Parkinson’s disease, the world’s fast -growing neurological condition, often remains in the mystery of its distinctive tremor.
Despite being the second most common neurodegenerative disorder to Alzheimer’s, which affects 153,000 people in the UK, a significant knowledge gap continues with its broader symptoms and impact, according to Parkinson’s UK.
This lack of awareness even exists with high -profile figures such as comedian Billy Connolly, actor Michael J. Fox, singers Neil Diamond and Linda Ronstadt, and rock star Ozzy Osbourne living with the condition.
Jennifer Taylor, helpline service manager at Parkinson’s UK, spoke to Mark World Parkinson’s day and said: ‘We know that more people are being diagnosed with Parkinson-it is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world without healing.
“But with more than 40 different symptoms, it is often misunderstood and affects people in different ways.”
She explains that the condition develops when brain cells that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in motor control, stops working.
“Parkinson’s is a complex, progressive and incurable condition,” she says. “We don’t know exactly why dopamine producing cells die, but factors such as genetics, environment and lifestyle can all contribute to someone’s likelihood of developing Parkinson.”
The many symptoms of the condition range from tremor to anxiety, and Taylor points out: “Although the more well -known symptoms are related to movement, early signs can be much more subtle, and people may pay attention to changes such as a loss of sense of smell, sleep or increased feelings of depression years before any movement problems are noticed.”
And Dr. Bal Athwal, a consultant neurologist at Wellington Hospital (part of HCA Healthcare UK), adds: “As a progressive state, Parkinson’s can significantly affect the quality of life and reduce life expectancy, but with treatment can be reduced the likelihood of affecting life expectancy.”
He says although the majority of people with Parkinson are older than 70 years old, a diagnosis can come at any age. The rate of progress of the disease varies from person to person, but it can be effectively managed by medication, lifestyle changes, rehabilitation and, in some cases, surgery. But he emphasizes: “It is important that Parkinson’s disease is properly diagnosed, and effective treatment is implemented.”
But what are the early symptoms of the condition? Here’s what the experts say …
1. Pain
A great variety of pain can be an early symptom of Parkinson, and Athwal says: “Some patients develop pain, which often becomes inexplicable for some time before the diagnosis is made.”
Taylor explains that such pain can include musculoskeletal pain that affects bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons or nerves; neuropathic pain of nerve damage; Distonic pain causing sustained muscle spasms or cramps; and central pain, when roads that control sensation and pain in the brain, brain stem and spinal cord do not work well.
2. Anxiety
Anxiety can occur in Parkinson’s early stages, and Taylor says: “Feelings of constant worry can lead to social avoidance and sometimes anxiety attacks.” Evidence suggests that mindfulness, meditation and exercise can help manage anxiety.
3.. Problems with balance
Postural instability, or problems with balancing, can be a challenging symptom associated with Parkinson. “It can fall and people can therefore lose their confidence, with concerns to go out in public,” says Taylor.
However, Athwal adds: “Walking problems may be accompanied by imbalance and the tendency to fall, but it tends to develop into more advanced diseases.”
4.. Stiffness
People with Parkinson often report density in their limbs, says Taylor, who explains that this stiffness can occur on one or both sides of the body, contributing to a reduced movement range. “This can lead to problems with pain or pain in the affected muscles and/or joints and other more visible signs, such as your arm not swinging when you walk,” she points out.
5. Lose your sense of smell
A reduced sense of smell is often an early sign of Parkinson, and Taylor says you may lose a few years or even decades before a diagnosis of a Parkinson diagnosis.
6. Sleep and fatigue
The brain changes associated with Parkinson can cause sleep problems, and some people have trouble sleeping long before the symptoms of movements develop.
Athwal says: “There may be problems with sleep such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome and brake -sleeping behavior -a condition in which an individual seems to act dreams by making movements or sounds.”
Fatigue also affects up to half of people with Parkinson’s, and Taylor says: “You may one day feel very energetic and then too tired to do the following, no matter how much you rest.”
7. tremor
Athwal says Tremor is one of the most common symptoms of Parkinson, and is usually seen in the upper limbs, usually when at rest, rather than when an arm is used.
Taylor says: “Tremor mostly occurs at rest, and it reduces during sleep or if the body part is actively in use. For example, your hand may tremble while sitting still, but this symptom may disappear if you shake with someone.”
Tremor usually starts asymmetrically and tends to occur, but can also occur in other body parts, including the lower lip, jaw or bone. She adds: “Some people report an internal tremor, an invisible shake in the chest, abdomen or limbs.”
8. Depression
A person with Parkinson may experience depression at any time, even before diagnosis. Taylor says: “Depression symptoms can come and go, but can also strengthen the movement and cognitive symptoms of Parkinson.”
9. Smaller handwriting and inertia of movement
Micrography – small, concise handwriting – is often an early symptom of Parkinson, the experts say. “Words can get together together while the size of your handwriting can gradually get smaller as you continue to write,” Taylor explains.
And Athwal adds: “There is also an inertia of movement – it can initially be quite subtle, but people can complain that their handwriting is getting smaller, or it may find harder to perform small fine tasks such as tying buttons and zipper.”
10. Reduced facial expressions
Facial masing, also called hypomimy, is an early Parkinson symptom that can make it difficult for others to interpret your mood. “People can assume that you are depressed or upset, and it can be frustrating to constantly ask what is wrong if you feel good,” Taylor says. “Stiff or slow facial muscles make it difficult to smile, raise your eyebrows or express your feelings differently, an important part of how we communicate.”
Parkinson’s British Helpline: 0808 800 0303
