Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Very First Sign Of Parkinson’s

Accept What You Can No Longer Do

Recognizing Early Signs of Parkinsons Disease – AARP Arizona

Over time, it may seem as though you are losing your independence because you can no longer do all the things you once did. As these losses occur, you will probably go through the five stages of grief identified by Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. They include denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Being aware of the issue or loss to which you are reacting will help you to move from one stage to another more easily.

No matter what your symptoms are, motor or non-motor symptoms, dont let Parkinsons beat you!

Can Parkinsons Disease Be Prevented

Unfortunately, no. Parkinsons disease is long-term disease that worsens over time. Although there is no way to prevent or cure the disease , medications may significantly relieve your symptoms. In some patients especially those with later-stage disease, surgery to improve symptoms may be an option.

Early Signs Of Parkinsons: Masking

Masking refers to muted facial expressions. Early Parkinsons patients will often have facial expressions that appear flat or even out of context. They may also have inconsistent or lack of eye blinking. These facial changes in expression and movement are largely unknown to the person experiencing them. Masking is therefore usually first noticed by those around you. Having others tell you that you often appear to lack emotion or seem upset when you are not is an early warning that you might be experiencing Parkinsons disease. Masking is often the first sign of the Parkinsonian symptom known as bradykinesia, the slowing of movement. As the disease progresses and bradykinesia worsens, it may become hard to initiate voluntary movement. Masking is, therefore, a particularly important early sign of Parkinsons to be on the lookout for.

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What Is The Outlook For Persons With Parkinsons Disease

Although there is no cure or absolute evidence of ways to prevent Parkinsons disease, scientists are working hard to learn more about the disease and find innovative ways to better manage it, prevent it from progressing and ultimately curing it.

Currently, you and your healthcare teams efforts are focused on medical management of your symptoms along with general health and lifestyle improvement recommendations . By identifying individual symptoms and adjusting the course of action based on changes in symptoms, most people with Parkinsons disease can live fulfilling lives.

The future is hopeful. Some of the research underway includes:

  • Using stem cells to produce new neurons, which would produce dopamine.
  • Producing a dopamine-producing enzyme that is delivered to a gene in the brain that controls movement.
  • Using a naturally occurring human protein glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor, GDNF to protect dopamine-releasing nerve cells.

Many other investigations are underway too. Much has been learned, much progress has been made and additional discoveries are likely to come.

Causes Of Early Onset Parkinsons Disease

Early Parkinsons : Diagnosing Parkinson

Its unclear exactly what causes Parkinsons at any age. Genetic factors, environmental factors, or some combination of the two may play a role. This condition occurs when cells are lost in the part of the brain that produces dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for sending brain signals that control movement.

Certain genes are associated with early onset Parkinsons.

According to the National Parkinson Foundation, studies show that 65 percent of people with Parkinsons who experience onset before age 20 may do so because of a genetic mutation. This organization also suggests this mutation affects 32 percent of people who experience onset between age 20 and 30.

Environmental causes of the condition may include exposure to chemical toxins such as certain insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes Parkinsons as a disease caused by exposure to Agent Orange. Agent Orange is a synthetic chemical herbicide that was used to spray vegetation and trees during the Vietnam War.

You may have a higher risk of developing Parkinsons if you:

  • are a man

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Do This If You Suspect A Problem

Not sure if what you’re experiencing is related to Parkinson’s? The Parkinson’s Foundation explains that “No single one of these signs means you should worry about having PD, but if you have more than one sign, you should consider making an appointment to talk to your doctor.” If they, too, suspect a problem, they can refer you to a neurologist, connect you with other specialists including physical therapists or occupational therapists, and help you plan for lifestyle changes that will keep you healthier longer.

Surgery For People With Parkinsons Disease

Deep brain stimulation surgery is an option to treat Parkinsons disease symptoms, but it is not suitable for everyone. There are strict criteria and guidelines on who can be a candidate for surgery, and this is something that only your doctor and you can decide. Surgery may be considered early or late in the progression of Parkinsons. When performing deep-brain stimulation surgery, the surgeon places an electrode in the part of the brain most effected by Parkinsons disease. Electrical impulses are introduced to the brain, which has the effect of normalising the brains electrical activity reducing the symptoms of Parkinsons disease. The electrical impulse is introduced using a pacemaker-like device called a stimulator. Thalamotomy and pallidotomy are operations where the surgeon makes an incision on part of the brain. These surgeries aim to alleviate some forms of tremor or unusual movement, but they are rarely performed now.

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Less Common Premotor Symptoms

The CARD symptoms are the most common early symptoms of Parkinsons disease.

However, some patients may have other early symptoms as well.

They are important to know. These symptoms may be dismissed as vague or strange at first.

