Last Updated on April 9, 2024 by Partha Protim Choudhury
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Recognizing the early signs of Parkinson’s disease is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management. People of all genders can develop Parkinson’s, there are subtle differences in the early signs. In this article, we will explore the common early signs of Parkinson’s disease and examine gender-specific variations.
What are the early signs of Parkinson’s disease?
There are some early signs of Parkinson’s disease, and they are as follows:
- Tremors: One of the most common early signs of Parkinson’s disease is resting tremors. These typically occur in the hands, fingers, or thumbs when the affected limb is at rest, and they tend to disappear during purposeful movement. While tremors can also affect other parts of the body, they often start asymmetrically.
- Bradykinesia: It refers to the slowing down of voluntary movements. People with early-stage Parkinson’s may notice a decrease in their ability to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, like buttoning a shirt or tying shoelaces. This symptom can manifest differently between genders.
- Muscle Stiffness: Rigidity and stiffness in the limbs can be one of the earliest signs of Parkinson’s. This stiffness can affect any part of the body, but it often starts in the arms and legs. It can make activities like walking and moving difficult.
- Postural Instability: Balance problems, such as difficulty standing up from a sitting position or an increased risk of falls, can develop in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. However, postural instability is generally more pronounced in advanced stages.
- Changes in Handwriting: A change in handwriting, known as micrographia, is a subtle but significant sign of Parkinson’s disease. People with Parkinson’s may notice that their handwriting becomes smaller and more cramped over time.
- Expressionless Face (Mask-like Face): A fixed or mask-like expression is another early sign, often referred to as facial masking. This can make it seem like a person with Parkinson’s is less expressive and has a reduced range of facial movements. Men may exhibit this more visibly.
- Changes in Voice: A softer, monotonous, or slurred speech (Dysarthria) is a common early sign. The voice may lose its usual inflexions, and people may struggle to articulate words clearly.
- Drooling: Excessive drooling is another sign that can appear early with Parkinson’s. This may be due to difficulties in swallowing or poor muscle control.
- Sleep Disturbances: Many people with early-stage Parkinson’s disease experience sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, frequent waking during the night, or vivid dreams.
What are the gender-specific variations in early signs of Parkinson’s disease?
While many early signs of Parkinson’s disease are common to every gender, there are some subtle gender-specific differences:
Early signs of Parkinson’s in females
- Women, in comparison to men, present a later onset of motor symptoms and higher striatal dopaminergic activity (and they also have more active dopamine in a specific part of the brain called the striatum).
- Women more often presented with tremors than men.
- Women with Parkinson’s may have a higher likelihood of experiencing depression and anxiety as early signs.
Early signs of Parkinson’s in males
- Firstly, the risk of developing PD is twice as high in men than women.
- The cognitive variables are poorer in males as compared to females.
- Men with Parkinson’s disease have more trouble with thinking and making decisions quickly compared to women with the same condition.
- Rigidity is also comparatively more seen in men.
Recognizing the early signs of Parkinson’s disease is vital for early intervention and management. While the common symptoms of Parkinson’s affect everyone, there are subtle gender-specific variations. If you or a loved one experiences any of these early signs, it is important to seek medical advice promptly. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help improve the quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s disease.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
