Picking up on Parkinson’s

One problem with Parkinson’s disease is that it often takes years before it’s diagnosed. Looking back, people realized they missed early warning signs.

“Because it is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that goes through several stages,” says Nathalie Grondin, who is a physical therapist with Lee Memorial Health System.

There is no single defining symptom of Parkinson’s disease; rather, a combination of warning signs. Perhaps the most typical is shaking or tremors.

“There’s a very specific type of tremor, they call it a pill-rolling tremor it typically will start in one hand and it will start at rest,” says Grondin.

Another change is often overlooked…

“The early indicators could be changes in handwriting, very small and shaky handwriting,” says Grondin.

Since Parkinson’s affects the part of the brain that controls movement, changes in walking could be another tip-off.

“There will be a shuffling gait. A person wants to move and their feet get stuck. That’s often a hallmark,” says Grondin.

A quiet voice and masked or muted facial expressions are other classic signs.

Getting a Parkinson’s diagnosis is only the beginning. The earlier it’s confirmed, the sooner people can get help. Unlike years past, when it was passively treated with medication, todays Parkinson’s patients are encouraged to be proactive.

“It’s been proven that with regular exercise, activity targeted towards specific problems that a person can actually slow the progression of Parkinson’s,” says Grondin.

Picking up on Parkinson’s as soon as possible enables people to navigate life putting their best foot forward.

Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

[helensmith]

also non motor symptoms are often present for years before diagnosis. apathy, fatigue, lack of stamina, sleep disorders, anxiety, all vague and rarely put together until advanced.

[OneDrunkenLizard]

I have all the symptoms as others here have mentioned the same. I saw a neurologist who said it may be anxiety due to all I went through last year. Or it could be my anxiety meds, which I have cut down on. But all the symptoms are still there. Are lip tremors (top and bottom) where it looks like I'm saying mama, but I'm not, a symptoms as well? This comes about after a certain pertain period of talking with someone.

[RealDJDXM]

I searched Google and there's nothing for masked or muted facial expression

[sarahlund-ntkw]

Am I the only one watching this, thinking about how patronizing the lady reporter sounds? It's the way she's talking, and in a overly-happy voice.

[princeorakzai]

Please help me im 31 years parkinson's disease

[horbaxtomero]

I want to appreciate Dr Madida from youtube whom helped me reversed all the neurological symptoms of Parkinson disease

[keitymarley]

Parkinson disease is a very terrible illness, my Dad suffered from it for 19 years until we finally got a help and a medicine that truly works that helped treat, cure and reversed all his symptoms••My Dad is completely okay and healthy now.