Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: Early Signs and Treatment Options

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle control, and balance. While it can’t be cured, early diagnosis and treatment can help you manage symptoms and maintain your quality of life for many years.

At Link Neuroscience Institute, our team of experts provides rapid diagnosis and treatment to reduce damage and address the root cause of your brain bleed.

What causes Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s develops when nerve cells in the substantia nigra start to break down or die. Your substantia nigra is home to cells that produce dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement. Dopamine also helps with movement control, cognitive executive functions, and emotions.

Low dopamine levels are associated with the motor symptoms most commonly seen in the condition. The exact cause of cell loss isn’t fully understood, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is likely involved. 

6 early signs to watch for

Recognizing Parkinson’s early can make a difference in your treatment plan. The most common early symptoms include:

Tremors

You might notice slight shaking in your hands, fingers, or chin. This can happen at any time, but especially when you’re resting.

Slowed movements (bradykinesia) 

Bradykinesia is one of the three cardinal motor symptoms — which also include tremor and rigidity — that are used to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. More than 85% of people with Parkinson’s disease report slowed movements in the morning.

So, how do you know if you have it? You might notice that tasks like buttoning a shirt or walking may take longer than they used to.

Muscle stiffness 

Occasional muscle stiffness is one thing, especially after a hard workout. However, if you notice reduced flexibility in your arms, legs, or neck that isn’t going away, it’s worth investigating further.

Changes in handwriting

Believe it or not, your handwriting could be a clue that something is going on. Smaller or more cramped writing than usual can be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease.

Altered posture and balance

Parksinsons’s disease affects your movement. You might notice a stooped posture or unsteady gait.

Reduced facial expression and a change in your voice

Early Parkinson’s can also contribute to a less expressive face. You may also start to speak more softly.

If you notice these signs, especially in combination, it’s important to schedule an evaluation with a neurologist in one of our locations: Camarillo, Santa Barbara, or Oxnard, California. 

Treatment options

While there isn’t currently a cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are many treatments available to help control symptoms.

Our team may recommend:

Medications 

The most common include levodopa (often combined with carbidopa) and dopamine agonists to boost or mimic dopamine levels.

Deep brain stimulation

Deep brain stimulation is a surgical option that uses electrical impulses to regulate abnormal brain activity. It can help early Parkinson’s — for people who’ve had symptoms for at least four years but aren’t controlled well with medicine — but it can also help with advanced Parksion’s symptoms.

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy

The sooner Parksinos’s disease is diagnosed, the sooner you can get started with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. All of these therapies help maintain mobility, strength, and communication skills.

Lifestyle changes 

Regular exercise, a balanced diet (rich in brain-health foods), and proper sleep are good for everyone, but these lifestyle changes are especially important when you need to support your brain health.

Questions about Parkinson’s disease? Talk to us

If you or a loved one is experiencing early signs of Parkinson’s, contact Link Neuroscience Institute in Camarillo, Santa Barbara, or Oxnard, California, to schedule an evaluation and explore your treatment options.

Prefer to chat? Call the location of your choice directly.