Parkinson's Signs You Can't Afford to Miss

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted July 19, 2024

Imagine waking up one day to find your body betraying you.

Your hands tremble as you try to button your shirt. Your feet shuffle when you want to walk with purpose. Once strong and clear, your voice now barely reaches above a whisper.

This is the reality for those living with Parkinson’s.

But what if I told you there might be warning signs long before the tremors begin? Signs that, if caught early, could lead to better management and slow the progression of this devastating disease?

A groundbreaking new study revealed that cognitive symptoms often emerge surprisingly early in Parkinson’s disease, sometimes within the first few years after diagnosis. This discovery could change how we think about and approach this challenging condition.

Researchers from the University of Rochester analyzed data from over 25,000 Parkinson’s patients who participated in the Fox Insight study.

What they found was eye-opening: about a third of patients reported cognitive symptoms early in the disease course, with a median of just three years since diagnosis.

The study identified several key areas of cognitive change:

• Memory problems were the most commonly reported issue, affecting 13 percent of patients. If you struggle to recall recent events or information more than usual, it might be worth mentioning to your doctor.
• Language difficulties, particularly word-finding problems, were reported by 12 percent of patients. If you’re increasingly finding yourself at a loss for words or struggling to express yourself clearly, don’t brush it off as just a “senior moment.”
• Concentration and attention issues affected nine percent of patients. If you’re having trouble focusing on tasks or your mind seems to wander more than usual, it could be an early sign of Parkinson’s.

Interestingly, these cognitive symptoms often appeared alongside the more well-known motor symptoms. The study found that worse motor activity scores were associated with a higher likelihood of reporting cognitive problems.

But here’s the thing. These cognitive changes weren’t limited to those in the later stages of the disease. In fact, 29 percent of patients reported cognitive symptoms in the very first year after diagnosis. By eight to nine years post-diagnosis, that number had risen to 35 percent.

It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences these symptoms will develop Parkinson’s. However, being aware of these potential warning signs could lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention, which is crucial for managing the disease effectively.

If you or a loved one experiences any of these cognitive changes, especially if there are also signs of motor difficulties, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

And another thing…

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P.S. Learn more about how to dial down Parkinson’s risk, here.

Source:

Purks JL, et al. “Cognitive symptoms in cross-sectional Parkinson disease cohort evaluated by human-in-the-loop machine learning and natural language processing” Neurology Clinical Practice, 2024. DOI: 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000200334.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND