Early Warning Signs of Parkinson's Disease to Watch Out For
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that can present with both movement and nonmovement symptoms. Recognizing the early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease is important for getting a diagnosis and starting treatments that slow neurodegeneration. With your vigilance and care, your loved one can enjoy their independence and quality of life for as long as possible.
Understanding Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is caused by nerve cell degeneration in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra, a critical production center for the neurochemical dopamine. Dopamine is essential for controlling and coordinating movement by functioning as a chemical messenger within the nervous system. The decreased dopamine production that arises from nerve cell impairment causes the brain to lose control over movement and certain bodily functions. This leads to the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including tremors, muscle stiffness, impaired balance, and decreased mobility.
Because Parkinson's is a progressive disease, a patient's symptoms become more severe over time. They're typically mild to begin, often mistaken for normal signs of aging and arising years before a formal diagnosis is made. In the later stages of disease progression, the patient requires around-the-clock care, as they may lose the ability to stand and walk on their own.
Early Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
Below are 10 of the characteristic early symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Having any one symptom isn't always a cause for concern, but your loved one may want to schedule an appointment with their physician if they exhibit multiple symptoms that worsen over time.
Sleep Changes
People who are beginning to present symptoms of Parkinson's disease often experience difficulty sleeping. This is due to sudden involuntary movements, such as the kicking or jerking of a limb, that disrupt their slumber.
Speech and Voice Changes
According to the Parkinson's Foundation, 89% of individuals with Parkinson's disease experience speech and voice changes. You might notice your loved one speaking softly, monotonously, hoarsely, or breathily, or they could sound less certain in how they articulate words. These changes are related to poor muscle activation, which stems from the motor impairment associated with Parkinson's.
Mood Changes
Late-onset depression and anxiety, especially with no history of these symptoms earlier in life, present as early signs in some Parkinson's patients. Your loved one might not be fully aware of such mood changes or have difficulty explaining their feelings, so it could be up to family members and friends to take notice.
Facial Masking
The stiffness and slowness caused by Parkinson's disease can also present in the facial muscles. As a result, your loved one might exhibit a symptom known as facial masking, which is a decreased ability to make facial expressions. This can cause them to appear upset or sorrowful even when they're feeling perfectly content.
Diminished Sense of Smell
People who experience anosmia (a total or partial loss of sense of smell) are significantly more likely to develop Parkinson's disease within five to 10 years. This is due to a protein called alpha-synuclein, which clumps in both the substantia nigra and the olfactory bulb in those with Parkinson's.
Bladder or Bowel Troubles
An individual beginning to exhibit Parkinson's symptoms may experience constipation or need to empty their bladder more frequently. These symptoms may be more concerning if your loved one has little to no history of bladder or bowel problems.
Shrunken Handwriting
Micrographia (a disorder marked by abnormally small and cramped handwriting) is a characteristic indication of Parkinson's disease. This, too, stems from the motor impairments caused by nerve cell degeneration.
Reduced Mobility
Motor impairments can also present as slowed movement or limb stiffness. Your loved one, experiencing troubles with coordination, might begin to walk at a shuffling pace or move more rigidly than normal. As a result, daily activities can take longer to complete, and some tasks might present fall hazards to your loved one.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a tiredness that doesn't resolve with rest. In people with Parkinson's, fatigue may be periodic at first. Your loved one might feel normal or even energetic one day, only to be too exhausted to perform daily activities the next. They may also experience mental fatigue, where they have difficulty concentrating for prolonged periods.
Tremors
Limb tremors are the most telltale sign of Parkinson's disease. Tremors often begin in one hand and then propagate to the arm and foot on the same side of the body. Though tremors can't be cured, early diagnosis of Parkinson's can help your loved one manage them through prescription medication.
In-Home Parkinson's Care by Visiting Angels
At Visiting Angels, we have years of experience providing essential support for seniors who age in place, including those living with progressive disorders such as Parkinson's disease. The services we provide include:
- Transfer and mobility support.
- Transportation assistance.
- Medication reminders.
- Grooming, dressing, and personal hygiene.
- Meal planning and preparation.
- Feeding.
- Toileting.
- Light housekeeping.
- Joyful companionship.
The care plan we develop for your loved one is based on the findings of a free consultation, where we acquaint ourselves with their care requirements, preferences, and living situation. Every plan is fully customizable, so you and your loved one can adjust services and visitation hours as needed.
Know the Signs of Parkinson's Disease
Knowing the early signs of Parkinson's helps you to recognize your loved one's symptoms and seek support to help them manage their disease. Early diagnosis can prolong your loved one's ability to live independently and give them the time to prepare a care plan down the line.
Find Parkinson's Support for Your Loved One in Asheville, NC
If you're concerned that a loved one may be exhibiting symptoms of Parkinson's disease, please schedule an examination by a health care professional. For an in-home care solution for a Parkinson's patient, we welcome you to contact the care professionals at Visiting Angels. Call or text 828-665-3944 or message us online to get started with a free consultation. With our home care services, we help your loved one enjoy a comfortable and independent life at home for as long as possible.