7 Signals That Will Help You Know If You Are At Risk For Parkinson’s Disease
Lack of facial expression can be one of the first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. If the patient cannot perceive it, his relatives can notice it.
Until today, we have not found a definitive cure. However, research continues to advance, with the aim of improving the quality of life of patients.
The downside to treating it is that it grows silently. In most cases, it is diagnosed when it is already at an irreversible stage.
Indeed, at present, many people ignore the signals that announce the disease. Particularly because of their imprecision and their similarity to other more common health problems.
We now know that early detection could help avoid serious consequences. Research has therefore focused on analyzing the possible signs that can alert the presence of this disease. Especially before the damage is irremediable.
In this article, we’re going to share with you 7 symptoms that can help you know if you’re at risk for Parkinson’s disease.
1. Changes in writing
We all have a dominant type of writing, which hardly changes throughout our lives.
When it gets more complicated and especially smaller and narrower, it may be an indication that Parkinson’s disease is starting to develop.
Diagnosed patients write very small letters, they put less pressure on the paper, and may take twice as long as normal to complete a sentence.
2. Reduction or loss of smell with Parkinson’s disease
When you spend several days without being able to smell strong odors, it is essential to consult a specialist.
Although this symptom is manifested in cases of sinusitis, some doctors believe it could be a sign of Parkinson’s disease as well, as some patients have developed it in the early stages of the disease.
To date, this is only a possibility as the link between the two has not yet been scientifically verified.
Despite this, it is believed that due to this disease, groups of proteins form in the olfactory zone, which impairs the ability to smell.
3. Sleep disorders
There are many triggers for sleep disorders, hence diagnostic problems when they appear because of this condition.
From the earliest stages, to the more advanced stages, patients have difficulty sleeping and tend to move around a lot while they sleep.
Because of the health risks of insomnia, regardless of the cause, it is always best to see a doctor.
4. Lack of facial expression
Lack of facial expression is also known as the “mask appearance”. It is a symptom that causes changes in the face.
The face looks depressed, angry, or serious, without the person feeling those emotions inside.
At first, the person may have problems identifying this change in their body but since those around them realize it, they can tell them.
5. Changes in the voice with Parkinson’s disease
If the voice suddenly becomes more fragile or you notice that the words are sticking to the tongue, it may be a sign that something is not working well.
Changes in voice and stuttering are common when Parkinson’s disease reaches more advanced stages.
6. Depression
In most cases, episodes of depression appear when the disease is diagnosed.
However, there is still a physical connection between this emotional problem and the deterioration caused by Parkinson’s disease.
Some hypotheses suggest that because of this disorder, the production of serotonin and dopamine (the hormones of happiness) decreases. This is what causes morale to deteriorate.
7. Body tremors are a sign of Parkinson’s disease
The most well-known symptom of this disease is body tremors.
It is normal to feel them after doing strenuous exercises or during an exam. However, the recurrence of their occurrence should be taken seriously and considered a reason for urgent medical consultation.
According to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, mild tremors in the fingers, hands, chin and lips can be a strong symptom of this condition.
More than 70% of patients perceive it and this is more and more noticeable as the disease progresses, or during times of stress or anxiety.
Are you afraid of suffering from Parkinson’s disease?
If you have identified many of the symptoms mentioned in yourself, or know someone who has noticed them, now is the time to act before the disease takes hold. Consult your doctor!
