Do I Have Early Symptoms Of Parkinson’s?

Does your handle tremble often?

Has your handwriting changed?

Have you noticed a loss of smell?

Do you have trouble sleeping?

Do you feel stiffness in your joints?

Have you noticed a change in your voice?

Though shaking is considered normal after an intense bout of exercise or any other intense physical activity, tremors in your hands and finger while they are at rest, is an early sign of Parkinson's. This symptom could apply for other conditions too, still, it's best you check with your doctor before you rule out Parkinson's as a possible cause.

As we get older, our handwriting may change because of joint stiffness and poor vision. But if the handwriting has gotten significantly smaller or if you're writing more words per page, causing them to look crowded, you are at risk of developing Parkinson's in a few years. This symptom is called micrographia.

You could lose your sense of smell due to a cold, flu, or other conditions. But this should come back to normal as soon as the condition goes away and as you feel better. However, if the loss of smell persists, you're at risk for Parkinson's. In fact, you may not be able to smell even the most common foods such as bananas or dill pickles.

Sleep problems can occur due to many reasons, out of which some may be temporary like stress while the others can be more lasting and may require treatment such as those of sleep apnea. However, when you act out your dreams or tend to thrash around a lot in your deep sleep, it could indicate an early sign of Parkinson's. Your partner may be able to tell you the different reactions you have while asleep because you probably won't remember them when you get up as these took place in your deep sleep stage. Nevertheless, these are early signs of Parkinson's.

Stiffness in joints and difficulty in moving them are early signs of Parkinson's. Sometimes, this feeling of stiffness goes away as you start moving and you may experience it only early in the mornings. People who have this condition have often complained that they feel like their feet are stuck to the floor. Though joint stiffness can indicate other conditions too, regular stiffness and inability to move especially in the mornings, are sure signs of Parkinson'sand you should consult a doctor right away.

Changes in your voice can indicate parkinsons. If your voice has become softer or hoarser, check with your doctor. Though conditions like cold and cough can contribute to voice changes, these are temporary and should go away with time. If it is lasting, it could indicate parkinsons.

Lack of changes in your voice alone doesn't give you a big picture. Check with your doctor if you have joint stiffness, hand tremors, or anything that you feel has changed significantly in the last few months.