Carlos Solis
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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 worldwide could double to 25 million, according to the Daily Mail.
There is no cure, but early diagnosis makes it possible to develop personalized treatment plans that can slow the disease’s progression. Victoria Baggiley, a senior consultant with Parkinson’s UK, listed early signs people should watch for.
- Loss of smell often appears long before other symptoms. Some people stop being able to smell favorite foods or flowers, and that change can begin years before other signs appear, Baggiley says.
- A common yet subtle sign is disturbed sleep: insomnia, waking up during the night, or sleep apnea. Frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom can also be an early signal.
- Another lesser-known sign is a decrease in handwriting size. Baggiley explains that changes in the brain can make movements lose strength and amplitude, causing handwriting to become much smaller.
- Bladder or bowel problems are another warning: frequent urination at night or constipation may indicate the onset of the disease.
- Parkinson’s also affects mood. About half of people with the condition experience depression — 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,” Baggiley says.
- Persistent anxiety and worry can be an early sign, too. This may show up as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, difficulty concentrating, or a general sense of fear.
- Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest is another common early symptom, experienced by many people with Parkinson’s.
- While tremor is a well-known early symptom, uncontrolled movements can also affect other parts of the body.
- Bradykinesia, or slowed movement, shows up in everyday tasks: taking longer at the checkout, walking more slowly, or needing more time to complete routine activities. If daily tasks are taking noticeably longer, consult a doctor.
- Baggiley adds that muscle stiffness and reduced flexibility can make simple actions harder, like buttoning a shirt, tying shoelaces, or getting out of bed.
Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean someone has Parkinson’s. But ignoring these signals can be risky. Seeing a doctor early gives the best chance to start treatment sooner and preserve quality of life for as long as possible.
