We are not surprised that your friends all appear to have
different symptoms as there is a wide variety between individuals. But generally
Parkinson’s has three main symptoms – tremor,
slowness and rigidity.
Tremor, often mainly on one side, often in a hand or arm,
is a common early symptom. Characteristic tremor occurs when the affected part
of the body is at rest and/or supported. This tremor will often decrease or
disappear when the part is in use. Tremor, when the limb is held in posture, and/or when it is
being used (action tremor) is also seen in some people with Parkinson’s. Tremor
may also come and go, and is invariably more noticeable when the individual
with Parkinson’s is anxious, excited or stressed. About 70 per cent of people
with Parkinson’s have a tremor as one of the initial symptoms.
Slowness of movement (bradykinesia) and lack of coordination is another sign of
Parkinson’s and creates more problems for people than the better-known tremor.
Tasks take longer and require more concentration instead of being done
automatically and without thinking. Difficulty with doing up buttons, brushing
teeth or shaving are common ways in which the problem comes to light.
Handwriting can be affected, becoming more difficult, smaller and less legible.
The technical name for the type of smaller writing found in Parkinson’s is micrographia.
Stiffness of the muscles (rigidity) is the other major symptom. The arm may not swing
normally while the person is walking, and this is a sign that specialists will
often look for carefully. A tendency to shuffle and to walk slowly is a common
way for Parkinson’s to appear, although falling is rarely a feature in the
first stages. Facial expression often becomes less animated (the so-called ‘poker’ or ‘mask’ face) and speech may become slower and more monotonous, though it
usually remains comprehensible.
Other symptoms can include tiredness, depression,
difficulties with communication (including speech and facial expression), and problems
with balance.
