Parkinson’s disease affects 148,000 people in the UK and is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder behind Alzheimer’s according to the NHS. It’s a neurological movement disorder and can affect the cognitive and psychiatric element of the mind. Spotting the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease early could help with early treatment. Having a change in your voice could mean you are at risk of developing the disease.
Parkinson’s disease affects movement in different ways and how a person speaks can also be affected.
There may be a slurred speech and less dramatic voice changes can occur in the early stages. How a person enunciates words is also an early symptom of the disease.
People in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease often speak in low tones, a hoarse voice, or with little inflection.
Other early symptoms of the disease include:
- Cramped handwriting or other writing changes
- Tremor, especially in the finger, hand or foot
- Uncontrollable movements during sleep
- Limb stiffness or slow movements
- Rigid facial expression or masking
- Stooped posture
Main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
- Tremor and shaking which usually begins in the hand or arm and is more likely to occur when the limb is relaxed.
- Slowness of movement or movements becomes more difficult and result in a distinctive slow, shuffling walk with very small steps.
- Muscle stiffness and tension in the muscles which make it difficult to move around and make facial expressions.
Researchers from King’s College London found an early warning signal for Parkinson’s which appears years before any symptoms occur.
Scientists have uncovered damage to the brain’s serotonin system was an ‘excellent marker’ for the cruel disease.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease usually develop gradually and mild at first
NHS
First author of the study, Heather Wilson said: “We found serotonin function was an excellent marker for how advanced Parkinson’s disease has become.
“Crucially, we found detectable changes to the serotonin system among patients who are not yet diagnosed.
“Therefore, brain imaging of the serotonin system could become a valuable tool to detect individuals at risk for Parkinson’s disease, monitor their progression and help with the development of new treatments.”
The NHS said: “Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease usually develop gradually and mild at first.
“There are many different symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. But the order in which these develop and their severity is different for each individual.”
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