Last Updated:December 12, 2024, 14:27 IST

The early signs of Parkinson’s disease are very often disregarded or mistaken for age, stress, or other disorders

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and can impact the quality of life if left untreated. While the condition typically develops gradually, early intervention can help manage symptoms and improve long-term outcomes. One of the challenges with Parkinson’s is that the early signs can often be subtle and easy to overlook. Shaky hands, slow movements, or difficulty with everyday tasks might seem like typical aging signs or temporary issues, but they can also be early warning signals of Parkinson’s disease.

Dr Kadam Nagpal, Head and Consultant, Neuroimmunology & Movement Disorders and Neurology, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi shares a few early signs and symptoms that may signify Parkinson’s disease:

1. TremorsIt is one of the most recognizable early symptoms of the disease. It begins as a slight shaking of hands, fingers, or the chin. It’s important to distinguish between tremors associated with Parkinson’s and those caused by other conditions, such as anxiety or essential tremor. Parkinson’s tremors often begin on one side of the body and progress as the disease advances.
2. Loss of SmellOne of the early signs of the disease is losing the ability to smell foods or scents. This symptom can appear years before an individual notice’s movement-related symptoms. The inability to smell can be dismissed as a minor issue, but it might indicate early Parkinson’s disease.
3. Stiffness or RigidityIf there is any stiffness or tension in the muscles, it might be an early sign of the disease. It might be difficult for an individual to move or stretch. While this rigidity may be mistaken for normal aging or arthritis, it may signify an underlying problem if it doesn’t go away. It might be difficult for an individual to move around and they might also deal with challenges in making facial expressions. This might also lead to painful muscle cramps, which is also known as dystonia.
4. Slowness of Movement (Bradykinesia)An individual may find it difficult or labor-intensive to do everyday tasks, like buttoning a shirt or walking, and may take time to do them. However, it is important to remember that this slowness might not be a weakness, but a decrease in motor coordination and an early sign of Parkinson disease.
5. Trouble SleepingSome early signs of the disease may include sleep problems like restlessness while sleeping, and difficulty in staying asleep. Some people may also experience nightmares, emotional dreams, and acting out their dreams, which is known as the REM sleep behavior disorder. These disorders often arise before motor symptoms.
6. ConstipationConstipation and other digestive issues might arise as movement becomes slow in the digestive tract. An individual may also suffer from bladder and bowel problems. These issues arise mostly before other signs show themselves as it is connected to changes in the autonomic nervous system.

In addition to medication and physical therapy, surgery may be considered for individuals with Parkinson’s disease whose symptoms are not adequately controlled with medications. One common surgical procedure is deep brain stimulation (DBS). DBS involves implanting a small device, similar to a pacemaker, into the brain. This device sends electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain involved in movement control, helping to reduce symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). DBS is particularly effective for patients with moderate to advanced Parkinson’s disease who have not responded well to medication or experience intolerable side effects.

The early signs of Parkinson’s disease are very often disregarded or mistaken for age, stress, or other disorders. However, it is important to recognize the symptoms in time so that a better course of treatment is available. It is also advisable to see a neurologist if there are several of these symptoms.