World Brain Day: 6 early signs of Parkinson’s disease that everyone should know about

Parkinson’s disease can severely affect a person’s psychological well-being. The disease lowers the body’s natural levels of dopamine, which can cause changes in mood and behaviour.

Some psychological symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease include:

• Depression
• Confusion
• Difficulty making plans or staying organized
• Reduced problem-solving ability
• Anxiety 
• Psychosis

Tremors are considered a key characteristic sign of Parkinson’s disease by most healthcare professionals. Tremors involve a persistent twitching or shaking of the hands, legs, or chin. When associated with Parkinson’s disease, they are also called "rest tremors".

Read more: Hand tremors

This means that the tremors stop when a person uses the affected body part. Tremors are very subtle when they first appear. At this stage, the person experiencing the tremors is usually the only one who notices them but they gradually worsen as the disease progresses.

Changes in the volume and quality of a person’s voice is another early sign of Parkinson’s disease. Vocal changes may involve speaking in a softer tone, or starting to speak at a usual volume and then the voice becomes softer or fades away. In other cases, a person might lose the usual variation in the volume and tone of their voice, so that the voice appears monotonous.

People who have Parkinson’s disease may notice changes in their posture due to muscle rigidity. Parkinson’s affects control of automatic activities, so posture changes may occur without the brain's automatic reminders to stand up straight. These changes may include stooped or rounded shoulders, decreased low back curve or forward lean of the head or whole body, making you look hunched over.

Read more: Exercises to improve your posture

Slowness of movement (Bradykinesia) is one of the cardinal manifestations of Parkinson's disease. Bradykinesia causes a variety of symptoms, such as stiffness of the limbs and slow movements. A person with Parkinson's might walk slower or have difficulty starting a movement. However, this symptom does not affect muscle strength.

People with Parkinson’s disease often have a reduced ability to make facial expressions. This is called facial masking or hypomimia, and can be linked to bradykinesia. This happens because the muscles of the face move more slowly or rigidly than usual.

It is important to be vigilant about these symptoms - remember, early diagnosis of Parkinson’s is crucial. Getting appropriate medication on time goes a long way in controlling the progression of the disease.

One must not ignore these signs and go to the nearest healthcare professional to get a proper diagnosis. Despite there not being a cure yet, different treatment approaches have proven to be highly effective in improving symptoms and quality of life. These treatments include supportive therapies such as physiotherapy and medication.