Parkinson’s disease is marked by a general decline in neurological health that interferes with movement control. While the cause of it is not known precisely, it is usually associated with age-related changes in brain function and some genetic factors. The more recognizable symptoms often overshadow the early signs of the condition. Therefore, to ensure timely diagnosis and intervention, it’s necessary to empower individuals, families, and healthcare professionals to recognize its presence at its earliest stages.

Tremors
Tremors refer to the shaking or trembling of one’s body. This loss of muscular control can begin in one’s hands, fingers, or other limbs. These tremors usually affect one’s ability to hold objects, write, or eat and are usually known to worsen over time. The severity of tremors can vary among individuals, ranging from mild and barely noticeable to more pronounced and interfering with daily activities.

A decline in motor skills
Motor skills are one’s ability to control and coordinate any voluntary actions of one’s body, from grasping objects to playing a sport. Any person at risk of developing Parkinson’s may experience slowness of movement. This may also be characterized by a delay in initiating and executing voluntary actions, making the movements less fluid and flexible.

Difficulty balancing
Since this condition affects one’s motor skills, one may also notice certain changes in walking or standing. These changes may be in the form of a hunch in the back or precarious balance while walking.

Smell and speech changes
These are one of the early that may go unnoticed. Loss of smell usually occurs before one’s motor skills begin to deteriorate. Individuals developing Parkinson’s may find it challenging to detect familiar smells. This can also indicate other issues like infections or aging, but one can discuss it with their healthcare professional if the issue persists. Alternatively, speech and voice alterations like hoarse or lower-than-usual voice or unclear pronunciations can indicate the condition’s onset.

Smaller handwriting
Parkinson’s may change one’s handwriting, which may become cramped or smaller than usual. If one notices these changes in one’s motor skills suddenly, it’s best to consult a professional.

Changes in sleep patterns
Changes in sleep patterns are a common sign of aging. But if one finds it difficult to fall or stay asleep during the night, even without any lifestyle changes, it may indicate Parkinson’s.

Facial masking
Another common early sign of Parkinson’s disease is facial masking. This refers to a reduction in the range of one’s natural facial expressions, which results in a fixed or mask-like appearance. This usually happens when an individual cannot coordinate facial muscles and generate spontaneous facial expressions. Facial masking is different from muscle weakness or paralysis. In facial nerve damage, one may notice facial weakness or drooping, but facial masking in Parkinson’s is characterized by the absence of regular facial muscle movements.

One should note that experiencing these symptoms does not immediately mean developing Parkinson’s disease. Various other health concerns share similar symptoms. Hence, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to properly diagnose the condition and rule out other potential underlying causes.