What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that not only takes a toll on your nervous system, but also affects the parts, including the brain, that function with the help of the nerves. It is therefore characterized by unintended movements such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. It is important to note that Parkinson's is not a curable disease, which is why it is crucial to be aware of the condition, know all about its symptoms and the necessary treatment plans.
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What makes Parkinson's disease concerning?
A neurodegenerative condition is a type of disease wherein the cells that dwell in the central nervous system either get damaged and stop working or they die. Parkinson's is one such condition, in which the symptoms only get worse over time and there is no coming back from it.
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The first sign to note
According to new research, the first sign of parkinson's that appears before tremors and muscle stiffness is 'changes in speech'.
Researcher Rytis Maskeliūnas and his team from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) believe 'changes in speech often occur even earlier than motor function disorders.'
"Which is why the altered speech might be the first sign of the disease," he adds.
Furthermore, Professor Virgilijus Ulozas, at the Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat at the LSMU Faculty of Medicine said that in the early stages of the disease, the patients may speak in a quiet manner. Their tone could be dull, slower and fragmented, less noticeable to the ear.
What experts say
For the study, a microphone was used in a soundproof booth to record the speech of healthy and Parkinson's patients.
Prof. Kipras Pribuišis said, "So far, our approach is able to distinguish Parkinson's from healthy people using a speech sample."
Researcher Maskeliūnas says, "We are not creating a substitute for a routine examination of the patient.
"Our method is designed to facilitate early diagnosis of the disease and to track the effectiveness of treatment," he adds.
However, he also says that their results have a very high scientific potential.
"Sure, there is still a long and challenging way to go before it can be applied in everyday clinical practice," he shares.
The team of researchers believe that making use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze and assess speech signals can be a great and an easy way to diagnose Parkinson's - maybe in seconds.
Other common symptoms to beware of
Symptoms of Parkinson's are not limited to speech. The neurodegenerative condition can also impact motor skills. The symptoms include:
- Tremors
- Slowed movements
- Rigid muscles
- Difficulty to maintain posture, balance and coordination
- Loss of movements
- Difficulty writing
Who is at risk?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, but many factors can increase one's risk of developing the condition. As per the health body, parkinson's usually begins in middle or late life, and the risk increases with age. "People usually develop the disease around age 60 or older," it shares.
Research has also found that Parkinson's can result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including exposure to toxins.