The Common Symptoms That Might Be Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s can affect anyone, especially in later years. Males are more likely to get the disease, but it’s important for both aging males and females to know the signs. The following symptoms could signal Parkinson’s disease. Be sure to get checked out if you have one common irritable symptom (page 9).
1. You notice a change in your handwriting
Take a break from the computer and try writing again. | iStock.com
Handwriting is almost a form of identity. People can distinguish one person from another based on the way they form their letters. But if you get older and notice your handwriting is different than it used to be or is getting worse, it could be a sign of Parkinson’s. With this disease, your written words typically get more crowded.
Next: Counting sheep won’t fix this problem.
2. You toss and turn all night long
Insomnia can hurt every aspect of your life. | Wavebreakmedia/Getty Images
A change in sleeping habits can also be a sign you have Parkinson’s. If you were once a peaceful sleeper but now toss and turn at night, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Although trouble sleeping can be a sign of many other things, Parkinson’s isn’t something you want to overlook. It’s believed the disease affects the regions of the brain that control sleep habits, which leads to tossing and turning.
Next: If this changes, it could be a sign of something serious.
3. Your mood isn’t the same
Depression is a serious issue no matter what. | Highwaystarz-Photography/Getty Images
Parkinson’s is attributed to a lack of dopamine in the brain. Low levels of things like dopamine and serotonin are linked to depression. Sometimes, people become depressed after their diagnosis. But in other cases, the depression can begin years before any additional symptoms show up.
Next: This odd symptom will change the way you cook and eat.
4. You can’t smell as well as you used to
This symptom can be really sad to experience. | Source: iStock
A loss of smell is one of the most overlooked symptoms of Parkinson’s. And patients have reported it’s one of the first symptoms they notice. The connection between Parkinson’s and smell is not perfectly clear. Some experts think the area of the brain that controls smell is one of the first areas affected by the disease.
Next: We all take this aspect of our bodies for granted.
5. Automatic movements stop
Muscle stiffness isn’t a laughing matter. | Maroke/iStock/Getty Images
When you walk, you naturally swing your arms. But with Parkinson’s, sometimes those “automatic” movements can stop. It usually is in direct relation to muscle stiffness. Picking up your legs when you walk is also a sign that something is wrong with your muscles. If you have a constant feeling of stiffness, it could be Parkinson’s.
Next: A rather embarrassing Parkinson’s symptom
6. Your posture is worse and balance suffers
A change in posture can be pretty noticeable. | CreativaImages/Getty Images
If you’re suddenly stooping over or feel unstable while standing, you may need to consult a doctor. Parkinson’s can affect the reflexes responsible for proper posture when standing. As a result, those with Parkinson’s often lose their balance while standing or easily fall backward if pushed in any way. Muscle stiffness can also affect posture.
Next: Are friends and family often asking you to repeat yourself?
7. Your voice has gotten softer
Does Siri struggle to hear your requests? | AH86/Getty Images
Parkinson’s is often accompanied by speech issues. Those with Parkinson’s may notice their speech has gotten softer or others struggle to hear them even if they think they’re speaking normally. Forming words properly can also become a problem, and tone can become more monotonous. Any sign of a change in speech could signal a serious underlying medical problem, even if it isn’t Parkinson’s, so it’s important to see a doctor.
Next: Trouble in this area is a symptom often overlooked.
8. You feel constipated
Constipation can mean a lot more than drinking more water. | Sasha_Suzi/iStock/Getty Images
Since Parkinson’s affects the body’s autonomic nervous system, constipation can be a sign of the disease. The autonomic nervous system controls digestion, which affects bowel movements. Constipation can be a sign of many other things, too. But if you’re experiencing constipation along with other symptoms on this list, it may be Parkinson’s.
Next: Get checked out if you have this common irritable symptom.
9. You notice tremors in your hands
One of the scariest symptoms | Ocskaymark/Getty Images
This may be the biggest sign of Parkinson’s. Tremors can happen to anyone at any age, and they don’t necessarily signal the disease. But if you notice tremors that never used to be present, it’s a strong sign something could be wrong. Tremors after exercise or when you’re feeling anxious are normal, but tremors in a relaxed state, along with other Parkinson’s symptoms, may be a reason for concern.
Next: You might not notice this, but those around you will.
10. You move a bit slower than you used to
This symptom is frustrating for everyone. | KatarzynaBialasiewicz/iStock/Getty Images
Since muscle stiffness often accompanies Parkinson’s, it results in slower overall movement. If your arms aren’t swinging, and it’s difficult to pick your feet up off the floor, you may start moving slower. Those around you may notice you look stiff and ask if something is wrong. It’s best to see your doctor if you notice your movements are different than they used to be.
Next: Here’s what causes Parkinson’s.
11. Parkinson’s is caused by low dopamine levels
Woman in a lab | Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images
Parkinson’s can go hand-in-hand with depression because it is caused by low dopamine levels. It is a progressive nervous system disorder. The nerve cells that generate dopamine die, causing the overall dopamine level to fall drastically, which leads to the symptoms of the disease. Since dopamine is responsible for sending signals to the part of the brain that controls movement, tremors, muscle stiffness, and more are used to diagnose the disease.
Next: Here’s when you should see a doctor.
12. Always see a doctor if you notice any abnormalities in your health
Woman visiting the doctor | Nensuria/iStock/Getty Images
If you notice a change in your motor skills, movement, or mood, it’s important to see a doctor. The brain has everything to do with this, so regardless of whether it’s Parkinson’s, it is always best to get checked out if something seems wrong. If more than one symptom is apparent, definitely consult your doctor. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Next: What age is Parkinson’s diagnosed?
13. Parkinson’s is typically diagnosed in late middle-age
Man talking to a doctor | Seb_ra/iStock/Getty Images
The most common age for diagnosis is around 60. But while 60 is the typical diagnosis age, everyone is different. Some people have symptoms as early as 40 — and sometimes even younger. Everyone’s case is different, so if you notice any symptoms, see a doctor no matter what.
Next: Here are your chances of being diagnosed.
14. You have about a 1 in 100 chance of being diagnosed
Doctor looking at x-rays | sudok1/Getty Images
About 1 in 100 people over the age of 60 are diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Research has indicated there are about one million people living with Parkinson’s in the United States. The disease is extremely rare for those younger than 60. But there are other diseases that express similar symptoms to Parkinson’s, so the disease can sometimes be misdiagnosed.
Next: What is the life expectancy for someone with Parkinson’s?
15. With proper treatment, life expectancy looks very good
Doctors looking at x-rays | Win McNamee/Getty Images
If those with Parkinson’s receive proper treatment, their life expectancy is similar to those without the disease. The earlier it is detected, the better the treatment options. But one thing to note is that falls become extremely risky during later stages of the disease. Bones are more fragile, and falls are more common due to balance issues. According to Healthline, falls can lead to an earlier death because of injury complications.
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