Parkinson’s disease has been associated with hand tremors, difficulty in movement, difficulty speaking, and mental slowness. However, the disease progresses gradually, with some symptoms appearing even 10 years before diagnosis. What might be the early signs of developing Parkinson’s disease? How does the disease progress?
- Parkinson’s disease is usually diagnosed in people over 40 years of age
- The early signs of parkinson’s can be seen 10 years before diagnosis
- Research into the early signs of parkinson’s can help doctors identify the condition earlier and treat it more effectively
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Parkinson’s disease – how common is it?
Parkinson’s disease belongs to the group of degenerative diseases of the central nervous system. Due to its neurological background and the progressive degeneration of nerve cells, Parkinson’s disease leads to movement problems, involuntary trembling of the arm or leg, as well as memory impairment and depression. Therefore, it affects both the physical condition and the psyche of a person. According to statistics, the disease is found in about 1 percent. people aged 40–60 years. However, there are also cases in people under 40 years of age.
Parkinson’s disease is not cured and significantly reduces the quality of life. It is not a fatal disease, although some of its complications can be fatal. Many of the symptoms of the disease can be relieved and it is best to start treatment before they become very bothersome – treating Parkinson’s in the early stages is the least problematic. Therefore, early diagnosis of the disease is extremely important.
Diagnosing parkinson’s is not easy in the early stages of the disease, as the symptoms are initially unspecific. They can then be confused with other diseases or comorbidities. The most common signs of parkinson’s, such as hand tremors, don’t appear until the disease is well advanced.
In order to diagnose Parkinson’s disease, a neurological consultation is essential. You can now make an appointment with a neurologist at the doctor’s office.
The comorbidities and diseases associated with Parkinson’s disease include type 2 diabetes, hypertension and underweight.
What can the early symptoms of parkinson’s be?
The latest scientific research gives a better and better insight into the development of Parkinson’s disease. It turns out that the first symptoms that can be associated with this neurodegenerative disorder occur even 10 years before the patient receives a diagnosis.
Parkinson’s symptoms, which may appear years before diagnosis, include:
- resting tremor;
- mild cognitive impairment;
- epilepsy;
- hearing loss;
- seizures;
- movement difficulties and slowness;
- balance problems, stiffness and abnormal posture;
- progressive problems with daily activities;
- anxiety symptoms;
- symptoms of depression.
In what order can the next parkinson’s symptoms appear in a patient? The earliest, even 10 years before the diagnosis of the disease, may occur cognitive disorders, tremors, hearing loss and epilepsy. Seven years before diagnosis and in the following years, the likelihood of movement problems, tremors, and slight cognitive disorders is increasing. In the five years before diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, patients with movement problems, including imbalances, poor posture and stiffness, worsen. They are also associated with perceived difficulties in carrying out daily activities.
Epilepsy and hearing loss are relatively recently discovered risk factors for parkinson’s. Scientists have yet to identify the mechanisms behind the relationship between these symptoms and the disease, so more research is needed in this area.
The early symptoms of parkinson’s are also often mentioned constipation, fatigue, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, depression and anxiety symptoms. In their case, however, it is difficult to establish a direct link to Parkinson’s in the very early stages of the disease.
See also: Nervous system – structure, functions, the most common diseases and their diagnosis
The improvement of the functioning of the nervous system is positively influenced by an appropriate diet, which you can diversify with supplements:
- Vitamin D3 for the nervous system, muscles and bones;
- 200mg L-Theanine for the nervous system;
- Acetyl L-carnitine for the muscular and nervous system;
- Ashwagandha Forte 800 mg in capsules.