10 Common Early Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological condition affecting around one million individuals nationwide. Studies suggest a hybrid of environmental and genetic factors is responsible for the condition. Though there is no cure, a combination of therapies can help improve the quality of life for patients with the condition. Understanding the early warning signs and symptoms of the disease can be helpful for an early diagnosis and better management of the condition.
Tremor
Rhythmic shaking or tremor typically starts in the limb, usually your fingers or hands. You may rub your forefinger and thumb back and forth. It is called the pill-rolling tremor. In people with Parkinson’s disease, the hands tremble while at rest. The shaking usually reduces while performing tasks. However, not everyone experiencing shaking may have Parkinson’s. In some cases, shaking might be routine, especially during stress, after workouts, or after injury. At times, shaking may also be an outcome of ongoing prescription treatments.
Small handwriting
A sudden change in your handwriting size might also be an early warning sign of Parkison’s disease symptoms. People with Parkinson’s cannot monitor their movements because of neurological changes. It can make motor skills, such as writing, more challenging.
The condition is known as Micrographia. Patients with Parkinson’s disease usually have handwriting that appears cramped. Individual letters look smaller than usual, and words are spaced closely. Somebody with the condition may start writing a letter in regular handwriting but gradually switch to a smaller font.
Difficulty walking
Subtle changes in an individual’s gait are also early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease. People with Parkinson’s disease might walk at a slow pace or drag their feet while walking. This condition is widely known as shuffling gait. People usually walk at an irregular pace. It shifts from walking slower to faster or changing their stride length.
