Why Is Early Diagnosis Important in Parkinson's Disease?
There is no apparent cure for Parkinson’s, as the degenerated nerve cells cannot be repaired. But according to doctors, mild symptoms of Parkinson’s disease start very early before it becomes noticeably worse. Diagnosing the disease in its initial phases may change the patient's life and future completely for the better. At this stage, one might be able to do the needful to reverse the disease or halt the disease's progression without further advancement. This is why understanding the symptoms helps one read the possible signs and reach out for medical assistance at the earliest.
What Are the Stages of Disease Progression in Parkinson's Disease?
Brain cells communicate with each other using electrical signals and certain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. In Parkinson’s disease, the cells that produce the neurotransmitter- dopamine get damaged over time. This affects the individual's ability to move, maintain body balance, and more.
At the time of diagnosis, doctors always refer to the patient’s condition regarding the stages of Parkinson’s disease. One may go through five stages:
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Prodromal Stage - This stage starts many years before the individual starts to experience the obvious symptoms of Parkinson’s. Identifying them early is crucial for better treatment outcomes.
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Stage 1 - Where the individual can perform almost all the day-to-day activities independently. Only there may be small changes in walking (gait), posture, and facial expression. Symptoms may be appreciated only on one side of the body.
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Stage 2 - Starts to find it hard to perform activities of daily living. One may have noticeable tremors in the body. Both sides may get affected.
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Stage 3 - Most activities require assistance from somebody. Starts to suffer problems with muscular coordination and balancing the body. Becomes more prone to falls.
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Stage 4 - Cannot walk without assistance. Swallowing and balancing become major issues. One may need full-time nursing assistance.
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Stage 5 - The ability to move around becomes practically nil. Have to depend on a wheelchair.
How to Evaluate Parkinson's at Home?
There are no specific lab tests or screening available to diagnose Parkinson's. Doctors assess the symptoms typical for the disease to reach a diagnosis. If an individual or someone in the family suspects Parkinson’s, they may conduct a self-check to look for the following signs:
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Subtle vibrations known as tremors may be present in the arms and legs. The individual's head may show tremors, too, especially on the chin part.
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Walking becomes very slow and difficult. Tend to take shorter strides with shuffling of steps.
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Overall, movements become slow, and even simple day-to-day tasks turn cumbersome.
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Tend to walk with the body hunched forward, may lose balance, and fall often.
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Achy, rigid, and stiff muscles of arms and legs.
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Individuals stay lethargic and ill at ease often.
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Tend to stay depressed and worried without reason.
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Speech lacks clarity. It turns monotonous, fast, and unintelligible.
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Chewing food and swallowing it becomes harder.
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Inability to appreciate smells in general.
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Finds it hard to draw or write legibly.
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Has a tendency for twitching and jerking the legs day and night (restless leg syndrome).
What Are the Early Signs to Watch Out for Concerning Parkinson's Disease?
The prodromal phase of the disease is said to start many years before the actual symptoms set in. Following are a few of the signs that may be suggestive of Parkinson's on its way:
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Tremors - If one shows barely noticeable fine vibrations in the hands or just on the thumb while sitting idle, it may be a warning sign. Fine tremors may be appreciated in the chin as well.
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Problem With the Sense of Smell - Though one might lose the sense of smell temporarily with a cold or stuffy nose, it should be alright within a few days. But if one persistently has trouble catching the smell of certain things like food items, it should ring a bell.
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Handwriting Getting Smaller - Generally, anybody's handwriting is viable to subtle changes over the years. However, if one happens to look at one’s own handwritten scripts from early years and finds that the size of letters has grown considerably small these days, it could be a sign of Parkinson's (micrographia). Also, one may see the letters and words in a sentence look clumped together.
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Changes in the Way of Walking - A friend or family member may comment on one’s walking as ‘something is different. Meaning that there is a new stiffness in the way one walks with no arm swinging and steps very short. One may look like the feet are glued to the floor while walking.
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Sleep Issues - One may stay restless with sudden jerky movements even in a deep sleep. Apart from the normal tossing in bed, one tends to do quick, jerky movements with the legs from time to time.
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Changes With Speech - As mentioned above, a cold or chest congestion may alter one’s voice pattern temporarily, but it should revert to normal in a few days. If the people around start to notice there are changes in one’s pitch and modulation of voice, it is worth consulting.
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Facial Masking - It only means always projecting a serious face. Again, this is something others might notice about an individual. They look more glum, depressed, moody, or angry though it has nothing to do with the person’s mood. If the face keeps holding the staring or mad look, one should check it out with the doctor.
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Trouble Passing Stools - One may suffer constipation with poor fluid intake, a low-fiber diet, or a sedentary lifestyle. But if emptying the bowels requires a lot of straining on one’s part regularly, it should be evaluated. Chances are, it is an early sign of Parkinson’s.
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Slouching Posture - Despite the aches, pains, or joint-related problems in the body, if one has trouble standing erect, it may be an early sign of Parkinson’s. One may stoop or slouch while standing with shoulders and neck bent forward.
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Fainting Spells - Several health conditions can make one dizzy or giddy while getting up from a bed or chair. But if the fainting spells continue without resolving, it may indicate Parkinson’s is on the way.
Conclusion:
Often, the early signs of Parkinson’s are detected by the friends or family members of the affected individual. Even then, the symptoms may get misjudged as some other health condition. Some may take them for granted as typical features of aging too. A neurologist is the right person to distinguish the signs of Parkinson’s and come to a conclusive diagnosis. Do not ignore the signs if one shows difficulty with walking or has tremors and balancing issues. Because getting early help works wonders in reducing the burden of diseases.
