Parkinson's disease symptoms

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and can cause various motor and non-motor symptoms. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease may vary from person to person and can change over time. Some common symptoms of Parkinson's disease include:

1. Tremors: A hallmark symptom of Parkinson's is resting tremors, which typically start in the hands, fingers, or sometimes the chin, lips, or legs.
2. Bradykinesia: This refers to slow movement and a gradual decrease in the ability to initiate and perform physical movements.
3. Muscle rigidity: Stiffness and inflexibility of muscles, making movements difficult and resulting in reduced range of motion.
4. Postural instability: Impaired balance and coordination, leading to a tendency to fall or have difficulty maintaining an upright posture.
5. Akinesia: Reduced facial expressions and loss of spontaneous movements, resulting in a "masked face" appearance.
6. Shuffling gait: A small, shuffling steps and difficulty with walking and turning, often accompanied by reduced arm swing.
7. Freezing episodes: Brief episodes where a person temporarily feels stuck and unable to move, often triggered by stress or tight spaces.
8. Micrographia: Handwriting becomes progressively smaller and more cramped.
9. Speech changes: Softening of voice, slurred speech, or a monotone voice.
10. Non-motor symptoms: Parkinson's disease can also cause non-motor symptoms, such as cognitive changes (memory and thinking problems), depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, constipation, and loss of smell (anosmia).

It's important to note that not everyone with Parkinson's disease will experience all of these symptoms, and the progression of the disease can vary among individuals. Early diagnosis and proper management by healthcare professionals, including neurologists, can help improve the quality of life for people living with Parkinson's disease. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms suggestive of Parkinson's disease, it's crucial to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.