Parkinsons – Self-assessment questionnaire, diagnosis, and more

Parkinson's disease is a common but complex neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. More commonly seen in older adults, the disease usually creeps in slowly and begins to disrupt the motor functions of individuals, thus hampering daily activities. Those who suspect the development of the condition, either in themselves or a loved one, can take the questionnaire. The article also delves into diagnosis, causes, and available treatment options for Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease self-assessment questionnaire Here are some questions one can ask to know whether one shows any early signs of Parkinson's. If most of the answers to these questions are yes, one should promptly visit a healthcare professional to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for the condition. Have you noticed any tremors or shaking while you are active or moving? Shaking without physical activity, external injury, or muscle strain in the arms, legs, lips, or hands can indicate Parkinson's. Do you have difficulty with movement and coordination? This may include a gradual slowing down of movements, stiffness in muscles or rigidity, and a reduced range of motion. Have you noticed any changes in balance or gait while walking? This symptom usually occurs when the disease has progressed. Parkinson's can cause problems with balance and coordination, leading to shuffling steps, problems with turning around, or a stooped posture. Are you experiencing muscle stiffness? Parkinson's can make muscles stiff, making it challenging to move freely. Have you noticed a decrease in your sense of smell? Some individuals with Parkinson's disease experience a reduced ability to detect odors. Have you been experiencing changes in handwriting? Parkinson's can cause micrographia, which is a condition where your handwriting becomes smaller, more cramped, and might even be illegible. If you are uncertain about changes in your handwriting, seeking the opinion of another person can be helpful. Comparing the current handwriting with an older writing sample can also provide valuable insights into potential changes. Have you experienced or been told of sudden changes in facial expressions? A lack of facial expression, known as a "masked face," is another common early symptom of Parkinson's disease. Have you noticed a gradual slowing down of movements? Slowed-down movements can be a general sign of aging or may indicate other conditions like Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, or Huntington's disease. But it's best to get your health checked if you experience this symptom without any lifestyle changes or accidents. Have you faced problems with swallowing solid or liquid food? This may include coughing, clearing your throat, or even choking while consuming food, making you feel like the food is not being pushed down from the esophagus. Apart from these, here are a few more questions: Have you experienced a problem with speaking or softening voice? Have you developed slurred speech? Do you speak unnaturally slowly or have difficulty finding the right words? Have your communication skills declined, leading to less social interaction? Do you have difficulty initiating or controlling movements? Do you have a stooped posture? Have you experienced any unexplained falls or near-falls? Do you have difficulty getting up from a chair? Has it become more difficult for you to button up a shirt or tie shoelaces? Have you experienced more drooling in general? Have you experienced any persistent changes in motion, including urinary problems or constipation? How is Parkinson's diagnosed? From lifestyle adjustments to interventions, early diagnosis of Parkinson's can equip individuals and their families to manage the condition better. Healthcare professionals usually rely on a combination of health history, physical examination, and symptom assessment to diagnose Parkinson's. Genetic history is part of one's medical history, and it can influence the risk of developing certain conditions if one's close relatives have been diagnosed with the same or related conditions. On the other hand, physical assessment involves checking for one's individual symptoms and the neurological responses in the body, like reflexes, muscle strength, coordination, and sensory function. Similarly, a doctor may request imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to study any neural abnormalities. Treatment options for Parkinson's Treatment options for Parkinson's depend on one's symptoms and are aimed to slow its progression and help the patient manage the condition better. Those with a speech problem may be recommended speech therapy to improve one's clarity and volume of speech. One may also be asked to use tools to amplify speech, like personal microphones or touchpads. Alternatively, one may be advised to practice certain exercises. These exercises can be targeted to one's specific symptoms, like memory, movement, swallowing, muscle stiffness, and more. Apart from this, one may also be suggested deep brain stimulation, lifestyle changes, and oral therapies to help those with Parkinson's.