Parkinson's disease may begin with subtle signs like constipation or loss of smell, not just hand tremors, according to a Science et vie report.
Early signs of Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is commonly known for its shaking hands, but it can show up years earlier through symptoms like constipation, frequent urination, or a reduced sense of smell. These early signs are often overlooked and not linked to the disease.Research highlights hidden symptoms
According to a report from Science et vie, Dr. Alexandra Pérez Soriano, a neurologist at the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, explains that Parkinson's can begin with issues in the digestive system, urinary tract, or sense of smell, long before any visible motor symptoms appear. These symptoms are rarely connected to Parkinson's in the public's mind.Digestive and urinary symptoms
Many Parkinson's patients first experience symptoms in their abdomen, such as constipation, which can develop years before any movement issues. Up to two-thirds of patients report this symptom. Frequent urination, especially at night, and a loss of smell, which affects nearly 90% of patients, are also common early signs.Sleep disorders as a key indicator
A significant early sign of Parkinson's is a sleep disorder during REM sleep. This causes people to physically act out their dreams, sometimes leading to crying, hitting, or falling out of bed. This symptom is often ignored but is among the earliest signs of the disease.
