Lesser known early Parkinson’s signs that are “key” to spot

Parkinson’s disease, a complex neurological disorder, affects millions of people globally, causing symptoms such as tremors, stiffness and slowed movements. But while these motor symptoms are often the hallmark of Parkinson’s disease, there are subtler indicators that are just as important to be aware of so you or a loved one can get an early diagnosis, according to the experts at Usay Compare, which is a comparison. service for health insurance, life insurance and income protection.

Lesser known symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

Changes in speech

Parkinson’s disease can be manifested by changes in speech patterns, including softening of the voice, slurred speech, or hesitation in articulation. These signs, collectively called dysarthria, can develop gradually and be mistaken for age-related changes. However, they serve as important indicators of possible underlying neurological dysfunction.

Loss of smell

Anosmia, or a diminished sense of smell, is a common early sign of Parkinson’s disease. Research suggests that anosmia may precede motor symptoms by several years, making it a valuable marker for early detection. Despite its significance, anosmia is often overlooked or dismissed as a benign problem, delaying the diagnosis of Parkinson’s in many cases.

Sleeping disorders

Parkinson’s disrupts various aspects of sleep, leading to insomnia, restless legs syndrome, or REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). These disorders can have a significant impact on an individual’s overall well-being and may manifest years before the onset of motor symptoms. RBD, characterized by vivid and often violent dreams during REM sleep, is particularly noteworthy because it has been associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

Cognitive changes

Cognitive impairment is increasingly recognized as a significant aspect of Parkinson’s disease. Memory problems, attention difficulties, and executive function deficits are among the cognitive changes commonly seen in people with Parkinson’s. These cognitive symptoms can profoundly affect daily functioning and quality of life, but motor manifestations often overshadow them.

The importance of early recognition

A spokesperson for Usay Compare said: “Identifying these subtle symptoms is essential to facilitate early intervention and effective disease management. An early diagnosis allows targeted therapies, the implementation of lifestyle modification and access to support services tailored to individual needs.

“Furthermore, early intervention has been shown to slow disease progression and improve overall outcomes, underscoring the critical role of timely diagnosis in Parkinson’s care. Raising awareness of these more subtle signs of Parkinson’s disease and promoting vigilance in symptom recognition is essential to facilitate early diagnosis, optimize treatment outcomes and improve overall care and support for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

“If you’re worried about how poor health could affect your livelihood, getting private health insurance (PMI) can help. Being covered by PMI ensures that you will have access to the best treatment as soon as possible.”