Early warning signs

Early Warning Signs of Parkinson’s

1. Loss of Smell You might find it harder to notice familiar scents such as bananas, dill pickles, or liquorice. This change in your sense of smell can happen many years before other symptoms appear.
2. Sleep Disturbances Changes in your sleep could include acting out your dreams, calling out, or experiencing uncontrolled movements like twitching or jerking of your legs during sleep. Some people also have trouble falling asleep or wake up during the night.
3. Gastrointestinal (GI) Issues You might experience unexplained constipation or bloating. These tummy troubles happen because your digestive system can slow down, which sometimes becomes worse even with a higher fibre diet.
4. Mood Fluctuations Later on, you may notice late-onset or unexplained episodes of anxiety, depression, or a loss of interest in things you once enjoyed. These changes in mood can seem to come on without a clear reason.
5. Small Handwriting (Micrographia) Your handwriting might start to shrink or become cramped. This is often first spotted in your signature where the letters seem to get smaller over time.
6. Speech Changes (Dysarthria) People close to you may begin to notice that your voice is softer, more monotone, or that your words are slightly slurred. This change can happen gradually, so you might not even notice it yourself.
7. Facial Masking & Slowed Blink Rate You may show fewer facial expressions, which can make you look as though you’re not interested or are tired. In addition, you might blink less frequently, sometimes giving a vacant or staring look.
8. Muscle Stiffness & Rigidity Stiffness or a feeling of tight muscles, especially in your back, hips, or shoulders, might start to occur. This can make everyday movements uncomfortable or even painful.
9. Physical Movement Changes You might notice tremors (a slight shaking or off and on trembling, often starting on one side, usually in the finger or hand), a general slowness when trying to move (known as bradykinesia), smaller steps when walking, less natural arm swing, or even a shuffling walk.
10. Excessive Sweating Sweating in situations where it would not normally be expected, such as in cool weather or without heavy exercise, might be another early sign.
11. Unexplained Changes to Thinking, Mood, & Motivation This might show up as difficulties with concentration, multitasking, or memory. Along with these thinking changes, you might also experience shifts in mood or feel less motivated than usual.
12. Unexplained Pain You could experience regular pain, especially in your hips, back, or shoulders, or even muscle cramps (sometimes known as dystonia) that do not get better with regular treatment.

If you recognise any of these changes, remember that symptoms can vary from person to person. Having one of these shouldn’t be cause for concern, but when they start to accrue, seek advice from your GP. These early signs sometimes go unnoticed until more obvious symptoms, like a tremor, develop. However, it’s important to note that tremor only occurs in around 70% of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Early identification can help you get the support and care you need.

While you’re chatting with your GP about several of those early symptoms and waiting for a referral to a neurologist, it can help to focus on looking after your overall health. Add regular exercise to your routine, such as gentle walking, swimming, or yoga, can keep your body moving and boost your mood. Your GP or a physiotherapist can suggest safe activities that suit your needs.

In addition to exercise, a balanced lifestyle is key. Try to eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, stick to a regular sleep schedule, and keep a diary of your symptoms to share with your care team. These simple changes can help improve your day-to-day wellbeing while you investigate your early symptoms.

Support for Carers

If you’re a family member, friend, or carer, your role is really important. Noticing even small changes, like a changes in handwriting, a reduced sense of smell, sleep problems, or changes in mood and movement, can help spot early signs of Parkinson’s. People might not always realise these changes are meaningful, so kindly encouraging them to speak with their GP can be a big help. By watching carefully and sharing your observations, you can support your loved one in getting the right help sooner. Joining a support group can also give you tips and reassurance as you navigate these changes together.