What Are the Early Warning Signs of Parkinson’s Disease?

Man clenching hands as he deals with early signs he might have Parkinson's Disease

Undoubtedly, a Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis is life changing for patients, families and caregivers. However, recognizing the earliest warning signs can make a profound difference, and allow individuals to take proactive steps toward managing symptoms and slowing progression. Through our years of research and development, we’ve created a unique approach called Microdose Therapy™, that directly addresses inflammation, one of the key drivers of PD symptoms.

Subtle Signs That May Point to Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s Disease often begins with symptoms that may be easy to overlook or dismiss as part of aging. Some of the most common early warning signs include:

  • Tremors or shaking in the hands, fingers, or chin that appear while at rest.
  • Stiffness and rigidity in the muscles that make movement less fluid and natural.
  • Small handwriting changes, where letters become cramped or words run together.
  • Slower movement, often described as a general sense of heaviness or dragging feet.
  • Sleep disturbances, such as thrashing or moving excessively during rest.
  • Facial masking, where expressions become less animated or more neutral.

These changes may appear gradually, and because they can be subtle, they’re sometimes mistaken for stress, fatigue, or the normal effects of aging. However, being aware of them means you can seek medical guidance earlier and begin considering effective therapies.

How We Approach Parkinson’s Differently

The Helen Foundation focuses on reducing inflammation, which is a root cause of symptom progression in PD. Through Microdose Therapy™, we guide patients to self-administer cortisol only on days when inflammation is present, avoiding unnecessary dosing on “good” days.

Unlike traditional medications, Microdose Therapy™ uses a lower amount of cortisol than the body typically produces, making it highly effective without side effects. In our published study, patients reported a 62% average improvement in symptoms, which were results two to three times better than what is commonly achieved with prescription medications like levodopa.

Taking the Next Step

If you’ve noticed any of the early signs of Parkinson’s Disease, whether in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to act early.

To learn more about microdose cortisol treatments for Parkinson’s Disease, contact us.