Parkinson’s disease is devasting when it is in its advanced stages. However, if it is caught early, then it can be treated. But how can it possibly be caught early?
How would you know if you have symptoms of it at all if you don’t feel your health has changed other than a few strange things going on. And let’s take the ‘strange things’ part and examine those a bit. That may be what points to Parkinson’s disease. Let’s look at 8 early signs that the disease is there which are too easy to miss.
#8 – Handwriting That Has Changed
This may seem insignificant but if your handwriting is different then that is a sign that you could have Parkinson’s disease. Especially if it is small and loopy and the words are crowding together. It may be a sign that your movement has been compromised in subtle ways.
#7 – Weak Sense Of Smell
If you are no longer able to smell a bread baking in the oven or you cannot smell the flowers, or you cannot smell that your dog hasn’t had a bath in a week- then that is also a subtle sign of the disease early on. The area in the brain that is responsible for smell is affected in patients that have Parkinson’s disease which is one of the first signs.
#6 – Insomnia
Insomnia can be a sign of many problems but that is also a sign of the beginnings of Parkinson’s disease coming on. That is because some areas in your brain that are responsible for sleep are affected by the disease which is why going for a sleep study is important to do.
#5 – Unable To-Do #2
Constipation is a serious issue and it can also be a sign that Parkinson’s disease is there, the early signs of it, that is. The disease affects the autonomic nervous system which is what rules digestion as well as the functioning of bowels. Therefore, constipation is a strong sign. And if it is accompanied by insomnia or having difficulty walking, then it needs to be addressed right away.
#4 – Depression
There are many reasons for depression, and this alone is not the sole cause. However, because parts of the brain are altered, it is not a surprise that Depression is a sign of Parkinson’s as well. The neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin will not be released properly as a result of this issue.
However, again, depression by itself is not a sign if there are no other signs in conjunction that point to Parkinson’s disease. No one is talking about developing depression after the diagnosis has been made as that would go for any type of illness such as what Robin Williams experienced. This is a subtle sign of it.
#3 – Tremors Even When Relaxed
Parkinson’s disease is known for tremors being displayed but it can start early on in some cases. And even when you are not doing anything and just resting but you are shaking, that is not a good sign at all. Tremors show up more when there is excitement or stress but when you are resting, that is a sure sign.
#2 – Being Stiff And Not Moving Fast
If you are finding that there is stiffness in your joints in addition to muscle weakness, then you need to watch out for other potential signs such as constipation and insomnia. This makes doing simple tasks such as zipping up your coat or cutting food seem like an insurmountable one. And when you walk you don’t feel that your arms are really swinging as they normally would. In fact, you may feel as if you are stuck to the floor which is what makes taking steps difficult.
#1 – No Movement Of The Face And Soft Voice
Parkinson’s disease can affect your voice and make it softer in addition to your facial expressions. The disease affects the nerves and muscles in your face which makes you appear as if your face is masked and expressionless.
If you have more than one of these signs that you had developed recently, then you need to go get it examined as there is a chance you could have Parkinson’s disease. Get yourself checked and stay safe.
