Parkinson’s disease is a progresive disease that impacts a patient’s central nervous system, gradually slowing body movement. While Parkinson’s is not curable, the symptoms are manageable through proper medications under close supervision of a medical doctor. Though the primary origin of the disease is unknown, some of the causes include genetic inheritance, exposure to toxins, and the presence of Lewy bodies in the brain. According to research, Parkinson’s disease affects more male than female patients.
Parkinson’s disease is identifiable through the following early warning symptoms:

1. Decreased facial expression
Often an early warning symptom, the face might lose its automatic expressions like smiling, blinking, and moving the jaw. It may be subtle at first, but with time, it may become more apparent and permanent.

2. Arms that don’t swing when walking
In the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, the motion of arms when walking starts to decrease, making coordination troublesome and putting the patient at risk of falling and injury. This is caused primarily due to the rigidity of the limbs and poor motor coordination skills that set in as the condition advances.

3. Tremors
Tremors are among the first noticeable signs of Parkinson’s and most often affect the limbs, primarily the hands. During the onset of the disease, uncontrolled tremors or shaking are seen in one hand or one leg. This may be subtle at first, but as the condition progresses, the tremors also increase. However, when one is asleep or moving, the shaking stops. Stress often makes the situation worsen.

4. Rigid muscles and stiffness
The rigidity of muscles can occur due to uncontrolled tension within, causing muscles to be unable to relax normally. These rigid muscles and stiffness can impede body mobility beyond a specific range and can also be painful.

5. Slower movement and decreased mobility
Bradykinesia comes with time and makes simple movements of the limbs difficult. Simple actions, like getting out of the chair or even walking can become slow and painful.

Although Parkinson’s has no cure, treatment is available to help manage the condition. Currently, there is no specific diagnosis for Parkinson’s. However, a series of tests, scans, and assessments of symptoms eliminate other possibilities. Once the doctor is sure of the diagnosis, they can recommend the necessary medication based on the signs and how advanced the disease is. Often speech and physical therapy are prescribed together with lifestyle changes to incorporate regular aerobic exercises.

Medications for Parkinson’s usually top up dopamine levels to help improve mobility and cognitive issues. Every medication has its side effects, and those that treat Parkinson’s also have theirs. Some of the common side effects of Parkinson’s drugs include headaches, hallucination, hyperactivity, and involuntary muscle movements called dyskinesias, which can range from spasms to jerking the affected part after years of taking medication. Dyskinesia however, can be managed by adjusting doses of dopamine medications.