Caribbean Life, N 36 ovember 15-21, 2019
Wellness
Tremors in the hands, loss of balance, handwriting changes, and slowed movements may be
early indicators of Parkinson’s disease.
Recognizing early symptoms
of Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological
movement disorder. Classic
motor symptoms, such as
tremor, rigidity, and extreme slowness
of movements and refl exes, called bradykinesia,
are typically used to identify
Parkinson’s. However, identifi cation
of other, more subtle symptoms
may help identify the disease years
before more obvious motor conditions
present themselves.
Since Parkinson’s is a chronic and
progressive neurological disease,
symptoms are often mild at the onset,
becoming more severe over time. Initial
symptoms may be so subtle that
they’re even diffi cult for specialists to
detect, according to the The Michael
J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Symptoms also may be different
for some patients than others and
may progress at different paces.
Dopamine loss is a major contributor
to the onset of Parkinson’s disease.
Dopamine controls movement and
mood, so when dopamine is affected,
walking, talking, and writing can be
impacted. Depression or anxiety may
accompany other symptoms.
The National Institutes of Health
says Parkinson’s disease affects as
many as 500,000 people in the United
States. An early diagnosis may help
improve quality of life and delay the
onset of greater motor issues. Here’s
what to look for and discuss with a
doctor:
Micrographia and other handwriting
issues occur. Those with
Parkinson’s disease may start experiencing
changes in their handwriting.
Penmanship may look cramped, and
letters tend to be smaller than normal
(micrographia). Individuals may fi nd
it diffi cult to hold a pen and write.
Tremors take place in a limb.
Tremors usually begin in the hands
or fi ngers and may even mimic a pillrolling
technique, which is a tremor
between the thumb and forefi nger.
Tremors usually occur when the limb
is at rest.
Pace or activities slow down.
Parkinson’s disease may reduce one’s
ability to move and may slow down
movements. An early symptom may
be a noticeable slowing down in steps
or ability to react to something, like
a ball being thrown one’s way. Some
with Parkinson’s may drag their feet
or shuffl e as they walk or fi nd it diffi -
cult to get out of a chair.
Loss of automatic movements
and functions can occur. Diffi culty
with unconscious movements, such as
blinking, smiling, or even swinging
arms, may occur when a person has
Parkinson’s disease. Movements may
be uncoordinated and stiff. Increased
salivation and perspiration also may
be indicators.
Poor balance and loss of posture
may develop. People with Parkinson’s
disease may hunch over more and more
and be unable to stand up straight. Balance
issues, such as greater incidences
of falls or being able to tip over more
easily, may occur.
Speech can change. Changes in
speech can begin, including hesitating
before speaking, slurring words, or
speaking in a monotone voice.
Others may notice a masked
face. This describes a vacant or fi xed
stare and lack of facial animation.
Sleep issues may increase. Parkinson’s
disease can affect sleeping
patterns and behaviors. People with
Parkinson’s may experience vivid
dreams and nightmares, as well as
an inability to stay asleep. Daytime
drowsiness may also occur.
Parkinson’s disease is rare, and
symptoms that mimic those of Parkinson’s
may be caused by other conditions.
However, if you or someone you
know is experiencing repeated symptoms
of any of the ones described here,
speak with your general practitioner
or a neurologist.