Five early symptoms that may signal Parkinson's disease

There are several early warning signs of Parkinson's disease, such as muscle stiffness or slowness of movement.

Parkinson's disease is caused by the loss of nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. This reduces the level of the chemical dopamine in the brain. The disease is characterized by a long slow development, its symptoms can develop for years.

Scientists state that the development of symptoms that may signal Parkinson's disease sometimes differs from person to person due to the diversity of the clinical picture of the disease. However, experts recommend paying attention to five symptoms that may signal Parkinson's disease at an early stage, writes the Express publication.

Tremor. It manifests itself in a slow, uncontrolled tremor of the hand that occurs at rest and disappears with voluntary movement. It usually starts in one hand, and as the disease progresses, both hands are affected.

Bradykinesia. There is a gradual loss and slowing down of spontaneous movements, including facial expressions becoming less pronounced.

Rigidity of the body. One of the early symptoms that can signal Parkinson's disease is a feeling of body stiffness, poor mobility of the limbs. Muscles become stiff due to the inability to relax, and pain in the joints can also be felt at the same time.

Disturbance of body balance. It becomes difficult for a person to maintain a vertical position, his body becomes inclined, falls may occur.

"Disabling" a part of the body. Also, with this pathology, there may be a feeling of "disconnection" of the lower half of the body. While the upper half moves normally, the legs seem paralyzed, and the person feels that they have no control over the lower part of the body.

Commenting on the possible early symptoms of Parkinson's disease, experts from the Mayo Clinic emphasized that its development really begins gradually, often with a barely noticeable tremor of one hand, which is often ignored.

"Your face stops expressing emotions, your hands don't swing when you walk, your speech may become quiet or slurred. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease worsen as the pathological condition progresses," the experts added.