7 Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease
Much like many other debilitating conditions, Parkinson’s disease comes on slowly and may not be noticeable at first.
While just one or even two of these signs doesn’t mean that you have Parkinson’s disease, experts recommend that if you do regularly have more than one of these signs, you should make an appointment with your doctor to talk about them.
With that in mind, Centers Health Care has a look at seven early signs of Parkinson’s disease.
- Tremors
While shaking can be normal after exercise, if you’re stressed, or if you are injured, slight shaking in the hands, fingers, and chin while at rest is something to watch out for.
- Smaller Handwriting
Involuntary changes in your handwriting, including smaller letter sizes and words being bunched together, are a common sign of Parkinson’s disease.
- Long-Term Loss of Smell
We know that COVID-19 can cause a loss of smell, as can other viruses, but that’s generally just temporary. Plus, certain foods seem to be effected more by Parkinson’s, including bananas, pickles, and licorice.
- Movement During Sleep
Moving and thrashing around during a deep sleep is what to look out for here. Having a quick jerk or jolt while falling asleep is common and not a concern.
- Trouble Walking
Signs to look out for are a feeling that your feet are \"stuck to the floor,\" stiffness that doesn’t go away once you start moving, and your arms not swinging at your side like they used to.
- Constipation
Constipation after making sure that you’re getting plenty of fluids and fiber—and ruling out any other causes—is another warning sign.
- Soft or Low Voice
A change in the volume of your voice is a concern, as is suddenly sounding hoarse for no reason (like having a virus or a bout of laryngitis from talking too much or too loudly).
