Top 10 Warning Signs of Parkinson’s Disease

Could You Have Parkinson's Disease?

Could You Have Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a disorder of the nervous system that is chronic and progressive, and impacts movement. Symptoms generally worsen over time. Parkinson’s involves the malfunction and death of vital nerve cells in the brain called neurons.

What Are the Top Risk Factors?

What Are the Top Risk Factors?

Nearly one million people in the US are living with Parkinson's disease. So what are the top risk factors? Heredity may play a part. Aging can also be a factor, and men are more likely than women to have PD. You’re probably fine If you notice only one of these symptoms – but you should schedule an appointment with your doctor if you have two or more. You may get a referral to a neurologist, a physician who specializes in the brain.

Is there a cure?

Is there a cure?

Although there is currently no cure for PD, treatment with medications and possibly surgery can help keep the disease at bay. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, and advice from an occupational therapist can also be beneficial. The sooner you are diagnosed, the better.

Tremor or Shaking

Tremor or Shaking

The best known symptom of PD is tremor or shaking. Often, the first indication is a small, involuntary twitching in one hand. Later your chin and lips may quiver, and your legs may shake when you sit down.

Small, Cramped Handwriting

Small, Cramped Handwriting

Is your penmanship suddenly looking much tinier and more crowded than it used to be? This can be due to the stiffness or bradykinesia that is characteristic of PD.

A Slow, Shuffling Gait

A Slow, Shuffling Gait

Chronic muscle stiffness – or bradykinesia – can make walking difficult. You may also find that your arms don’t swing naturally when you try to walk.

An Expressionless Face

An Expressionless Face

People with PD often develop a masklike stare or “frozen face” – this is due to the loss of the ability to make voluntary movements such as smiling or frowning. The medical term for the inability to move at will is akinesia.

Changes in the Sound of Your Voice

Changes in the Sound of Your Voice

Another result of akinesia can be changes in your speaking patterns. Your voice may be very soft so that others have trouble hearing what you’re saying, or you may be hoarse all the time and have difficulty enunciating your words clearly.

Sudden, Jerky Movements During Sleep

Sudden, Jerky Movements During Sleep

Tossing and turning or thrashing around almost every night may be a symptom of PD. You might even fall out of bed while you’re sleeping. Everybody has an occasional bout of insomnia, but not sleeping peacefully most of the time is an indicator that something is wrong.

Chronic Constipation

Chronic Constipation

PD can cause a slowing down of the digestive process, which in turn causes constipation. Occasional problems with elimination may simply be the result of not drinking enough fluids or eating enough fiber, but you may have PD if you’re never “regular” any longer.

Low Blood Pressure

Low Blood Pressure

Hypotension, or blood pressure of 90/60 or lower, can cause dizziness and fainting. The dizzy spells often happen when you stand up from a chair or get out of bed. They may mean that you have PD, especially if you have other warning signs.

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