Parkinson’s disease creeps in quietly: signs to be aware of.

The outlook for this progressive neurological disorder, which destroys cells in the part of the brain that controls movement, is grim: by 2050, the number of people diagnosed with this condition worldwide could double, reaching 25 million, according to the Daily Mail.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease, but early diagnosis allows for the development of personalized treatment plans that can slow its progression. Victoria Baggiley, a senior consultant with Parkinson’s UK, shared the early signs of that people should be aware of.

1. Loss of smell often appears long before other symptoms: a person may stop being able to smell their favorite foods or flowers. “For example, some people may not be able to smell their favorite dishes, and this can start years before other symptoms appear,” says Ms. Baggiley.
2. A common yet subtle symptom is : insomnia, nighttime awakenings, or sleep apnea. Constipation or frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom can also be important signals.
3. Another lesser-known sign that may indicate the disease is a decrease in handwriting size. Ms. Baggiley explains: “Due to changes in the brain, people with Parkinson’s disease may notice that their movements lose strength and amplitude, causing their handwriting to become smaller.”
4. Bladder or bowel issues are the fourth sign of the disease that should not be ignored: frequent urination at night or constipation may indicate the onset of the disease.
5. Parkinson’s also affects mental health. About half of patients experience – feelings of sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest. “A prolonged sense of deep sadness or emotional emptiness is a common companion of Parkinson’s disease,” says Ms. Baggiley.
6. Another early sign is persistent anxiety and worry, which may manifest as a racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness. This state can be characterized by feelings of fear, concentration problems, sweating, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness, the expert explains.
7. Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest is the seventh early warning sign experienced by half of Parkinson’s patients.
8. While tremors are a well-known early symptom of the disease, uncontrolled movements can also occur in other parts of the body.
9. Bradykinesia, or slowed movements, manifests in everyday tasks: longer checkout times at the store, slower walking. If a person is taking more time to complete daily tasks, it’s a reason to consult a doctor and get checked out.
10. The expert adds another symptom – muscle stiffness and inflexibility, making it difficult to button a shirt, tie shoelaces, or even get out of bed easily.

Experts emphasize that having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have the disease. However, ignoring these signals can be dangerous. Timely consultation with a doctor provides a chance to start treatment earlier and maintain quality of life for many years.