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Early Signs & Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a motor system disorder which comes about as a result of the loss of brain cells that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. Parkinson's disease generally affects individuals over the age of 50, although it can occur in people much younger than that age as well. The disease is progressive, in which symptoms gradually get worse and can start to interfere with daily activities and life. There are some early signs and symptoms for Parkinson's disease that can help a person know whether they have the condition.

  1. Common Symptoms

    • The common early symptoms of Parkinson's disease are usually very mild and vague, so they can be missed easily. However, the earlier the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, the better effect treatment will have in slowing down its progression. Some of these early symptoms include tremors when limbs are relaxed, symptoms located on one side of the body, and difficulty and slowness of motion and movement.

    Less Noticeable Early Symptoms

    • People with Parkinson's disease might notice a general feeling of malaise in the beginning. They might find that it is very easy to become distracted and lose track of their thoughts or words. They might have "spidery" handwriting and speak more softly than usual. Irritability and depression might also become more of a problem.

    Family and Friends

    • In the beginning stages of Parkinson's disease, a person's family and friends might also start to notice some subtle yet defined symptoms and signs of the condition. They might notice a lack of facial expression in the person with the disease, as well as lack of animation (referred to as "masked face"). They might start noticing that the person seems unusually slow and stiff as well.

    Postural Instability

    • Postural instability is another common early Parkinson's symptom. This entails impaired coordination and balance. People experiencing postural instability might notice that they have developed either a forward or backward lean and have a tendency to fall down very easily. Stepping backward, known as retropulsion, is also a common sign.

    Bradykinesia

    • People with Parkinson's disease often lose the ability to engage in automatic and spontaneous movement. This is rather unpredictable and can be very stressful. At times, people will be able to move with ease, but in the next minute, they might require assistance to get from point A to point B.

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