'World's fastest-growing condition' has 40 symptoms - early signs to look for

Parkinson's disease has been identified as the world's fastest-growing neurological condition, yet aside from the commonly associated tremors, its myriad of symptoms remains largely unrecognised. Despite Parkinson’s being the second most common neurodegenerative condition next to Alzheimer’s, awareness about it is surprisingly low. This is despite there being 153,000 individuals diagnosed in the UK alone, including a slew of celebrities such as comedian Billy Connolly, actor Michael J.

Fox, singers Neil Diamond and Linda Ronstadt, along with rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. Ahead of World Parkinson’s Day on April 11, Parkinson’s UK representative Jennifer Taylor draws attention to the escalating concern: "We know more people than ever are being diagnosed with Parkinson's – it's the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world with no cure. But with more than 40 different symptoms, it's often misunderstood and impacts people in a variety of ways.



" Taylor elaborates that Parkinson's emerges when neurons responsible for the production of dopamine, a critical neurotransmitter for motor function, cease to operate correctly. "Parkinson's is a complex, progressive and incurable condition," she emphasises. Uncertainties persist regarding exactly why these dopamine-producing cells deteriorate, but combinations of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors are believed to influence an individual's risk of developing Parkinson's.

Parkinson's disease, with its multitude of symptoms ranging from tremors to anxiety, hides early signs that can be incredibly subtle. Taylor highlights this by noting: "While the more well-known symptoms are related to movement, early signs can be much subtler, and people might notice changes like a loss of sense of smell, trouble sleeping, or increased feelings of depression years before any movement issues are noticed." Consultant neurologist Dr Bal Athwal from The Wellington Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, states: "As a progressive condition, Parkinson's can significantly impact quality of life and may reduce life expectancy, but with treatment, the likelihood of it impacting life expectancy can be reduced.

" He says that the onset of Parkinson's is not limited to those over 70 as people of any age can receive a diagnosis. The disease progresses at unique rates for individuals; however, it can be managed efficiently through medication, lifestyle adaptations, rehabilitation and sometimes surgery. Emphasising on the necessity of proper diagnosis and treatment, Dr Athwal insists: "It's important that Parkinson's disease is diagnosed properly, and effective treatment put in place.

" When discussing early signs of Parkinson's, pain stands out as a significant indicator. Athwal explains: "Some patients develop pain, which often goes unexplained for some time before the diagnosis is made." Taylor highlights that symptoms of Parkinson's can include a variety of pain types such as musculoskeletal involving bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, or nerves; neuropathic resulting from nerve damage; dystonic featuring persistent muscle spasms or cramps; and central pain stemming from dysfunction in the pathways that regulate sensation and pain in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord.

When discussing anxiety, which may crop up in the early stages of Parkinson's, Taylor notes: "Feelings of constant worry can lead to social avoidance and sometimes anxiety attacks." It has been shown that mindfulness, meditation, and exercise might be effective in managing anxiety. Regarding challenges with balance, postural instability is a symptom of Parkinson's that can present difficulties in maintaining equilibrium.

Taylor remarks on the potential for falls and loss of confidence, especially concerning going out in public, saying: "It can cause falls and people may lose their confidence as a result, with worries about going out in public,". In addition to these symptoms, Athwal observes: "Walking problems can be accompanied by imbalance, and a tendency to fall, but this tends to develop in more advanced disease." Stiffness is another complaint often voiced by individuals with Parkinson's.

According to Taylor, this rigidity can manifest on one or both sides of the body, reducing motion range. "This can lead to problems with aching or pain in the affected muscles and/or joints and other more visible signs, such as your arm not swinging as you walk," she explains. Lastly, there's the issue of losing one's sense of smell, which could be an early indicator of Parkinson's disease, but further exploration into this aspect is required.

A diminished sense of smell could be a precursor to Parkinson's disease, with some individuals experiencing this sensory loss years or even decades before an official diagnosis, according to Taylor. Parkinson's-related brain changes can lead to sleep disturbances, which may manifest well in advance of the more recognisable movement symptoms. Athwal notes: "There can be problems with sleep such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and REM sleep behaviour disorder – a condition in which an individual seems to act out dreams by making movements or noises.

" Additionally, fatigue is a common issue for up to half of those living with Parkinson's. Taylor remarks: "You may feel quite energised one day and then too fatigued to do much the next, regardless of how much you rest." One of the hallmark signs of Parkinson's is tremor, often affecting the upper limbs and typically noticeable when at rest rather than during active use, says Athwal.

Taylor elaborates: "Tremor occurs mostly at rest, and it lessens during sleep or when the body part is actively in use. For example, your hand might tremble while sitting still, but this symptom can disappear when you shake hands with someone." The onset of tremor is usually asymmetrical and tends to start in the hands, although it can also affect other areas like the lower lip, jaw, or leg.

She further explains: "Some people report an internal tremor, an invisible shaking sensation inside the chest, abdomen or limbs." Individuals with Parkinson's may experience depression at any stage, even prior to diagnosis. As Taylor points out: "Depression symptoms may come and go but can also intensify both the movement and cognitive symptoms of Parkinson's.

" Micrographia, characterised by small, cramped handwriting, is often an early sign of Parkinson's, according to experts. Taylor elaborates: "Words can become crowded together while the size of your handwriting might get progressively smaller as you continue to write,". Athwal further adds: "There is also slowness of movement – this can be quite subtle at first, but people might complain of their handwriting becoming smaller, or might find it harder to do small fine tasks such as fastening buttons and zips.

" Facial masking, also known as hypomimia, is an early symptom of Parkinson's that can make it difficult for others to gauge your mood. Taylor explains: "People might assume you're depressed or upset and it can be frustrating to constantly be asked what's wrong when you're feeling fine," He adds that stiff or slow facial muscles can make it challenging to smile, raise your eyebrows or express your feelings, which are crucial aspects of communication. Parkinson's UK helpline: 0808 800 0303.

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