Parkinson’s disease is a disorder affecting the brain and nervous system, characterized by inadvertent movements, stiffness, and lack of coordination. The disease typically affects senior citizens, with 5-10% of patients experiencing the symptoms before age 50. Several studies have linked the onset of the disease to specific genetic mutations. Parkinson’s occurs when nerve cells in the basal ganglia, which produce dopamine and facilitate movement, begin getting destroyed. Here are some early signs of Parkinson’s disease:

Loss of balance
The basal ganglia is typically responsible for motor control, ensuring that balance is reflexive. However, individuals with Parkinson’s disease experience problems with the basal ganglia. Consequently, the frontal cortex of the brain, which is responsible for thinking, takes over to regulate balance. However, this process does not occur automatically, so individuals with this disease have to exert efforts to achieve balance. Loss of balance is among the early symptoms of the condition.

Muscle stiffness
Parkinson’s disease is associated with reduced dopamine levels, which is believed to cause muscle movement issues and give rise to rigidity and stiffness. This stiffness may occur in the arms, legs, hips, and shoulders and can significantly affect daily activities like walking.

Tremors
Individuals with Parkinson’s disease may experience slow, continuous tremors in their muscles, typically while they are stationary. Moreover, these tremors often begin on one side of the body and may spread rapidly. The damaged basal ganglia cause these tremors and primarily affect five body parts – hands, feet, tongue, jaw, and chest or abdomen.

Sleep problems
Certain other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including tremors and stiffness, are likely to cause problems with sleep, particularly insomnia.

Tiny handwriting
Loss of balance and coordination can trigger problems with writing, causing one’s handwriting to become extremely small and illegible. This sign is referred to as micrographia.

Stooping and problems with posture
Posture issues can also be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease. Individuals at the nascent stages of the disease may experience sudden, abnormal slouching and the inability to stand erect.

Problems with bladder control
Patients with Parkinson’s disease may face issues like a sudden urge to use the washroom and having to visit the washroom frequently at night. Such bladder control issues, when accompanied by other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, may indicate the onset of the disorder.

Anxiety
Feelings of anxiety are linked to the onset of this degenerative disorder. Individuals with the condition may experience constant worry, inability to concentrate, sweating, increased palpitations, and other such anxiety symptoms.

Fatigue
About 50% of individuals with Parkinson’s disease are affected by fatigue. This fatigue is often intermittent, with patients feeling fit and healthy on one day and extremely tired on another. Many patients are also affected by mental fatigue and loss of focus.

Living alone with Parkinson’s can be challenging for seniors. Those with severe symptoms can consider moving into independent adult living facilities. These facilities provide patients with the care they need and help them connect with those facing similar conditions. As Parkinson’s progresses, the staff at the facility assist members with everyday activities, such as bathing, getting dressed, shopping, laundry, cooking, washing up, and cleaning. Speaking to a healthcare professional can help one decide the best living environment.