Having previously looked at the 4 Cardinal Signs related to Parkinson’s disease symptoms, we now will address the issue concerning Parkinson’s disease associated symptoms.
Associated symptoms useful for Parkinson’s disease diagnosis are varied and although the side effects of medication can contribute, these symptoms are typically linked to autonomic failure:
Loss of Involuntary/Automatic Movements or Functions
- Orthostatic Hypotension: This refers to low blood pressure when standing up. Research indicates a possible link to a lack of noradrenaline in the brain associated with blood pressure control.
- Little or no swinging of arms when walking.
- Increased perspiration.
- Increased salivation.
- Constipation is very common and results both from the disease and side effects of medication.
Unconscious Acts Diminished
- ‘Parkinson’s Mask’ or ‘Masked Facies’ refers to the vacant/fixed stare commonly observed with Parkinson’s patients.
- Visual disturbances e.g. blinking and blink rate.
- Lack of gestures/expressions/animation associated with emotion, smiling, frowning and grinning.
Speech Issues
- Hypophonia refers to softer/whispering voice.
- Hesitation and stumbling over words.
- Speaking in a monotonous tone.
- Slurred speech.
- Repeating words.
- Speech therapy can make a significant improvement.
PARKINSON’S SPEECH ISSUES
Throat Issues
- Clearing throat.
- Chewing and swallowing.
- Prone to coughing, drooling (Sialorrhea) and choking.
Perceptual Changes
Examples include:
- Olfactory disturbances.
- Anosmia: an inability to perceive odors.
- Hyposmia: decreased ability to smell. Recent scientific evidence suggests this is a very early sign of Parkinson’s disease.
- Can be associated with a significant loss of appetite.
- Tingling.
- Numbness.
- Altered sense of pain.
Sleep Issues
- Changing sleep patterns including:
- Broken sleep.
- Insomnia.
- Sleeping in the day.
- REM Behavior Disorder.
- Associated with vivid dreams and nightmares.
- Tendency to act out dreams during night.
- Frequent dreams involving being threatened or attacked by person or animals.
PARKINSON’S SLEEP ISSUES
Fine Motor Control
- Lack of fine motor control causes dexterity issues and co-ordination problems.
- Micrographia. Parkinson’s patients handwriting typically becomes smaller, cramped and spidery.
- Practical issues arise such as problems dressing oneself.
Slower Reaction and Movement Times
- These can impact the persons ability to carry out certain activities safely e.g. use of machinery or the ability to drive can be affected.
- Worsening motor skills are related to reduced performance. As the changes are gradual, patients may not realize or be in denial that they are no longer able to carry out certain activities safely. Family members or the medical profession have a duty of care to intervene at this stage.
Fatigue
Aching and tiredness and being devoid of energy can be due to:
- Sleep problems.
- Depression.
- Muscle stress.
- Akinesia: This is the inability to initiate/carry out movements.
- Incorrect medication levels.
Urinary Issues
- This can include urinary incontinence or retention.
- Urination may be more frequent or even urgent.
Sexual Dysfunction
A common occurrence that may include:
- Altered libido. Although reduced libido is typical, hypersexuality can result from taking levodopa and dopamine agonists.
- Males may experience erectile dysfunction.
- Females may experience vaginal dryness.
Skin Issues
- Increased dry skin or scaling of face or scalp/dandruff.
- Some patients may experience an increased oily skin at the side of nose, forehead and scalp.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: Skin can look greasy, scaly and flaky and similar in appearance to ‘cradle cap’ seen with babies.
The next aspect related to Parkinson’s disease symptoms concerns Neuropsychiatric Dysfunction.