10 Warning Signs of Parkinson’s Disease

Tremors

Small, repeated movements of the hands, jaw, and tongue are signs of tremors. These minute twitches could happen all at once or one after the other. It depends on the individual how severe this particular Parkinson’s disease symptom is.

Types of tremors:

Resting tremor is a type of tremor that is more common in elderly adults who have had some motor function impairment due to age; it typically affects one side of the body (for example, the hand), but not both sides equally.

Reduction in smell

Smell is among the first senses to fade away. In particular, if your sense of smell has been slowly deteriorating for years, this could be a sign that you are getting Parkinson’s disease.

If you experience a lack of smell, it may be a sign that the olfactory nerve, which connects your nose and brain, has been injured. The olfactory nerve sends messages from scent receptors in the nose to other sections of the brain that interpret and filter them into meaningful information.

Loss of balance

• Loss of balance can be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes and other conditions.
• Medications such as antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants and anti-seizure medications may also cause loss of balance as a side effect.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that affects the tremoring (shaking) of the arms, legs, and body. However, it does affect thinking abilities such as memory and judgement, making it harder for people with Parkinson’s disease to recognize the warning signs of their illness or seek treatment early. Parkinson’s disease does not cause dementia or symptoms like hallucinations or delusions.

Slight arm swing reduction

Swinging your arms from side to side is referred to as arm motion. It is a natural, instinctive response to walking or running.  If you notice a decline in it in a Parkinson’s patient, it may be an indication that they are having trouble with their balance and coordination.

If your loved one has less arm swing than usual and struggles to walk in straight lines, they may have problems with balance. This can be dangerous if they’re walking downstairs or cross busy streets where people are moving fast.

Constipation

One typical sign of Parkinson’s disease is constipation. It can be brought on by inactivity and poor eating habits, both of which can be easily treated with a good diet and frequent exercise.

Try drinking a lot of water every day (best on an empty stomach), increasing your intake of fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, and taking a lot of vitamins if you suffer from constipation (such as B12). If your symptoms are not relieved by this, talk to your doctor about other options that might be better suited for you.

Urinary problems

• Difficulty starting urination.
• Difficulty emptying the bladder.
• Frequent urination (urine is dark, strong smelling or bloody).

In addition to the above symptoms, you may also experience:

• Problems chewing or swallowing
• Difficulty chewing and swallowing
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Drooling
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue, sleep issues and soft voices

 Postural hypotension or having trouble rising your arms over your head and holding them there for a few seconds, is a sign that you may have Parkinson’s disease.  People with Parkinson’s disease should drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and avoid becoming dizzy, which can often lead to falls that can cause serious injuries or even death from complications.

Additionally, you should be alert to any changes in your voice, such as a quieter tone than usual or difficulty speaking at all. Because of the humiliation and embarrassment, this symptom ranks among the most challenging to address. However, it is crucial that those affected understand they are not alone.

Parkinson’s disease may begin with subtle warning signs

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that has an impact on behaviour and movement. Parkinson’s disease has no established etiology, but it is thought to be brought on by a confluence of hereditary and environmental factors, such as poisons or infections. Although it has no known cure and develops gradually over many years, there are therapies that can help manage its symptoms, such as tremors or stiffness in the hands or arms.

Want to learn more?

 ConsidraCare’s live-in caregivers for seniors are trained to offer professional support and companionship to seniors. reach out to us at wecare@considracare.com or call us at 1-855-410-7971 to arrange care for a loved one.