Parkinson's disease can manifest various symptoms. We review here some of the most frequent symptoms that can be early warning signs of the disease.
The symptoms associated with Parkinson's can be similar to those of some other pathologies, so if you have any of the symptoms that we describe here, it does not necessarily mean that you suffer from Parkinson’s disease. However, whenever unusual symptoms appear, it is best to see a doctor and find out what may be causing them.
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative process characterized by the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) of the brain. As for its prevalence, it is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's. At present, its cause remains unknown, although we know it is associated with a combination of factors:
- Age: The average age at which this disease is diagnosed is between 55 and 60 years, so aging is the primary risk factor. Although, to a much lesser extent, there are also cases of Parkinson's that appear before the age of 50, in which case we refer to early-onset Parkinson's
- Genetic factors: Most cases are not associated with a specific genetic alteration, but it is estimated that between 15% and 25% of patients diagnosed with the disease do have a family history of it.
- Environmental factors: There is some medically reviewed research showing that exposure to certain pesticides or herbicides, as well as the ingestion of water from underground wells, may be risk factors.
Next we describe some of the initial symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s disease: early signs and symptoms
The symptoms of Parkinson's disease are progressive, and because they are usually mild at first, they may go unnoticed. Also, in the early stages of the disease, the symptoms may affect only one side of the body. Although later they may extend to both sides of the body, in general they continue to predominate on whichever side they appeared first. The early signs of the disease tend to be as follows:
Tremor
Tremor is one of the most common early symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Tremor usually begins in the fingers or hands and may appear even when the hands are at rest. Tremor may also be noticed in other areas such as the chin, lips or legs.
Small handwriting
The sufferer may find it more difficult to write, and their lettering may become smaller than usual.
Changes in speech
The usual tone and inflections of a person’s speech can be altered by Parkinson's disease. A change in speech such that it becomes monotone, and the voice is softer than usual, can be a symptom of Parkinson’s. Other changes to speech patterns may occur as well, speech may be much more rapid, or there may be a hesitation before speaking.
Loss of facial expression
Another early sign of Parkinson's disease can be an expressionless face, or a lack of blinking.
Muscle stiffness
This can affect in any muscle in the body and can become quite painful. In addition, it can impair movement.
Changes in posture
Body posture and ability to balance can be affected
As the disease progresses, other symptoms such as the following may appear:
- Cognitive problems (dementia).
- Movement disorders, difficulty moving or walking.
- Sleep problems such as waking frequently during the night.
- Difficulty eating, chewing and/or swallowing.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Constipation: the digestive system works slower.
- Loss of the sense of smell.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease begins with studying the patient’s detailed medical history, including information from the patient and their family about the signs and symptoms they have noticed. A physical examination and, if necessary, the following tests are also performed
- Blood test
- Brain MRI or PET scan with F-dopa
Main treatments
There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, but there are treatments to control the symptoms. In the early stages, the most common treatment is the use of medication to compensate for the dopamine deficiency. However, its effects do not last indefinitely and, in up to 50% of patients, the symptoms of the disease continue to develop.
If treatment with medication does not sufficiently control the patient’s symptoms, and their quality of life significantly worsens, surgery may be a good option. Surgical intervention can reduce tremors, muscle stiffness and improve movement. The most commonly used surgical techniques today are the following
- Ablative surgery: A controlled lesion is made in a certain small area of the brain.
- Deep brain stimulation surgery: Currently the most frequently used technique, it consists of delivering high frequency electrical stimulation to a precise part of the brain.
Find out more about Parkinson’s disease here
Prevention
As the cause of the disease is still unknown, we also do not know how to prevent it. However, there is medically reviewed research showing that the practice of aerobic exercise on a regular basis can reduce the risk of having Parkinson’s.
The best recommendation is to lead as healthy a life as possible. Although this is not a guaranteed way to prevent Parkinson’s disease, it will have an overall positive benefit. Make your life healthy by prioritizing a nutritious and natural diet, physical exercise and sufficient rest, as well as avoiding tobacco, alcohol and drugs! Doing this will contribute to your overall health and well-being.
Our team at Instituto Clavel hopes that you have found this article useful. If you need personal assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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Categories: Brain pathologies, Surgery, Innovation