It’s thought that around 1 in 500 people are affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Most people with Parkinson’s begin to develop symptoms when they’re over 50, although around 1 in 20 people with the condition first experience symptoms when they’re under 40.
In fact, Michael J Fox, one of the most notable figures with Parkinson’s, was diagnosed at the age of 29.
Although it’s not known what causes Parkinson’s disease, numerous medical studies have found that this condition results from problems with the brain’s neurological structure. Detecting and diagnosing the disease earlier can help improve patient outcomes – but to do so, we must know the early signs of the disease.
Involuntary Shaking or Muscle Spasms
A definitive symptom of Parkinson’s, tremors are a slight shaking in the finger, thumb, hand, or chin while at rest. These usually start in the form known as ‘pill-rolling’ – when a person continuously rubs their thumb and forefinger back and forth as if rolling a pill.
Stooped Posture
Another common sign of Parkinson’s is a stooped, leaning, or slouching posture. Unlike those who choose to slump instead of sitting upright, perhaps because of pain, adults with this disease are simply unable to control the muscles in their spine.
Muscles that are stiff and slow to respond
Indicators such as walking slower than usual to having trouble with basic hand moves (such as typing or gripping) may highlight a problem. An early sign might be stiffness or pain in your shoulder or hips, with some people saying their feet seem ‘stuck to the floor.’
Low speaking voice
Family members of those with Parkinson’s often notice a change in the voice of their loved one. One of the warning signs can be a person’s voice becoming permanently softer or hoarser than before.
Small handwriting
Handwriting patterns can also be a warning sign in those with the disorder. Those with Parkinson’s start out writing in their normal handwriting, but as they continue to write on a single page their writing often becomes smaller with letters crowded together and more difficult to read.
Loss of smell
Some individuals with Parkinson’s begin to lose their sense of smell. Foods with a familiar odour (such as bananas, onions or liquorices) don’t register with a sufferer’s olfactory senses.
Dizzy spells or frequent fainting
Dizziness, light-headedness, and fainting are often linked to low blood pressure but are also a warning sign of Parkinson’s disease. If it is happening regularly, you should see your doctor.
Experiencing one or two of these symptoms may not be cause for alarm, however, when combined, it’s best to visit your doctor who will work with you to determine if you have Parkinson’s disease or if your symptoms are an isolated sign of another condition.