or losing interest in daily activities.
    • You or your family notice that you have problems with memory and thinking ability.

    Read Also: Is Yoga Good For Parkinson’s Disease

    Who Is At Risk Of Developing Parkinson’s Disease

    While the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, certain factors can spike your risk of developing the brain disorder.

    • Genes: Researchers have found that specific genetic mutations can cause Parkinson’s disease. However, these are uncommon except in rare cases with many family members who had/have Parkinson’s disease.
    • Age: Like most health issues, age can play a major role in the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Young adults are at low risk, while middle-aged and older people are at higher risk of the disease. People usually develop the disease around the age of 60 or older.;
    • Gender: Researchers have found that men are more likely to suffer from a brain disorder, as compared to women.;
    • Environment: Exposure to pesticides, herbicides and other;chemical toxins in the environment can spike your risk of the disorder.

    How Will Parkinson’s Disease Affect Your Life

    10 Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease

    Finding out that you have a long-term, progressive disease can lead to a wide range of feelings. You may feel angry, afraid, sad, or worried about what lies ahead. It may help to keep a few things in mind:

    • Usually this disease progresses slowly. Some people live for many years with only minor symptoms.
    • Many people are able to keep working for years. As the disease gets worse, you may need to change how you work.
    • It is important to take an active role in your health care. Find a doctor you trust and can work with.
    • Depression is common in people who have Parkinson’s. If you feel very sad or hopeless, talk to your doctor or see a counselor.
    • It can make a big difference to know that you’re not alone. Ask your doctor about Parkinson’s support groups, or look for online groups or message boards.
    • Parkinson’s affects more than just the person who has it. It also affects your loved ones. Be sure to include them in your decisions.

    Don’t Miss: Can Young People Get Parkinson’s

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Popular Articles