In this article the Nomenial team speaks about three infallible signs to detect Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a disease produced by neurodegenerative impairment that damages the Central Nervous System. It is a chronic disease, and affects each person with it differently. It is not a fatal disease, meaning that the person affected will not die from Parkinson’s. The evolution can be very slow, or evolve more quickly. The speed with which the disease develops could be related to the detection of the disease. In other words, the sooner we detect it, the sooner we can start treatment and perhaps delay its development.
Three infallible signs to detect Parkinson’s disease: Diagnosis
PD is not easy to diagnose as the signs that occur at first are mild, unspecific and can lead to confusion. Moreover, in the first stage of Parkinson’s, typical symptoms such as tremor and stiffness are not usually present. That is why we consider it important to know the symptoms for the early detection of the disease, and to be able to treat it as soon as possible.
According to studies, the typical initial picture of PD shows the following symptoms:
1. Tremors start
Not only will tremors be detected, but also pain in the joints, difficulties in making movements, slight stiffness in the muscles, loss of balance and firmness of the gaze, and immobility of the features.
2. Calligraphy changes
Calligraphy can change and become small and irregular. So decisive is this sign that, according to Charcot, a famous French neurologist, when a diagnosis is in doubt, the handwriting should be analysed with a lens to verify the trembling line, especially at the beginning of the illness.
3. Change of character
Character varies in the early stages of the disease, so irritability or depression without apparent cause is common. Although they are usually non-specific, they often manifest themselves in various forms such as agitation, anxiety and/or seemingly unfounded fears.
Changes at the emotional level can present themselves in all three response systems: cognitive, physiological and motor, so the disease does not respond only in a physiological way, but also in a cognitive and motor way. The non-motor symptoms of PD, especially cognitive and psychiatric impairment, often produce greater limitations than the motor symptoms, causing significant disruption to patients’ family and social relationships.
These three symptoms can last for a long time before the classic signs confirming the development of the disease become apparent. It is therefore important to check them periodically.
I have some of these symptoms, what do I do now?
Usually, when a person detects the symptoms of Parkinson’s, they experience a sense of fear and loss of control. This state of alarm can lead to hasty ideas about the disease and may be more catastrophic than they really are. This is why it is essential to find out about PD, its course, symptoms and treatment.
It is important to focus attention on the present, on day-to-day life, and on continuing to carry out normal activities. However, it is important to combine rehabilitation therapy with maintaining current well-being for as long as possible. An effective way to keep informed about the services and benefits of rehabilitation therapies is through the Parkinson associations.
Three infallible signs to detect Parkinson’s disease: Conclusion
Although there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, one can manage it effectively by combining medication, cognitive stimulation, healthy lifestyle habits and psychological therapies to relieve emotional pressures and improve, as far as possible, the person’s quality of life.