Parkinson’s disease: The peculiar warning sign which lies in the way your write

Parkinson’s disease symptoms mainly relate to movement because it involves a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain responsible for producing a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine acts as a messenger between the parts of the brain and nervous system that help control and coordinate body movements. If these nerve cells die or become damaged, the amount of dopamine in the brain is reduced. When this occurs a number of unusual signs may ensue including a change in the way a person writes.

For someone with Parkinson’s, Mayo Clinic says it may become hard to write and writing may appear small.

Small, cramped handwriting or the progression to progressively smaller handwriting is known as micrographia.

Parkinson’s Foundation (PF) explains: “Handwriting can change as you age, especially if you have stiff hands or fingers, from arthritis or other conditions, or if you have poor vision.“

Handwriting may also be affected by another warning sign of Parkinson’s which includes tremors.

A slight twitching or shaking of a finger is common which will affect the way one writes.

The person experiencing the tremor is likely to be the only person who can notice it.

The tremor will cause shaking and will worsen and become more noticeable to others, however, as the condition progresses.

A tremor may be more noticeable when at rest.

For someone with Parkinson’s, Mayo Clinic says it may become hard to write and writing may appear small.

Small, cramped handwriting or the progression to progressively smaller handwriting is known as micrographia.

Parkinson’s Foundation (PF) explains: “Handwriting can change as you age, especially if you have stiff hands or fingers, from arthritis or other conditions, or if you have poor vision.“

Other symptoms

In addition to physical symptoms, Parkinson’s can also cause a range of mental symptoms.

According to the NHS, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms include:

Depression and anxiety

Mild cognitive impairment – slight memory problems and problems with activities that require planning and organisation

Dementia – a group of symptoms, including more severe memory problems, personality changes, seeing things that are not there (visual hallucinations) and believing things that are not true (delusions).

According to Parkinson’s UK, anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health symptoms that affect people with Parkinson’s.

When to seek medical advice

“See your GP if you’re concerned you may have symptoms of Parkinson’s disease,” advises the NHS.

It is important to alert your GP sooner rather than later as evidence shows you can slow down its progression by making healthy lifestyle choices.

Exercise is one of the most effective measures you can take to delay its progression.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation (PF), exercise can assist in maintaining balance, mobility and daily living activities, along with a potential “neuroprotective” effect.

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