World Parkinson’s Day is observed on April 11th each year to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease. It is a neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, notes Dr. Jyoti Kapoor, Founder Director and Senior Psychiatric, Manasthali.
Parkinson disease generally affects elderly people in their 60s and 70s. However, people younger than 50 years can also develop the condition.

What happens in Parkinson’s Disease

“The disease causes nerve cells to die which results in affecting body movements, muscle control, and tremors. These nerve cells are responsible for transmitting signals in the brain to balance, work and coordinate smoothly,” explains Dr. Arun Garg, Director- Institute of Neurosciences, Medanta, Gurugram.
On World Parkinson’s Day, doctors explain how to recognize the early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease to facilitate early detection and treatment. Dr. Jyoti Bala Sharma, Director-Neurology, Fortis Hospital Noida, explains that some symptoms may precede onset of Parkinson disease by many years:

• Constipation can precede Parkinson Disease by many years. Patients frequently visit gastroenterologists and sometimes take over the counter medicines or indigenous medicines which can unmask symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

• Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder or RBD is a sleep disorder in which you physically act out vivid, often unpleasant dreams with vocal sounds and sudden, often violent arm and leg movements during sleep.

• Loss of smell or reduced smell sensation is another feature which precedes Parkinson disease by many years.

Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, Founder Director, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, elaborates some more early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease which should not be ignored:

• Tremors or shaking: One of the most common early signs of Parkinson’s disease is tremors or shaking in the hands, fingers, or limbs. These tremors usually occur when the person is at rest and may worsen with stress or anxiety.

• Slowness of movement: Parkinson’s disease can cause a person to move slower than usual or feel like their feet are stuck to the ground. This may manifest as difficulty in getting up from a chair, walking or turning around.

• Rigidity: Stiffness in the limbs, neck or torso that limits range of motion.

• Balance problems: Parkinson’s disease can cause instability, difficulty maintaining balance and coordination when walking.

• Changes in speech: Speech may become softer, slurred or slower in people with Parkinson’s disease.

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life, says Dr. Bajaj.

“It is essential to note that not everyone with Parkinson’s disease experiences the same symptoms, and symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Additionally, some symptoms may occur years before others, making it challenging to diagnose the disease early on,” adds Dr. Kapoor.

Dr. Garg says that they advise patients to be proactive about their health and report any concerning symptoms. “By staying vigilant and seeking care early on, Parkinson’s patients can better manage their condition.”

“If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. A neurologist can help diagnose Parkinson’s disease and provide appropriate treatment options,” Dr. Bajaj signs off.