5 less common pre-motor symptoms
  • Back pain with no apparent cause
  • Cramping of hands or feet
  • Fatigue
  • Subtle problems in using hands for fine jobs like typing or cooking
  • How Is Constipation An Early Warning Sign Of Parkinson’s It’s Such A Common Problem

    Recognizing Early Signs of Parkinsons Disease

    A: It’s not as specific as other prodromal symptoms, like anosmia. The rate at which people with chronic and unexplained problems with constipation develop Parkinson’s disease is not as easy to pin down. But if someone has unexplained, persistent constipation, it should at least be noted, as it could be considered prodromal.

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    Who Is Affected By Tremor

    About 70% of people with Parkinsons experience a tremor at some point in the disease. Tremor appears to be slightly less common in younger people with PD, though it is still one of the most troublesome symptoms. People with resting tremor usually have a more slowly progressing course of illness than people without tremor.

    Once The Initial Shock Of My Diagnosis Wore Off I Took A Good Look At My Life And The Way I Wanted To Live It

    In early 2018, I realized that my sons needed a strong mother, and I was not going to let them come home to a mom who had given up on herself. I had to start focusing on the one thing I could control: slowing the progression of my symptoms.

    Along with medication, exercise is a huge part of that, so I started taking boxing classes designed for people living with Parkinsons disease to help improve my balance, agility, and hand-eye coordination. I usually attend class at least three times a week and jog on the beach. I also paint with my youngest son. We cherish this time together, even though much of the paint ends up on our clothes and not the canvas!

    Finally, Ive let go of mom guilt. Living with Parkinsons disease, I cant take the kids to school, take a boxing class, pick up groceries for dinner, see the doctor, go back and pick up the kids, and then take my son to jiu jitsu classesId simply be too wiped out. So, I plan accordingly.

    “I realized that my sons needed a strong mother, and I was not going to let them come home to a mom who had given up on herself.”

    It also helps that I have a large support system: Ive found others living with Parkinsons disease, I attend support groups and see a therapist, and I work with the Parkinsons Foundation as a social media ambassador and blogger to help others like me. Few people know about young onset Parkinsons disease, which is why Im passionate about telling my story so that others know they arent alone in this battle.

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    Early Detection Is Important

    Some people never share with their doctor a subtle symptom, such as a periodic involuntary jerk of a finger, because it doesnt cross their minds as something worrisome.But Dr. Joseph advises not to wait until symptoms progress to get checked out. That finger jerk could progress into a full-blown tremor.Dr. Joseph, who was inspired to treat patients with Parkinsons when she saw a deep brain stimulation procedure stop a patients tremor in medical school, wants you to know that its normal to feel scared about having symptoms evaluated for a possible Parkinsons diagnosis.But she encourages you to be brave and get an exam for this important reason: People who start Parkinsons treatment earlier have less disability and longer lifespans!

    The First Motor Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease

    10 Early Signs of Parkinson

    When people ask what are the early signs and symptoms of PD? the answer they are typically expecting is one that involves motor symptoms. Early motor symptoms of PD can be a subtle rest tremor of one of the arms or hands . A rest tremor is one that occurs when the limb is completely at rest. If the tremor occurs when the limb is suspended against gravity or actively moving, this may still be a sign of PD, but may also be a sign of essential tremor.

    The initial motor symptom of PD may be a sense of stiffness in one limb, sometimes interpreted as an orthopedic problem . This sense of stiffness may be noted when a person is trying to get on his/her coat for example. A person may also experience a sense of slowness of one hand or a subtle decrease in dexterity of one hand. For example, it may be hard to manipulate a credit card out of a wallet or perform a fast, repetitive motor task such as whisking an egg. A person may notice that one arm does not swing when he/she walks or that one arm is noticeably less active than the other when performing tasks. Another motor sign may be a stoop with walking or a slowing down of walking. A family member may notice that the person blinks infrequently or has less expression in his/her face and voice.

    These motor symptoms may be very subtle. Bottom line if you are concerned that you may have an early motor or non-motor symptom of Parkinsons disease, make an appointment with a neurologist for a neurologic exam to discuss your concerns.

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    What Causes Parkinsons Movement Symptoms

    Dopamine is a chemical messenger that is primarily responsible for controlling movement, emotional responses and the ability to feel pleasure and pain. In people with Parkinsons, the cells that make dopamine are impaired. As Parkinsons progresses, more dopamine-producing brain cells die. Your brain eventually reaches a point where it stops producing dopamine in any significant amount. This causes increasing problems with movement.

    Page reviewed by Dr. Chauncey Spears, Movement Disorders Fellow at the University of Florida, a Parkinsons Foundation Center of Excellence.

