Alarming Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease and How to Recognize Them

Difficulty with Fine Motor Skills

This is probably the symptom that is most commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease. PD causes tremors due to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, specifically in an area called the substantia nigra. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that helps regulate movement and coordination, and when there is a lack of dopamine, it leads to abnormal activity in the part of the brain that controls movement. This abnormal activity can result in the tremors and other movement problems that are characteristic of Parkinson’s disease. The tremors in Parkinson’s usually start in one hand or arm and can spread to other parts of the body over time. While not all people with Parkinson’s experience tremors, they are a common symptom of the disease.

Mood and Behavioral Changes

Parkinson’s disease is not solely a physical disease. It can also lead to behavioral and mood changes. These changes can include increased anxiety, irritability, and withdrawal from social situations, as well as difficulty controlling impulses such as gambling or overeating. These non-motor symptoms can significantly impact the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s. The loss of dopamine in the brain and the use of certain medications to treat Parkinson’s may contribute to these behavior changes. Another potential reason for these types of changes could be attributed to the challenges that PD patients face. It is wise to also consult a mental healthcare professional. This can help in coping with these difficult life changes the symptoms cause.

Impulse Control Issues

This article from the American Parkinson Disease Association discusses impulse control disorders (ICDs) in Parkinson’s disease. ICDs are a group of behaviors that include compulsive gambling, overeating, hypersexuality, and other excessive behaviors that can occur in people with Parkinson’s who are being treated with dopamine agonist medication. The article describes the symptoms of ICDs and how they can impact a person’s life, as well as the risk factors for developing ICDs. It also provides information on how to manage and treat ICDs in people with Parkinson’s, including reducing or changing dopamine agonist medication and seeking counseling or other behavioral therapies. The article emphasizes the importance of discussing any changes in behavior with a healthcare provider and working together to find the best treatment approach for the individual.

Saliva Production

Drooling is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease and occurs due to changes in the muscles of the mouth and throat. Parkinson’s can cause difficulty swallowing, decreased facial muscle control, and decreased saliva control, all of which can contribute to drooling. While drooling can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, it is usually not a serious medical issue. There are several strategies that can help manage drooling in Parkinson’s, such as maintaining good oral hygiene, taking medication to reduce saliva production, and practicing certain exercises to strengthen the muscles in the mouth and throat.

Where Do We Find This Stuff? Here Are Our Sources:

https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/statistics

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/parkinsons-disease/parkinsons-disease-risk-factors-and-causes

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055

parkinson.org/…movement-symptoms/drooling

michaeljfox.org/news/dystonia

apdaparkinson.org/…/impulse-control-disorders

ucihealth.org/…/parkinsons-behavior-changes

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24322062

michaeljfox.org/…/speech-swallowing-problems

apdaparkinson.org/…/pain-parkinsons-disease