The famous actor Michael J. Fox, known for starring in “Family Ties,” “Back To The Future,” and “Spin City,” first learned he had young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at age 29. He told the public about this in 1998 and has been known worldwide for it ever since. In fact, he has committed himself to the campaign for increased Parkinson’s research and even has a foundation you can read more about, here.
Now you or your loved one are not a famous celebrity, but you might be wondering if you (or they) have Parkinson’s. What are some signs of this progressive disease of the nervous system that affects movement?
Trembling Hands
Perhaps the most common sign of Parkinson’s is tremors or shaking of the hands. Other symptoms include stiffness of muscles and slowing of movement. Symptoms usually start on one side of the body and remain worse on that side even when symptoms manifest on both sides.
Handwriting
Check a person’s handwriting and compare it to how they used to write– if the act of writing becomes slower and letters become smaller, with words crowding together, that could be a sign of Parkinson’s. Also check a person’s hands. If they’re moving even though the hand is at rest, that’s another sign. Those shaking hands will stop shaking when the hands are active.
Muscle Stiffness
Muscle stiffness usually occurs in the arms and legs. A person with Parkinson’s might take shorter steps; It might be harder to get in/out of beds and chairs. Buttoning shirts can become a hard, slow process for them. You might also notice stooped posture. It has also been noted that those developing signs of Parkinson’s disease might have a softer/lower voice and a lack of facial expression.
What can be done to help someone with Parkinson’s? The Helen Foundation offers Microdose Therapy™ to eliminate pain, fatigue and related inflammation symptoms in days from cortisone-responding diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. To learn more, call 480-734-8525 or email virgilsa@aol.com.
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