Parkinson Symptoms Guide by Experts at Plexus

Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement due to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. It most often appears in individuals over 50, though younger cases can occur.

Symptoms often begin on one side of the body, including tremors, stiffness, and slow movements, which gradually progress over time. Non-motor symptoms such as sleep issues or mood changes also impact daily life.

While there is currently no cure, early diagnosis and tailored treatment plans help manage symptoms effectively. This blog delves into Parkinson’s symptoms and care options to support better living.

What Is Usually The First Symptom of Parkinson’s Disease?

The early symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease are often subtle and easy to miss. A common first sign is a slight tremor in the hand, fingers, or chin while at rest. Many people also notice changes in handwriting, where letters become unusually small and cramped. A reduced sense of smell is another frequently reported early symptom. Non-motor signs like constipation and disrupted sleep patterns may appear years before obvious motor issues. Identifying these early warning signs is key for timely diagnosis and better management of Parkinson’s Disease.

What Are the Motor Features of Parkinson’s Disease?

The motor features of Parkinson’s Disease are the most noticeable signs and often affect day-to-day functioning. One of the hallmark symptoms is tremors, especially the resting tremor or the classic pill-rolling movement of the fingers. Rigidity, or muscle stiffness, can make movement painful and restrict flexibility. Bradykinesia, which refers to slowness of movement, is another defining feature that makes even simple tasks difficult. Postural instability, leading to poor balance and frequent falls, often appears in later stages.

Together, these motor symptoms significantly impact independence and quality of life.

What Are the Non-Motor Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease?

Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease often appear before or alongside motor issues and can greatly affect daily life. Many patients experience cognitive changes such as memory lapses and difficulty concentrating. Mood disorders like depression and anxiety are also common. Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and vivid dreams, are frequently reported. Autonomic dysfunction, such as low blood pressure, constipation, and bladder problems, can complicate the condition. Sensory changes, including loss of smell, vision issues, or unexplained pain, are also key non-motor symptoms that should not be overlooked.

At What Age Do People Get Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s Disease usually develops in men in their early to mid-60s, with the average onset around 70. Early-onset cases (before 50) are less common and often linked to genetic factors. The risk increases with age, as neuronal loss accelerates. Men may develop symptoms slightly earlier than women due to hormonal or genetic differences. Environmental factors such as toxin exposure can also influence onset. Early diagnosis is key to managing symptoms effectively.

How To Know If Parkinson’s Is Progressing?

Parkinson’s progresses gradually, with symptoms becoming more pronounced over time:

Early Stage – Subtle tremors, small handwriting changes, reduced facial expressions, or mild stiffness with minimal impact on daily activities.
Mid Stage – Increased rigidity, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and balance issues requiring medications.
Speech and Walking Changes – Noticeable difficulties in speaking clearly, walking steadily, and maintaining coordination.
Advanced Stage – Severe motor symptoms such as frequent falls, freezing of gait, and heavy dependence on caregivers.
Non-Motor Progression – Worsening of symptoms like dementia, hallucinations, mood swings, constipation, and sleep disturbances.
Overall Decline – Gradual loss of independence, with both motor and non-motor symptoms affecting quality of life.

Symptoms Should You Never Ignore

Some symptoms can signal the early stages of Parkinson’s Disease such as soft or slurred speech, reduced facial expressions (masked face), and small handwriting (micrographia). These subtle changes should not be overlooked as they may indicate neurological involvement. At the same time, general health red flags like chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, a severe headache that appears abruptly, unexplained weight loss, unusual bleeding, high or persistent fever, sudden confusion or personality changes, and swelling in the legs should never be ignored, as they could point to serious medical emergencies.

Therapies Available at Plexus for Parkinson’s Disease

At Plexus Neuro Centre in Bangalore, we offer a range of innovative and comprehensive Parkinson’s Disease treatment options through our Regenerative Rehabilitation Program. Key therapies include:

Cell Therapy : Uses Autologous Mesenchymal Cells harvested from the patient’s bone marrow, this non-surgical approach aims to repair damaged neurons, reduce Parkinson’s Disease symptoms, and improve dopamine function without the side effects of traditional drugs.
Physiotherapy: Customized exercises to improve mobility, balance, posture, and gait while alleviating rigidity and tremors.
Occupational Therapy: Focuses on retraining hand functions, managing bradykinesia, and improving daily living skills to maintain independence.
Aquatic Therapy: Water-based exercises that provide low-impact resistance, helping with muscle stiffness and coordination in a supportive environment.
Speech Therapy: Targeted exercises to address slurred speech, swallowing difficulties, and communication challenges common in Parkinson’s.

These treatments are tailored to individual needs, combining medical, nursing, and therapeutic care to optimize outcomes.

Why Choose Plexus for Parkinson’s Treatment

Plexus clinic offers state-of-the-art facilities designed to provide comprehensive and personalized care for every patient. Under the guidance of Dr. Na’eem Sadiq and a team of experienced specialists, the clinic combines advanced medical technology with a patient-centric approach. Our modern infrastructure includes fully equipped therapy and rehabilitation centers, dedicated physiotherapy and occupational therapy zones, aquatic therapy pools, and speech therapy units. Emphasizing holistic well-being, Plexus ensures a comfortable, supportive environment for patients and their families, making it a trusted destination for high-quality, non-invasive healthcare.

Other Disorders Treated at Plexus

At Plexus, our expertise extends beyond Parkinson’s Disease to offer comprehensive care for a variety of neurological and related conditions. We provide specialized treatments for disorders such as Brachial Plexus Injury, Spinocerebellar Ataxia, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injury, Motor Neuron Disease, Stroke, Autoimmune Conditions, and Orthopedic Conditions, and Sports Injuries.

Final Thoughts

Parkinson’s Disease presents a wide range of motor and non-motor symptoms, from tremors to sleep disturbances, impacting daily life. Early recognition of signs like resting tremors or loss of smell enables timely intervention.

At Plexus we offer expert, multidisciplinary care, blending advanced therapies with compassionate support to enhance mobility and independence. By integrating tailored treatments and self-care strategies, patients can navigate the challenges of Parkinson’s more effectively.