What are early signs of Parkinson's disease beyond tremors?

Early signs of Parkinson's disease can include a diminished sense of smell, chronic constipation, acting out dreams during REM sleep, and dizziness when standing up.

How long before motor symptoms can non-motor Parkinson's signs appear?

Non-motor symptoms like constipation and loss of smell can appear more than a decade before characteristic motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease emerge.

Can Parkinson's disease be diagnosed without a resting tremor?

Yes, a resting tremor is not a requirement for a Parkinson's disease diagnosis, as up to 20 percent of individuals with the condition do not experience one.

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Parkinson's: Early Signs Beyond Tremors

28 Jan

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Summary

Non-motor symptoms like constipation can precede motor signs by decades.
Loss of smell and acting out dreams are strong early indicators.
Up to 20% of Parkinson's patients never develop a resting tremor.

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder where motor symptoms like slowness and stiffness are key diagnostic indicators. However, non-motor symptoms, such as a diminished sense of smell or chronic constipation, can manifest over a decade prior to movement changes. These early signs are part of the prodromal phase, a gradual onset of the disease.

Researchers have identified several potential early markers for Parkinson's. These include anosmia (loss of smell), which can precede diagnosis by up to 20 years, and REM sleep behavior disorder, where individuals physically act out their dreams. Chronic constipation and orthostatic hypotension (dizziness upon standing) are also associated with an increased risk.

While these prodromal symptoms are not definitive on their own, their presence, particularly in combination or with a family history, may indicate a heightened risk. Scientists are actively studying these markers to enable earlier diagnosis and potential interventions for Parkinson's disease.