Having trouble sleeping, losing your sense of smell and developing small handwriting can all be early signs of Parkinson's Disease, according to experts. According to Parkinson's UK, Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition and around 145,000 people live with Parkinson’s in the UK. It is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world
There are more than 40 symptoms of Parkinson's and according to the NHS the main ones are tremors, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness. But Parkinson's UK says there are also 10 early symptoms which could indicate the onset of the disease.
Anyone who feels they may have a problem should see their GP for a professional opinion and advice.
The 10 early symptoms of Parkinson's listed by the experts are:
- Problems with your sleep
- Losing your sense of smell
- Small handwriting
- Constipation and bladder problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Tremor
- Slowness of movement
- Rigidity
On small handwriting the organisation says: "Because of changes in the brain, people with Parkinson’s can find that their movements become smaller and less forceful than before. This can lead to someone’s handwriting becoming smaller than it previously was or gradually getting smaller as they write."
They add: "You or another person might have certain signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s, but it doesn’t mean that you or they have the condition. It’s always best to talk to your GP first and they can refer you to a specialist if your symptoms need further investigation.
Tremors, muscle stiffness and slowness of movement are all common early symptoms of Parkinson's – but there are also other signs to be aware of. "
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a person may experience signs in their feet and toes, reports The Mirror. The health site warned of “muscle twitching, spasms or cramps.”
It adds: “You may experience a painful cramp in your foot or curled and clenched toes.”
Swelling is also a common problem for people with Parkinson’s, according to Parkinson’s UK, especially those with movement difficulties. The health charity said: “If you don’t exercise very much, fluid can build up in the feet, ankles and lower legs. This is known as oedema.
“Ankle swelling is also a side effect of some Parkinson’s medication. While the swelling is usually mild, some people describe their legs as feeling heavy.
They may also have difficulty putting on shoes because they feel tighter than usual. "Wearing footwear that can be loosened during the course of the day may help, but it is important to make sure your shoes still hold firmly onto your feet to avoid the risk of falling.”
Although there's currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, treatments are available to help reduce the main symptoms and maintain quality of life. “You may not need any treatment during the early stages of Parkinson's disease, as symptoms are usually mild,” says the NHS.
The national health body added: “But you may need regular appointments with your specialist so your condition can be monitored. As the condition progresses, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease can get worse and it can become increasingly difficult to carry out everyday activities without help.”
