Parkinson’s disease affects our nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by it. it a progressive disorder and symptoms start slowly. The early signs are barely noticeable such as tremor in one hand. With time, the condition may cause stiffness or slowing of movement. The early signs of Parkinson’s disease include little or no expression on face, no coordination between arms and legs while working.  You may experience difficulty speaking or slurred speech. The symptoms of Parkinson’s diseases progress over time and get worse. The truth is that there is no cure for this condition, but medication can improve the symptoms significantly. 

Parkinson’s disease symptoms

The signs and symptoms for Parkinson’s disease can be different for everyone. Early signs are usually hard to notice. Here we have quoted the possible signs of Parkinson’s diseases:

• Tremor – usually begins in hand or fingers but goes away if you rub your thumb and forefinger back and forth. In early days you might not notice it and the tremor may decrease while performing tasks.
• Slowed movement (bradykinesia) – after a certain period, your movements may slow down, and you may find completing simple tasks difficult and time-taking. For example, your steps may become shorter while walking or it become difficult to get out of a chair. 
• Rigid muscles – this is painful and may occur in any part of your body. 
• Impaired posture and balance – You may experience stooped posture or fall down or face balance problems.
• Loss of automatic movements – this disease reduces your ability to perform unconscious movement such as blinking or swinging your arms while walking.
• Speech changes – your speech may become slurry, or you may hesitate before talking. 
• Writing changes – you may find difficulty in writing and also your handwriting may become smaller.

Parkinson’s disease causes

The actual cause behind Parkinson’s disease is still unknown, but there are factors that may trigger the condition which include:

Genetics – Research shows that there are few specific genetic changes occur which lead Parkinson’s disease. But these common only if within a family many members are affected by Parkinson’s disease. 

Environmental triggers – it has been found that exposure to certain toxins or environmental factors may increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease. But the extent of risk is smaller. Parkinson’s disease risk factors

Parkinson’s disease risk factors

Although the causes are still unknown but there are certain risk factors that triggers Parkinson’s disease. These includes

• Age – surprisingly Parkinson’s disease usually begins in middle or late life, which gradually increases with age. The usual age of developing this disease is around age 60 or above. 
• Heredity – if any of your close family member have Parkinson’s disease, then you are at increased risk of developing it too. The risk is even bigger if you have multiple family members affected by this disease.
• Gender – the statistics shows that men are more likely to affected by this condition than women.
• Exposure to toxins – as mentioned above, continuous exposure to herbicides and pesticides may increase your risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease prevention

As the cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, there are no proven way to prevent this disease. Although some research shows that regular aerobic exercise reduces the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Some studies also shows that people who consume caffeine through coffee, or tea are at lesser risk of getting it. Green tea is also reducing the risk of developing this disease. However, how caffeine protects against getting Parkinson’s is still unknown. 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, get yourself checked from a specialist. Early detection can slow down the growth of this disease. At NHS Neurocare, we offer extensive care for the patients with Parkinson’s disease. Get in touch to know more about us.