Early signs of Parkinson’s disease to watch out for
The United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) says that most people with Parkinson's start to experience symptoms when they're over 50. However, around 1 in 20 people with the condition first develop symptoms when they're under 40. Men are said to be slightly more likely to get Parkinson's disease than women, the NHS further notes.
Canadian-American actor Michael J. Fox is one among the rare population affected by Parkinson's at a young age.
While he kept silent about his progressive disease for about 7 years, it was in 1991, that the actor, then 29, was first diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease. He disclosed the news in 1998, when he began campaigning for increased Parkinson's research.
Talking to People magazine, Fox revealed that it was on the set of the film Doc Hollywood, when he first noticed a twitch in his left pinkie finger.
According to his foundation, namely the Michael J Fox Foundation, symptoms of the condition "are different for different people".
That said, let us first understand what Parkinson's is...
Understanding Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects different functions of the body controlled by the nerves. The progressive disease is characterized by unintended or uncontrollable movements, including shaking, stiffness, slowing of movements and difficulty with balance and coordination. Unfortunately, Parkinson's is an incurable disease. However, the symptoms can be managed with the help of medications.
Tremors in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head are a tell-tale sign
One of the most common symptoms of Parkinson's disease is tremors in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head.
According to the Mayo Clinic, "a tremor, or rhythmic shaking, usually begins in a limb, often your hand or fingers. You may rub your thumb and forefinger back and forth. This is known as a pill-rolling tremor. Your hand may tremble when it's at rest. The shaking may decrease when you are performing tasks."
The Michael J Fox Foundation also discusses a resting tremor associated with Parkinson's, which is characterized by a "rhythmic, involuntary shaking that occurs in a finger, hand or limb when it's relaxed". This is said to go away during voluntary movement.
Watch out for early warning signs
Parkinson's disease may also take a toll on a person's motor skills.
Slowed movements, muscle stiffness and rigidity, balance problems and resting tumour are some of the common motor issues linked to the condition.
Furthermore, one may have a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling or swinging your arms when you walk, as per the Mayo Clinic.
Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease to note
Parkinson's disease not only causes motor or movement related problems, but it also leads to non-motor symptoms.
According to parkinson's.org.uk, some of the non-motor symptoms of the condition include:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Low blood pressure
- Restless legs
- Bladder and bowel problems
-Skin and sweating
- Sleep
- Eating, swallowing and saliva control
- Speech and communication issues
- Eye problems
- Foot care
- Dental health
Parkinson's and mental health
Another important thing to keep in mind is to take care of your mental health in case you're diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
According to the Michael J Fox Foundation, "Parkinson's disease can impact how you feel and think."
Given that the disease can affect memory, movement and cause other problems, it can make day to day activities seem challenging, hence leading to depression and anxiety.
Actor Michael J Fox, who is the founder of the charity says, "Optimism is sustainable when you keep coming back to gratitude, and what follows from that is acceptance."