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- Changes in Walking: Parkinson’s disease can cause subtle changes in walking pattern, an early symptom of the disease. An individual may begin to drag their feet or walk more slowly than usual. Irregular pacing, such as walking slowly then quickly, is another early symptom of the illness. These changes occur due to the deterioration of the neurons in the brain responsible for controlling movement. “Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for the Practicing Physician” by Mark Stacy is a clinical guide for physicians that covers the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease.
- Changes in Handwriting: Parkinson’s disease can cause cramped or abnormally small handwriting, known as micrographia, which is a symptom of the illness. Micrographia occurs due to the loss of fine motor skills and the rigidity of muscles in the hand. “Parkinson’s Treatment: 10 Secrets to a Happier Life: English Edition” by Michael S. Okun is a self-help book that offers tips on how to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including handwriting problems.
- Loss of Smell: Around 70 to 90 percent of patients with Parkinson’s disease will experience a loss of smell, which can occur years before any body movement problems. The individual may have difficulty detecting odors, have a dull sense of smell, or struggle with identifying different odors or differentiating them. The loss of smell is due to the degeneration of the neurons responsible for the sense of smell. “Parkinson’s Disease: Non-Motor and Non-Dopaminergic Features” by Marcelo Merello and Francisco J. Barrantes is a scientific book that covers various aspects of Parkinson’s disease, including the loss of smell and other non-motor symptoms.
