How to detect Parkinson’s early

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that mainly affects the motor system, although its first manifestations can go beyond movement. In this context, early detection is decisive to initiate adequate clinical follow-up, adjust treatment from the initial phases and anticipate the evolution of the disease. In many cases, the first signs go unnoticed or are attributed to agingwhich delays the diagnosis.

According to the Spanish Society of Neurology, More than 200,000 people already live with this disease in Spain. Every year around 10,000 new cases are diagnosed, which places it as the ninth country in the world with the highest number of people with Parkinson’s per inhabitant. “

Parkinson’s does not necessarily start with tremorwhich is the best known symptom. In the initial phases, less obvious signs usually appear, such as a loss of smell, sleep disturbances or changes in facial expression, which are often not related to a neurological problem,” explains Esteban Peña, director of the Movement Disorders Unit at La Moraleja University Hospital.

From a clinical point of view, The disease is characterized by the degeneration of neurons that produce dopaminean essential substance in the control of movement. As this process progresses, motor symptoms such as slowness in movements, muscle rigidity or difficulties in coordination begin to appear.

However, before these signs are evident, non-motor manifestations may appear that act as warning signs:

Progressive loss of smell: A sustained decline in the ability to identify everyday odors, such as food or perfume, may appear years before motor symptoms.

Sleep disturbances: Sudden movements, talking or gesturing during sleep, especially in the REM phase, can be an early sign related to neurological changes.

Changes in writing: Handwriting becomes smaller, tighter, or less legible over time, reflecting a loss of precision in fine motor control.

Decreased movement when walking: It is common for one of the arms to stop swinging naturally or for the gait to slow down for no apparent reason.

Stiffness or feeling of muscle tension: It can appear on an extremity unilaterally and persistently, which makes daily movements difficult like getting up or turning around.

“The key is not to normalize certain changes when they affect daily life or appear progressively,” adds Miriam Piqueras, medical director of Sanitas Mayores.

In this regard, Miriam Piqueras points out some activities that contribute to delaying the progression of the disease:

Walking briskly on a regular basis: Going for a walk between 30 and 45 minutes a day, maintaining a constant pace, helps preserve coordination, as well as improve balance or reduce muscle stiffness.

Practice strength exercises with supervision: Working with elastic bands or light weights helps maintain muscle mass and facilitates everyday movements such as getting up or turning.

Perform coordination and balance exercises: Activities such as tai chi or guided balance routines enhance stability and reduce the risk of falls in the initial stages.

Stimulate the mind with structured activities: Doing sudokus, crossword puzzles, logic games or learning a language promotes attention and strengthens both memory and mental agility.

Finally, Miriam Piqueras highlights that maintaining a stable sleep routine is essential: “going to bed and getting up at the same time and avoiding the use of screens before going to sleep are habits that significantly improve rest.”