Parkinson's disease is a chronically progressive movement disorder. The four hallmark characteristics of Parkinson's disease are slow movement, muscular rigidity, tremors and impaired balance. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports more than 500,000 Americans are living with Parkinson's disease and 50,000 people are newly diagnosed annually. The early symptoms of Parkinson's disease are highly variable and subtle; they are often unrecognized until they progress to the point of interfering with daily life.
Mild Tremor
A Parkinsonian tremor is an unintentional rhythmic movement most commonly involving the hand--although it may first occur in the jaw or foot. People with Parkinsonian tremor often describe it as shakiness in the affected area. It usually starts in one location, so only one foot or hand will initially be tremorous. You may notice your hand starts to shake when you are not using it. The tremor characteristically improves or disappears when you intentionally move the affected hand or foot. Early on, the tremor may only appear with stress, excitement or tiredness.
Voice Changes
Voice changes can be an early symptom of Parkinson's disease. You may begin speaking more softly than usual. This can come to your attention when you realize people around you often ask you to speak up or repeat yourself because they have not heard you. Decreased inflection in your speech may lead to a monotonous quality to your voice. Others are likely to notice this change and bring it to your attention.
Handwriting Changes
Early Parkinson's may cause handwriting changes. You may notice your handwriting is smaller than it used to be or that it takes more effort to write. The movements of handwriting may seem less fluid than they used to be. Your handwriting may have a shaky quality.
Decreased Facial Expression
People around you may start questioning you about how you are feeling because you may be losing the normal range of expressiveness in your face. This subtle loss of expressiveness often causes people around you to think you are disinterested or sad.
Start Hesitation and Slowness
Parkinson's disease causes difficulty initiating intentional movements. There is a delay between deciding you want to move and the beginning of the movement. Early in the disease, this start hesitation may be quite brief, but still noticeable to you. People around you may comment or complain that you are slow in your tasks--taking too long to get dressed or perform other daily chores.
Muscle Aches, Cramps and Stiffness
Muscle rigidity--failure of the muscles to relax when not in use--is a hallmark symptom of Parkinson's disease. Early in the disease, you may notice your muscles are achy or stiff; you may have occasional muscle cramps.
Altered Walking Pattern
Parkinson's disease changes normal walking patterns. You may notice hesitation when you begin walking or that one foot is dragging. Your stride may get shorter, and your overall pace may be more hurried as a result.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Parkinson's Symptoms
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Parkinson's Disease Backgrounder
- American Parkinson Disease Association: Basic Information about Parkinson's Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Parkinson's Disease
