Parkinson's Symptoms Everyone Should Know

Parkinson's disease is often misunderstood, as many people believe it is solely a movement disorder. In fact, you can be suffering from Parkinson’s without having tremors. Because Parkinson’s affects many of the body’s systems, its symptoms extend beyond movement and affect even your thinking, mood and sleep.  

Most Significant Risk Factors

Age and sex are the biggest risk factors for Parkinson's, according to the National Institute on Aging. Although the majority of those with Parkinson’s first develop the disease at about age 60, about 5 to 10 percent are struck by "early-onset" disease, which begins before the age of 50. This rarer type of Parkinson's is often inherited and may be linked to specific gene mutations. 

While both men and women can develop Parkinson’s, the disease affects about 50 percent more men than women.

Be Alert for Common Symptoms

Early symptoms of Parkinson's disease are subtle and occur gradually. They include tremors, slowness (in movement and thinking), stiffness and a shuffling gait. Acting out of dreams (REM behavior disorder) is a harbinger of Parkinson's disease and may precede it by many years. Anosmia, or lack of smell sensation, is another often overlooked symptom. Yet another is micrographia, as described by the Parkinson’s Foundation, which is the experience of one’s handwriting getting smaller, even scrunched, on the page. 

Other symptoms may include: 

·   Depression or other emotional changes

·   Difficulty swallowing, chewing and speaking

·   Constipation or urinary problems

·   Skin problems

·   Sleep disruption

Such symptoms and the rate of progression differ among individuals. Because some of these symptoms also can occur as part of normal aging, the symptoms are often overlooked. While there is no specific blood test or imaging to confirm the diagnosis 100 percent, a trained neurologist can pick out the subtle features on exams that suggest early Parkinson’s disease. Earlier intervention is better than late as it can make a major impact on your quality of life. If you or a family member notice signs of Parkinson’s, you should strongly consider making an appointment to talk to your doctor.

Other Risk Factors, Prevention and Tips

Exposure to industrial pesticides such as Agent Orange as well as repeated brain injury is associated with Parkinson’s disease. While there are no large studies showing these tips are helpful, living an active lifestyle, exercising and avoiding processed foods are good recommendations for everyone.

Many researchers now believe that Parkinson's disease results from a combination of genetic factors and environmental factors such as exposure to toxins. For the majority, however, the disease occurs randomly and does not seem to run in families, except for a few types that can be traced to specific genetic mutations. 

The good news is that today, Parkinson’s can be well-controlled and managed under the care of skilled neurologists. There are a lot of medications, as well as non-medical therapies such as deep brain stimulation that are available as treatments.

Work with your doctor to create a plan to stay healthy. This may include: 

·   Following up with a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in the brain.

·   Receiving care from an occupational therapist, physical therapist or speech therapist.

·   Meeting with a medical social worker to discuss how Parkinson's will affect your life.

·   Starting a regular exercise program to delay further symptoms.

·   Talking with family and friends who can help provide you with the support you need.