Parkinson’s disease symptoms can affect people in different ways and there are many different symptoms associated with the condition. One of the most recognised signs of Parkinson’s disease is the tremor – shaking that usually begins in the hand or arm. But a lesser known sign of Parkinson’s is a change in a person’s handwriting.
A person with Parkinson’s disease may start to find it hard to write
According to Mayo Clinic, a person with Parkinson’s disease may start to find it hard to write.
It also notes their handwriting may appear small.
Parkinson’s Foundation goes into more detail: “Handwriting can change as you age, especially if you have stiff hands or fingers, from arthritis or another condition, or if you have poor vision.
“However, small, cramped handwriting – called micrographia– is characteristic of Parkinson’s and is frequently one of the early symptoms.
“In addition to words being generally small and crowded together, the size of handwriting might get smaller as you continue to write.
“Micrographia is caused by the same processes in the brain that lead to other movement symptoms of the disease. In addition, those symptoms – slowness of movement, tremor, rigidity – can all make it harder to write.”
Other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
A tremor is one of the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and there are two others symptoms considered key signs, according to the NHS:
- Slow movement
- Stiff and inflexible muscles
The health body adds: “A person with Parkinson’s disease can also experience a wide range of other physical and psychological symptoms.
These include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Balance problems (this may increase the chances of a fall)
- Loss of sense of smell (anosmia)
- Problems sleeping (insomnia)
- Memory problems
Parkinson’s disease treatment
There’s currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but medications, treatments and therapies are available to help manage the condition.
If drugs are recommended, medication will based on what suits the individual.
Different therapies will also appeal to different people, so it’s best patients try these out to see what works for them.
If medication doesn’t control a person’s symptoms, surgery may be required.
The main type of surgery for Parkinson’s is deep brains simulation (DBS).
Other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may appear in the eyes.
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