Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and coordination. Recognising its early signs is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Currently, approximately 153,000 people in the UK are living with Parkinson’s disease. This number is projected to rise to around 172,000 by 2030, primarily due to an ageing population. Notably, about 10-20% of individuals experience symptoms before the age of 50, a condition known as young-onset Parkinson’s disease .
10 early warning signs
The Parkinson’s Foundation, an American Parkinson’s Disease organisation that aims to make life better for people with Parkinson’s through expert care and research, has identified ten early warning signs that may indicate the onset of Parkinson’s disease.
- Tremor: A slight shaking or tremor in the finger, thumb, hand, or chin while at rest.
- Small handwriting: A noticeable change in handwriting, with letters becoming smaller and words more crowded, known as micrographia.
- Loss of smell: Difficulty detecting certain odors, such as bananas, pickles, or licorice.
- Trouble sleeping: Experiencing sudden movements during sleep, such as thrashing or acting out dreams.
- Stiffness: Stiffness or rigidity in the arms, legs, or trunk that doesn’t go away with movement.
- Constipation: Difficulty moving the bowels without straining daily.
- Soft or low voice: Speaking in a softer tone or hoarse voice, which others may notice.
- Masked face: A serious, depressed, or mad look on the face, even when not in a bad mood.
- Dizziness or fainting: Feeling dizzy or fainting when standing up, which may indicate low blood pressure linked to Parkinson’s.
- Stooping or hunching over: A stooped or hunched posture when standing.
It’s important to note that experiencing one of these signs alone doesn’t necessarily mean you have Parkinson’s disease. However, if you notice more than one, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Early detection and intervention can significantly improve the quality of life for those with Parkinson’s disease. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seeking medical advice is a crucial first step.
Supporting information and guidance
We’ve identified publicly available resources that we thought you might find useful.
- 10 Early Signs; Know how to recognise the most common early symptoms of Parkinson’s – Parkinson’s Foundation
- Parkinson’s Disease: Early signs, symptoms, and what to do when diagnosed – National Council on Aging
- Living with Parkinson’s – Parkinson’s UK
- Keeping Moving; Exercise and Parkinson’s – Parkinson’s Disease Society
- Still nowhere near enough; How the cost of living crisis is affecting people with Parkinson’s – Parkinson’s UK
Parkinson’s Awareness training for healthcare professionals
Given the rising number of Parkinson’s cases in the UK, the role of well-trained staff is more important than ever in improving outcomes, preserving dignity, and enhancing the quality of life for those affected. Acute Training Solutions – as one of the largest healthcare training providers in the UK – plays a crucial role in this by fostering confidence, capability, and understanding within the care workforce.
Our Parkinson’s Disease Awareness training course equips healthcare workers with the essential understanding required to support individuals living with this complex neurological condition. It also promotes and shares models of good practice in care by addressing the challenges experienced by people with Parkinson’s in relation to mobility, swallowing, communication and other activities of daily living, increasing empathy between the carer and the cared for.
In a healthcare landscape where early identification, medication management, and communication strategies are critical, this training ensures frontline workers are prepared to deliver care with competence and compassion.
