A disease that can affect all ages is Parkinson’s. Unfortunately, there is still no standard diagnostic test for the disease, as well as no cure or known cause. While each person may experience a variety of different symptoms, there are a common combination of warning signs which indicate if someone is experiencing the early stages of Parkinson’s.
The following are the warning signs of the early stages of Parkinson’s disease:
- Loss of smell – This early sign typically appears years prior to other cognitive or motor symptoms begin to occur. If your love one clearly can’t smell the aroma of home cooking or the scent of perfume or cologne, he or she may be experiencing the early stages of Parkinson’s.
- Shaking or tremors – According to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, perpetual shaking or twitching of the limbs or mouth area may be an early indication of Parkinson’s.
- Significant change in handwriting – If you’ve noticed that your loved one’s handwriting is much smaller with words more crowded together than they would normally write, it may be an early sign of the disease.
- Difficulty moving – If your loved one experiences stiffness that doesn’t disappear when he or she gets up to move, it may be an early indication of Parkinson’s. Other early symptoms include pain and stiffness in shoulders and hips, preventing them from swinging their arms as they walk, as well as constant stooping, slouching and leaning.
- Complications with sleeping – Early signs of the disease can be contributed to lack of sleep, sudden movements while sleeping, experiencing vivid dreams that forces them to wake up.
- Depression – Feeling depressed or anxious more often than before can be a symptom of Parkinson’s.
- Dizziness – Constant dizziness can be due to low blood pressure, which may be connected to Parkinson’s disease.
- Softer voice – If you’re loved one’s voice seems a lot calmer than usual, this condition is known as hypophonia, which is a common indication of Parkinson’s disease.
Contact All Seasons Residential Assisted Living and request more information about Parkinson’s and our facilities today!