Non-Motor Symptoms In Parkinson’s Disease And How It Impacts Quality Of Life

Parkinson’s disease/shaking palsy is a neurodegenerative disorder causing it to deteriorate and affects part of the brain called substancia nigra, responsible for coordinated movement. Scientists say the low levels or depletion of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for movement and other body functions, is the cause of Parkinson’s disease. This disease has both motor and non-motor symptoms. PD is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders affecting elderly people. A recent study shows the incidence of PD to be 50% higher than the current estimated value. In this article, we will help you to learn the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s and identify them so that you can seek early intervention for healthy living.

Non-motor Symptoms (NMS)

Though Parkinson’s is identified by the motor symptoms such as tremors and rigidity many non-motor symptoms can be identified in the early stages of Parkinson’s, the PD that we don’t see often. Non-motor symptoms simply mean they do not affect movement but include other issues of mental health and body problems.

Non-motor symptoms may include -:

•       Small handwriting (micrographia)
•       Chronic constipation
•       Sleep disorders
•       Low speech volume
•       Hallucinations
•       Delusion
•       Vision problems
•       Sweating and temperature problems
•       Cognitive challenges

Small handwriting/micrographia is one of the most frequently seen early symptoms in PD. In addition to your small, hampered handwriting you might observe that the size of your writing is getting gradually smaller and crowded up. With other motor symptoms, you might find it very difficult to write.

Chronic constipation may prevail for a long time much before the actual diagnosis. In PD this may be seen due to improper functioning of the autonomic nervous system to regulate smooth muscle activity of the intestine.

Sleep problems in PD may be due to medications, hallucinations, and already-existing insomnia that may give rise to depression. Patients with PD may have certain sleep disorders like

•       Disturbances of the circadian rhythm
•       REM sleep disorder
•       Nocturia, frequent urination at night that disturbs the sleep-wake cycle

Sleep disturbances leave the brain more vulnerable to the development of Parkinson’s disease.

Speech difficulties and voice problems are common in patients with PD. It affects areas in the brain that control voice and speech processing. Changes in the brain mean you might not be able to process your thoughts quickly and convey them in the proper tone and volume. Patients with PD have their voice box affected and so their talks are often ‘Quieter’.

Sleep disorders, hallucinations and delusions might often lead to cognitive challenges like difficulty in concentrating, memory issues and making decisions. If it gets worse, it might affect your day-to-day activity.

MANAGING YOUR NMS

At Balanced Gait PT PC we help to resolve unmanaged issues and try to improve the quality of life in patients with PD. Here are certain measures you can take at home to ease your unidentified yet experiencing symptoms.

Small Handwriting

Certain medications are known to improve and control movement symptoms; however, you can also try these simple exercises to handle your writing.

•       Sit straight on a chair with support and write on a table.
•       Start using a ruled paper to practice your writing skills
•       Practice every day

Sleep disorder

Get help from your healthcare provider and discuss with them regarding your sleep pattern and mental wellness. A review of your medications and home strategies might improve the quality of your sleep.

•       Exercise daily, mild to moderate exercises might improve your sleep function
•       Avoid caffeine and other drinks that disturb the sleep-wake cycle
•       Sleep in a bed lower to the ground to minimize the risk of falling from the bed
•       Avoid screen time before bed as light stimulates the body clock
•       Avoid or try to minimize drinking water before bedtime as it might cause nighttime urination that will hamper your sleep

Chronic Constipation

If constipation is a new or old problem for you, you might never regret trying these remedies to avoid getting constipated again.

•       Have a wholesome diet loaded with dietary fiber.
•       Hydrate yourself frequently. Aim to drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water every day
•       Try to drink warm liquids when you have the urge to do your bowels as this will help better
•       Add a variety of fruits and green vegetables to your menu

Low speech volume

Voice and speech problems are common in patients with PD. A speech and language pathologist can create an effective personalized treatment program.

•       Your therapist may suggest assistive devices
•       Speak slowly and consciously
•       Use short phrases
•       Practice voice tone in a quiet environment at home
•       Consider using an amplifier

 A note from Balanced Gait PT

The non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s are hard to identify in the early stages of Parkinson’s. If these symptoms were recognized earlier, it would have created an effective pathway in treating Parkinson’s. Fortunately, if identified early the doctors and therapist can create an effective treatment program and bring positive lifestyle changes