    Benefits Of Home Care For Seniors With Parkinsons Disease

    Finding out your aging parent is suffering from Parkinsons disease is a truly life-changing moment for your parent and for you as their family caregiver.

    You suddenly find yourself at the beginning of what will likely be an extremely challenging care journey characterized by a wide variety of symptoms and limitations that can change quickly and without warning.

    You know that much of what you thought about your future and the future of your aging parent, or what you planned for the care you were going to give them is no longer applicable and you will need to change your approach to handle what they go through as they move through this disease.

    As you are dealing with this news and preparing yourself for the challenges that lay ahead for your parent and for you, one of the best decisions you can make for them is to start home care services. Having an elderly home care services provider in the home with your parent from as early as possible in the disease can make a tremendous difference in your parents quality of life, health, and well-being throughout the progression.

    Some benefits of starting home care services for a senior in the early stages of Parkinsons disease include:

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    What Are The Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease

    Symptoms of Parkinsons disease and the rate of decline vary widely from person to person. The most common symptoms include:

    Other symptoms include:

    • Speech/vocal changes: Speech may be quick, become slurred or be soft in tone. You may hesitate before speaking. The pitch of your voice may become unchanged .
    • Handwriting changes: You handwriting may become smaller and more difficult to read.
    • Depression and anxiety.

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    What Causes Parkinsons Disease

    Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease | Cedars-Sinai

    Parkinsons disease occurs when nerve cells in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra become impaired or die. These cells normally produce dopamine, a chemical that helps the cells of the brain communicate . When these nerve cells become impaired or die, they produce less dopamine. Dopamine is especially important for the operation of another area of the brain called the basal ganglia. This area of the brain is responsible for organizing the brains commands for body movement. The loss of dopamine causes the movement symptoms seen in people with Parkinsons disease.

    People with Parkinsons disease also lose another neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. This chemical is needed for proper functioning of the sympathetic nervous system. This system controls some of the bodys autonomic functions such as digestion, heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. Loss of norepinephrine causes some of the non-movement-related symptoms of Parkinsons disease.

    Scientists arent sure what causes the neurons that produce these neurotransmitter chemicals to die.

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    Other Clues To Diagnosis

    The study also noted that other conditionslike type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, constipation, depression, and erectile dysfunctionwere also more likely to be seen in people who were later diagnosed with Parkinsons.

    Simonet said that providers may need to ask their patients about these symptoms as well.

    Patients sometimes are not aware of non-motor symptomssuch as constipation, depression, or erectile dysfunctionbeing common manifestations of Parkinsons, said Simonet. Therefore, they will not report these symptoms to their GP. That is why direct questioning is so important.

    When the researchers looked at medical records of patients with Parkinsons in the UK Biobank they saw the same findings.

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    Mood And Mental Problems

    • Deal with depression. If you are feeling sad or depressed, ask a friend or family member for help. If these feelings dont go away, or if they get worse, talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to suggest someone for you to talk to. Or your doctor may give you medicine that will help.
    • Deal with dementia. Dementia is common late in Parkinsons disease. Symptoms may include confusion and memory loss. If you notice that you are confused a lot or have trouble thinking clearly, talk to your doctor. There are medicines that can help dementia in people with Parkinsons disease.
    • depression and anxiety
    • mild cognitive impairment slight memory problems and problems with activities that require planning and organisation
    • dementia a group of symptoms, including more severe memory problems, personality changes, seeing things that are not there and believing things that are not true

    Stiffness In Walking Or Movements

    parkinson

    People often experience stiffness that is not due to exercise or lack of exercise. Some people have mentioned that they feel like their feet are stuck to the floor.

    The person may start taking smaller steps or dragging or shuffling their feet. They also may have difficulty gauging the size of steps to take. And things like the length of their stride can cause people to trip and fall.

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    Decrease In Facial Expressions

    The person may appear Frozen.

    He/she may appear to stare because blinking is reduced.

    He/she may fail to laugh when a joke is made. A person with Parkinsons understands the joke, but is unable to smile or laugh.

    In the same way, he/she may find it difficult to cry or express anger on their face.

    Humans sense facial emotions very quickly.

    Therefore, in retrospect, this is often recognized as an early symptom of Parkinsons disease by the patient or family members.

    Waking Up Early In The Morning Can Be An Early Sign Of Parkinson’s Disease

    According to a 2016 report by the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation , sleep problems are common among those diagnosed with PD. In particular, waking up early in the morning regardless of one’s quality or quantity of sleep may serve as an early sign of the disease.

    “Most people with Parkinson’s have trouble getting a good night’s sleep. Both disease symptoms and anti-Parkinson’s medications can interfere with sleep,” the foundation explains. “Whether it is a habit from old work schedules or because of a very early bedtime, people with Parkinson’s often wake up too early in the morning.”

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