Identify these initial symptoms to prevent Parkinson's disease onset
Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, is often associated with pronounced tremors and rigidity. However, there are several lesser-known early signs that can help in early detection, improving the quality of life and severity of symptoms. Here are ten such signs to watch out for:
- Reduced facial expression: A stiff, expressionless face, even when happy or trying to smile, known as facial masking, can be an early sign of Parkinson's disease.
- Impaired odor detection: Loss of sense of smell can be the first indication of dopamine loss in Parkinson's disease, unrelated to allergies or infections.
- Soft voice: If a person is always being asked to speak up, even when they think they're speaking normally, it could be due to hypophonia, another early Parkinson's symptom.
- Dental health: Poor gums and teeth have been linked to Parkinson's disease, among other health issues.
- Excessive sweating: Sweating excessively can be an early sign of Parkinson's disease, and in women, it can be mistaken for menopause hot flashes.
- Orthostatic hypotension: A drop in blood pressure when sitting or standing can cause lightheadedness or dizziness and is a non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease.
- Neck pain or discomfort: Persistent neck pain or discomfort, sometimes accompanied by tingling or numbness, can be a warning sign of Parkinson's disease.
- Micrographia: Gradually smaller and cramped handwriting due to impaired movement control is known as micrographia and can be a sign of Parkinson's disease.
- Sleep disturbances: Acting out dreams or trouble staying asleep can be early signs of Parkinson's disease.
- Constipation: Parkinson's disease can cause constipation that brings with it a feeling of fullness, even after eating very little, and tends to last longer.
Since many of these signs can be mistaken for normal aging or other conditions, noticing multiple symptoms together or their progression warrants medical evaluation for earlier diagnosis and management.
Parkinson's disease also affects the autonomic nervous system, causing changes to the skin and sweat glands. The slowing down and loss of spontaneous, routine movement in a person with Parkinson's is known as bradykinesia.
Recent research indicates that people who include healthy fats in their diet may have less risk of Parkinson's disease than those who don't. Additionally, certain nutrients, vitamins, and other natural substances have been shown to have a positive effect on Parkinson's disease symptoms.
Researchers have discovered a strong association between statin use and the risk of Parkinson's disease, particularly in the first 2.5 years of taking the drugs.
Seeing a neurologist or a movement disorders specialist can improve outcomes and speed improvement in symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Early detection and management can make a significant difference in the quality of life for those affected by this disease.
- Developing a keen interest in heart health and workplace-wellness can aid in recognizing early signs of Parkinson's disease, such as reduced facial expression and micrographia.
- Understanding science and medical-conditions is essential to grasp the impact of loss of sense of smell and impaired odor detection in Parkinson's disease.
- Regular check-ups with a dentist could help identify poor dental health, a potential indicator of Parkinson's disease, alongside other health issues.
- Improved fitness-and-exercise and lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease, as research suggests a lower risk for those who consume healthy fats.
- In addition to physical health, mental-health and sleep patterns are crucial in recognizing early signs of Parkinson's disease, such as sleep disturbances and acting out dreams.
- Skin-care and skin-conditions should not be overlooked, as Parkinson's disease can affect the skin and sweat glands, leading to changes such as bradykinesia.
- Therapies-and-treatments, including nutrition and certain vitamins, have shown positive effects on Parkinson's disease symptoms, like hypophonia and constipation.
- Neurological-disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, require specialized attention from neurologists or movement disorders specialists for the best outcomes and early symptom management.
