Parkinson's disease often begins with non-motor symptoms like constipation and loss of smell, not tremors, according to a new report.
Early signs of Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is often recognized by hand tremors, but these usually appear years after the condition begins. Earlier symptoms may include constipation, frequent urination, or a diminished sense of smell.Non-motor symptoms precede tremors
According to Science et vie, Dr. Alexandra Pérez Soriano, a neurologist at the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, explains that Parkinson's can start with non-motor symptoms like digestive or urinary issues. These symptoms often appear long before the well-known hand tremors.Abdominal and sensory changes
Constipation may develop years before motor symptoms and affects up to two-thirds of Parkinson's patients. A loss of smell, which impacts nearly 90% of those affected, can also appear five to ten years before a diagnosis is made.Sleep disturbances as an early sign
A disorder during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, where people act out their dreams, is one of the earliest signs of Parkinson's. This symptom is often overlooked but can indicate the disease's onset long before other symptoms appear.
