Parkinson's disease is a progressive brain condition in which cells are lost in the area of the brain that is responsible for movement and motor function. Because of the deficiency of the chemical in the brain called dopamine, medication combinations are used to combat the effects of the disease. Levodopa, Comtan, Eldpryl and Artane are common medication choices. There is no cure. With the help of medication and physical therapy, Parkinson's patients can expect to live longer, healthier lives than before.
Facial Expression Changes
One of the first signs of Parkinson's disease is changes in facial expression. This could be as subtle as noticeable staring, or the setting of the eyes on a far off object. It could also be the inability to make eye contact during conversation. While most people blink throughout the day, many Parkinson's patients are unable to do so. This is an obvious trait that starts off subtly at the onset of the disease and can progressively get worse.
Rigidity
Rigidity is also referred to as the inability to move joints and body parts freely and smoothly. When muscles become tense or painful, they may appear to lock up. At this point the body has a hard time moving freely and effortlessly. Some Parkinson's patients may appear as though they are struggling to move and that is because it is impossible to do so. The neck, arms, legs and lower back are the most affected, especially early on.
Posture
At first glance someone's posture may be an indication they are suffering from Parkinson's. Some professionals call it the "Parkinson's Gait." This is where the person is hunched over and remains hunched over as she stands and walks. She may also showcase other symptoms such as a failure to swing an arm while walking. One arm may move freely while the other is rigid and locked in place against the body.
Frozen Movements
Another early sign of onset Parkinson's may be frozen movements or the inability to continue on. A Parkinson's sufferer may be walking fine and then all of a sudden just freeze in the middle of a walk or run. This is the brain's motor function locking up or malfunctioning---causing severe strain on the brain and instantly affecting the patient.
Twitches and Tremors
Many people report early onset symptoms of twitches and tremors throughout the body. While others do not exhibit any other type of symptom, they may find small twitches in their pinky finger or thumbs that appear several years before debilitating symptoms appear. Because Parkinson's disease generally presents full-blown symptoms in the mid- to late 60s, twitches and tremors can appear as early as someone's 30s. As the disease begins to progress into more advanced stages, the twitches may turn into uncontrollable tremors that make the body unable to function properly.
