You Notice Changes in Handwriting
When we think of Parkinson’s disease, we think of shaky hands. But did you know that changes in handwriting is an extremely common early symptom of Parkinson’s that is easily unnoticed or ignored. In a 2013 study, handwriting analysis of people in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease showed that, in 97 percent of cases, the patient’s handwriting got smaller and smaller, and the words get closer together, as they continued to write. This happens because, in Parkinson’s disease, the nerve cells in the brain become damaged. Dopamine production slows down, which causes muscle stiffness in hands and fingers and affects handwriting.
Other symptoms associated with early Parkinson’s disease include loss of smell and intense dreams during which you kick, punch and thrash. If you notice these symptoms, and they last more than 2 weeks, see a neurologist. Early diagnosis is important in prognosis and quality of life.
