If you start feeling more tired, notice changes in your handwriting and feel stiff all the time ““ do you tell your doctor? Or do you just assume everything is okay? These small signals can add up to a big problem.
Experts say 50,000 to 60,000 new cases of Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed every year, but it takes years for the disease to become apparent. That’s why it’s important to get diagnosed and into treatment as soon as possible.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s occurs when brain cells lose the ability to produce the neurochemical dopamine, which helps transmit nerve signals. When 60 to 80 percent of brain cells lose the ability to produce dopamine, the tell-tale tremors and other muscle impairments become apparent.
Parkinson’s itself isn’t fatal, but complications, like injuries from falls or choking or pneumonia related to difficulty swallowing, mean it’s the 14th leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s, but medications can help control symptoms and delay the progress of the disease. Over time, it can lead to the loss of mobility, loss of speech, breathing impairment and dementia.
Know the warning signs
If you have one of these issues, it’s probably not Parkinson’s. If you have more than one, it might be time to talk to your doctor, according to the National Parkinson Foundation.
1. Twitching or shaking
Noticeable shaking or twitching in the hands, thumbs, legs, lips or chin is one warning sign, especially if the area affected is at rest ““ as in, you’re not using it.
Reality check: Muscle tremors aren’t uncommon after vigorous physical activity or exercise, or after an injury. Additionally, many common medications can cause tremors or shaking.
2. Suddenly smaller handwriting
If sudden, pronounced changes in your handwriting become apparent ““ letters are smaller, words are crowded together or the way you write words on the page has changed ““ that could be a sign of Parkinson’s.
Reality check: Stiff hands, such as arthritis might cause, or vision problems can cause changes in handwriting. But those usually happen gradually. If a problem seems to occur overnight, it could be serious.
3. Loss of your sense of smell
If you can’t smell certain foods or other aromas ““ bananas, dill pickles and licorice seem to be good indicators ““ that could be a warning sign.
Reality check: Colds, flu, allergies and some medications can impair your sense of smell. But if the problem is caused by a virus, your sense of smell should return once you’re better.
4. Sleeping difficulties
Suddenly developing problems like jerking or kicking in your sleep or falling out of bed are a sign of trouble. Your sleep partner may notice it first.
Reality check: Once in a while, everyone has a night spent with more time tossing and turning than sleeping. If it’s Parkinson’s, it will become a regular occurrence.
5. Stiffness or rigidity in muscles and limbs
You may notice you don’t swing your arms anymore when you walk, or it may feel like you can’t order your feet to move when you want to walk. Problems are noticeable in the arms, the trunk or the legs, and the issue might not ease up as you get moving. Many people with Parkinson’s report stiffness in the shoulders or hips as an early symptom of the disease.
Reality check: Injuries can cause stiffness; so can too much or too little exercise and diseases like arthritis.
6. Constipation
Straining during bowel movements is one sign of Parkinson’s, especially if it’s a routine occurrence.
Reality check: Some medications can cause constipation. So can getting too little fiber and liquid in your daily diet. If constipation is a routine problem, talk to your doctor to find out what the problem is.
7. Voice changes
If people are telling you your voice is suddenly very low or soft or that you sound hoarse when you’re speaking in your normal tone, it could be a sign of Parkinson’s.
Reality check: Colds, coughs and allergies can all affect your voice. But once they’re cleared up, your voice should return to normal. If it doesn’t, contact your doctor.
8. Masked face
If you’re being your usual cheery self and people are telling you that you look sad or depressed or serious, it could be a sign of what’s called masking. Other changes might include not blinking as often or a blank stare.
Reality check: Some medication can cause the same effect, but the symptom should stop if you stop taking the medication.
9. Fainting or dizziness
Suddenly feeling faint or dizzy when you’re moving or trying to stand up could be a sign of low blood pressure linked to Parkinson’s.
Reality check: Once in a while, everyone feels dizzy or lightheaded when they stand up, and many things, including medications, can cause low blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about the problem.
10. Stooping, hunched shoulders and other posture problems
If you’re not standing as straight as you used to, it could be a sign of Parkinson’s disease.
Reality check: Pain from an injury, fatigue and some bone or muscle disorders can cause changes in the way you stand. If you have questions or concerns, see your doctor.
