Parkinson’s
Disease (PD) is a chronic neurologic condition named after Dr. James Parkinson,
who first described the syndrome in 1817. PD occurs when brain cells that make dopamine, a chemical that coordinates movement,
stop working or die. Because PD can cause tremor, slowness,
stiffness, and walking and balance problems, it is called a “movement
disorder.”
Constipation,
depression, memory problems and other non-movement symptoms also can be part of
PD. PD is a lifelong and progressive disease, which means that symptoms slowly
worsen over time. Every patient is different and may not experience all of the
above symptoms. PD affects nearly 1 million people in the U.S., and more than 6 million people
worldwide.
Below
are 10 signs that you might have PD. No single one of these signs means that
you should be concerned, but if you have more than one sign you
should consider making an appointment to talk to your doctor.
A Soft or Low Voice-Have
other people told you that your voice is very soft or that you sound hoarse? If
there has been a change in your voice you should see your doctor about whether
it could be PD. Sometimes you might think other people are losing their hearing
when really you are speaking more softly. A chest cold or other virus can cause
your voice to sound different, but you should go back to sounding the same when
you get over your cough or cold.
Constipation-Do
you have trouble moving your bowels without straining every day? Straining to
move your bowels can be an early sign of PD, and you should talk to your
doctor. If you do not have enough water or fiber in your diet, it can cause
problems in the bathroom. Some medicines, especially those used for pain, will
cause constipation. If there is no other reason such as diet or medicine that
would cause you to have trouble moving your bowels, you should speak with your
doctor.
Dizziness or Fainting-Do
you notice that you often feel dizzy when you stand up out of a chair? Feeling
dizzy or fainting can be a sign of low blood pressure and can be linked to PD. Everyone
has had a time when they stood up and felt dizzy, but if it happens on a
regular basis you should see your doctor.
Loss of Smell-Have
you noticed you no longer smell certain foods very well? If you seem to have
more trouble smelling foods like bananas, dill pickles or licorice, you should
ask your doctor about PD. Your sense of smell can be changed by a cold, flu or
a stuffy nose, but it should come back when you are better.
Masked Face-Have
you been told that you have a serious, depressed or mad look on your face, even
when you are not in a bad mood? This is often called facial masking. If so, you
should ask your doctor about PD. Some medicines can cause you to have the same
type of serious or staring look, but you would go back to the way you were
after you stopped the medication.
Small Handwriting-Has
your handwriting gotten much smaller than it was in the past? You may notice
the way you write words on a page has changed, such as letter sizes are smaller
and the words are crowded together. A change in handwriting may be a sign of PD
called micrographia. Sometimes writing can change as you get older, if you have
stiff hands or fingers or poor vision.
Stooping or Hunching Over-Are
you not standing up as straight as you used to? If you or your family or
friends notice that you seem to be stooping, leaning or slouching when you
stand, it could be a sign of PD. If you have pain from an injury or if you are
sick, it might cause you to stand crookedly. A problem with your bones can make
you hunch over.
Tremor-Have
you noticed a slight tremor in your finger, thumb, hand, or chin? A tremor
while at rest is a common early sign of PD. Shaking can be normal after lots of
exercise, if you are stressed or if you have been injured. Shaking could also
be caused by a medicine you take.
Trouble Moving or Walking-Do
you feel stiff in your body, arms or legs? Have others noticed that your arms
don’t swing like they used to when you walk? Sometimes stiffness goes away as
you move. If it does not, it can be a sign of PD. An early sign might be
stiffness or pain in your shoulder or hips. People sometimes say their feet
seem “stuck to the floor.” If you have injured your arm or shoulder, you may
not be able to use it as well until it is healed, or another illness like
arthritis might cause the same symptom.
Trouble Sleeping-Do
you thrash around in bed or act out dreams when you are deeply asleep?
Sometimes, your spouse will notice or will want to move to another bed. Sudden
movements during sleep may be a sign of PD. It is normal for everyone to have a night when they 'toss and
turn' instead of sleeping. Similarly, quick jerks of the body when in lighter
sleep are normal.
“Often
people with Parkinson’s think that if you’re symptomatic it’s reflective of
some kind of flaw. It’s not. It’s purely a scientific thing.” (Michael J. Fox) [i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“10 Early Signs of Parkinson's Disease” Reviewed by Dr. Chauncey Spears
·
“About
Parkinson’s Disease” by the Parkinson’s Foundation
·
“Parkinson's 101” by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's
Research
All the quotes in this post are by actor Michael J. Fox, who has PD, and is a PD advocate and the founder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Below is a current picture of Michael J. Fox.
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