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Parkinson's Early Symptoms

Parkinson's is a disease of the nervous system that worsens over time. Parkinson's begins with barely noticeable symptoms such as depression, tremors and stiffness of the muscles in the limbs or face. As the disease progresses, symptoms interfere with daily life and render a person incapable of taking care of himself.

  1. Depression

    • A common early symptom of Parkinson's is depression. It's also the most overlooked symptom because depression among older adults is common. Depression occurs in 50 to 75 percent, and dementia occurs in about 30 percent, of Parkinson's patients, according to Caregivers of People with Parkinson's. Parkinson's-related depression can be mild or severe. Depression may also worsen due to some of the medications that are given to Parkinson's patients for other symptoms.

    Bradykinesia

    • Bradykinesia is when a person's ability to adjust the position of her body and to begin and follow through with a movement is impaired and slowed. Initiating the smallest movement, such as reaching out to pick up a shirt or take a bath, may require thought. This early symptom of Parkinson's is upsetting because it takes away a person's independence. Bradykinesia strikes without warning, which adds more stress and upset for a Parkinson's patient.

    Tremors

    • Tremors are the most common early symptom of Parkinson's. It starts with a tremor that comes and goes, usually affecting only a finger. Over time, more of the arm is affected with tremors that are rhythmic. Tremors may go away when there is movement, and are most noticeable when the person is at rest or when he holds an arm in midair fully extended. Parkinson's tremors can also affect the feet, tongue, lips and head. During sleep is the only time an individual with Parkinson's does not have tremors.

    Akinesia

    • Akinesia is the stiffness and rigidity of muscles in the body. This early Parkinson's symptom occurs in the neck and can affect the face muscles. This causes the face to become mask-like and makes it appear the person is staring.

    Problems Walking

    • An early symptom of Parkinson's is a change in the ability to walk normally. Stiffness, along with rigid muscles and numbness, can cause someone with Parkinson's to shuffle her feet and take shorter steps. It's natural to swing the arms while walking, but with Parkinson's, a person is unable to do it.

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