Early detection of Parkinson’s disease

Signs you shouldn’t ignore

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is often associated with tremors, slow movements and muscle stiffness. What many don’t realise, however, is that the signs of Parkinson’s often begin years before the onset of these classic motor symptoms. These early warning signs are subtle and are often overlooked or mistakenly attributed to other health problems. However, early detection of the disease can be crucial in slowing the progression of the disease and improving quality of life.

In this article, I will discuss the key signs that may indicate the onset of Parkinson’s disease and why it is so important to take these symptoms seriously.

Why early detection is important

Early detection of Parkinson’s is crucial because there is currently no cure for the disease. However, if symptoms are recognised early, treatments such as medication and therapeutic interventions can help to control motor and non-motor symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. There are also promising approaches in research that could benefit if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage.

Many people often wait too long before being tested for their symptoms, which means that the disease may already be advanced by the time the diagnosis is made. The earlier you are aware of the possible signs, the better.

The most important early signs of Parkinson’s

1. trembling at rest

One of the best-known symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is tremor, especially at rest. While tremors are more common in the advanced stages, they can also be one of the first signs that Parkinson’s is present. The tremor often occurs in a hand, arm, leg or chin and often disappears when the body is in motion.

What you should be aware of:

2. changes in handwriting

Another early warning sign of Parkinson’s can be a sudden change in handwriting, a phenomenon known as micrography. The handwriting becomes smaller and denser, and it is difficult to write the letters clearly and legibly.

What you should bear in mind:

• Has your handwriting changed recently? Are the letters getting smaller or closer together?
• Has it become more difficult to write longer texts or notes without the writing becoming illegible?

  Many people only notice this change when they suddenly find it difficult to decipher their own handwriting. This is a subtle but important indication of possible early Parkinson’s symptoms.

  3. slowed movements (bradykinesia)

  Bradykinesia, or slowed movements, is one of the main features of Parkinson’s and can occur early on. It refers to the difficulty in performing everyday movements quickly and efficiently. Sometimes it seems as if the body doesn’t want to “go with the flow” and simple movements take longer than usual.

  What you should be aware of:

• Do you notice that simple tasks such as buttoning a shirt or putting on shoes suddenly take longer?
• Do you have the feeling that you have become slower overall without there being an obvious cause for this?

This slowing of movement can affect quality of life and is often overlooked as an early warning sign as it occurs gradually.

4. Changes in the gait pattern

People with Parkinson’s often develop subtle changes in the way they walk even before they are diagnosed. This can manifest as a “dragging” or “sluggish” gait, where the foot is not fully lifted. Some patients also report taking smaller steps or having difficulty taking the first step.

What you should be aware of:

These changes in gait can be an early sign of Parkinson’s and should be taken seriously, especially if they occur in combination with other symptoms.

5. Loss of the sense of smell (anosmia)

Another important but often overlooked indication of Parkinson’s is the loss or diminished sense of smell, a symptom known as anosmia. Many people notice that they can no longer perceive certain odours such as coffee, perfume or spices as intensely as they used to.

What you should be aware of:

• Have you noticed that you have difficulty recognising or distinguishing certain smells?
• Does your sense of smell seem to be weaker than other people’s?

This loss of the sense of smell can occur years before motor symptoms and is an important warning sign that should not be ignored.

6. sleep disorders

Many people with Parkinson’s develop sleep disorders in the early stages. This can take the form of REM sleep behaviour disorders, where sufferers experience vivid dreams and act them out physically by moving around in their sleep to “defend” or “fight” themselves.

What you should be aware of:

Sleep disturbances can also be caused by other conditions, but in combination with other symptoms, this could indicate the onset of Parkinson’s disease.

7. constipation

Digestive problems, especially chronic constipation, can also be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease. This is because the disease can also affect the autonomic nervous system, which regulates digestion.

What you should be aware of:

Although constipation is a common problem, in combination with other symptoms it could indicate the onset of Parkinson’s disease.

Why you should take these signs seriously

Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, which means that it gets worse over time. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the better the chances of controlling the symptoms and slowing down the progression of the disease. Early diagnosis also allows treatments such as medication or physiotherapy to be started early, which can significantly improve quality of life.

If you notice one or more of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it is important to see a doctor. Only a neurologist can make an accurate diagnosis, but the first step is awareness of these early signs.

How is Parkinson’s diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Parkinson’s is mainly based on symptoms and a thorough neurological examination. There are no specific blood tests or imaging techniques that can confirm Parkinson’s beyond doubt, but certain tests such as MRI or DaT-SPECT can help to rule out other causes for the symptoms. Your doctor may perform a series of tests to ensure that the symptoms are not caused by other conditions.

Conclusion

Parkinson’s is a complex and multifaceted disease, but early detection can make a big difference. By looking out for the subtle but important early signs – such as changes in handwriting, loss of sense of smell or slowing of movement – you can be proactive and seek support early.

If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. It may not be serious, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. With Parkinson’s, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the chances of an improved quality of life.