According to the National Parkinson Foundation, in the United States, around 50,000 to 60,000 new cases of Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed each year. And while so many Americans suffer from this neurodegenerative disease, most people don’t know the warning signs or symptoms of Parkinson’s.
A proper diagnosis for Parkinson’s disease requires a battery of tests to rule out other conditions that often mimic Parkinson’s symptoms. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help patients improve their overall condition and experience a higher quality of life in the long run. The following are warning signs of Parkinson’s disease:
- Mild tremors – usually the symptom causing people to seek medical help.
- Difficulty getting out of a chair.
- Speaking too softly.
- Handwriting is slow and looks cramped or small.
- Losing track of a word or thought.
- Feeling tired, irritable or depressed for no apparent reason.
Friends or family members may be the first to notice changes:
- Person’s face lacks expression and animation (known as “masked face”).
- Person does not move an arm or leg normally.
- Person seems stiff, unsteady or unusually slow.
If you think that you or a loved one might have Parkinson’s disease, consult your physician. For more information on how home care providers like Aunt Ann’s Home Care of San Francisco can assist Parkinson’s patients with some extra help at home, contact us in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000.
