Watching your parents age can be a bittersweet experience. On the one hand, you admire their wisdom and cherish the time spent together. On the other hand, you may find yourself worrying about their health. One condition that often raises concern for families is Parkinson’s disease. This progressive neurological disorder primarily affects movement, but it can also impact mood, speech, and thinking over time. The earlier it’s identified, the better you and your family can prepare and seek care to help manage symptoms.

If you’ve noticed changes in your aging parent, you may wonder whether those changes are signs of Parkinson’s or just typical effects of growing older. Understanding what Parkinson’s disease looks like in its early stages can help you take action sooner. This guide breaks down the basics of Parkinson’s, early warning signs to watch for, and practical steps to take if you suspect your parent might have it.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder that primarily damages nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. This area is responsible for producing dopamine, a chemical that helps regulate smooth and coordinated muscle movements. When these brain cells are damaged, dopamine levels drop, leading to the movement-related symptoms that Parkinson’s is known for.

This disease typically develops slowly over time, which is why its early signs can be subtle and easy to miss. While the condition is not curable, treatments like medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.

Parkinson’s disease may seem daunting, but catching it early can make a significant difference in your parent’s care and outcomes. The earlier you notice signs, the sooner a doctor can create a management plan to address symptoms.

Early Signs of Parkinson’s to Watch For

Spotting early symptoms of Parkinson’s in your parent involves paying attention to small changes in their movements, actions, and emotions. Understanding these changes can help you determine whether it’s time to talk to a healthcare provider. Here are the key signs to look for:

1. Tremors or Shaking

One of the most iconic signs of Parkinson’s is a tremor, typically starting in one hand, finger, or arm. These tremors often occur when the person is at rest and may disappear when they’re moving. A slight tremor might feel easy to shrug off, but if you notice your parent’s hand shaking regularly, it’s worth investigating.

2. Stiffness and Rigidity

People with Parkinson’s often experience muscle stiffness, even when they’re relaxed. Your parent might struggle to move their arms or legs as smoothly as before, or they could complain about feeling stiff. Sometimes, this stiffness can give someone what’s called a “mask-like” expression, where their face looks less animated.

3. Slower Movement (Bradykinesia)

Have you noticed your parent moving more slowly than usual? Slower movement, or bradykinesia, is another common early symptom of Parkinson’s. Your parent may take smaller steps when walking, have trouble getting up from a chair, or appear less coordinated when they’re carrying out daily tasks.

4. Changes in Handwriting

Parkinson’s can sometimes change the way a person writes. This is known as micrographia. Your parent’s handwriting may suddenly become much smaller and more cramped. They might also find it harder to write smoothly or evenly.

5. Changes in Speech

Speech is often affected by Parkinson’s in subtle ways early on. Your parent may speak more softly than before, or their voice could sound hoarse. They might also have trouble modulating their tone, leading to speech that seems monotonous.

6. Trouble with Balance or Posture

Parkinson’s can impact a person’s ability to maintain balance. Changes in posture, like slouching or leaning, might also appear. If your parent is falling more often or seems unsteady when they walk, this could be a warning sign.

7. Facial Changes or Reduced Expression

People with Parkinson’s sometimes lose the ability to display emotions on their face as easily. Known as facial masking, this can make someone seem less engaged or expressive, even though they’re feeling the same inside.

8. Loss of Smell

Have they stopped noticing certain smells, like the aroma of coffee or food? Losing the sense of smell is a common early symptom of Parkinson’s, though it’s easy to overlook if it happens gradually.

9. Sleep Problems

Parkinson’s can lead to sleep disturbances, such as acting out dreams, difficulty staying asleep, or feeling excessively sleepy during the day. These issues might happen long before any motor symptoms become noticeable.

10. Mood Changes or Depression

People with Parkinson’s are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, sometimes even before the physical symptoms appear. If you’ve noticed your parent withdrawing, feeling blue, or seeming unusually anxious, it could be connected to early neurological changes.

What to Do If You Suspect Parkinson’s

If one or more of these signs seem familiar, here are the steps you should take to help your parent:

1. Start a Conversation

Bring up your observations with your parent. Use a calm and supportive tone. Instead of jumping straight to a diagnosis, say something like, “I’ve noticed you seem a little shaky lately when eating or writing. Is this something you’ve felt too?” Your parent might not have recognized these changes themselves, so this can gently start the discussion.

2. Make an Appointment with a Doctor

The next step is to book a visit with your parent’s primary care physician. They can perform a physical exam, ask questions about symptoms, and refer your parent to a neurologist if needed. Neurologists specialize in conditions like Parkinson’s and can conduct a more detailed evaluation.

3. Keep Notes on Symptoms

To prepare for the doctor’s appointment, jot down what you’ve noticed and how long it’s been occurring. Include any specific examples, like “struggles to button shirts” or “takes short, shuffled steps when walking.” A symptom journal can help the doctor get a clearer picture of what’s happening.

4. Support Your Parent Emotionally

Receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be overwhelming for your parent. Be there to listen, reassure, and explore ways to manage their condition together. Remind them that many people with Parkinson’s lead fulfilling lives thanks to advances in medication and therapy.

5. Learn About Treatment Options

If your parent is diagnosed, work with their doctor to explore treatment options. Medications such as levodopa can help manage symptoms by temporarily increasing dopamine levels. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and lifestyle adjustments can also play a role in helping your parent stay active and independent.

Supporting Your Parent’s Journey

Parkinson’s is a long-term condition, and early detection makes a huge difference in how it’s managed. Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can tailor support to your parent’s needs. Encourage them to stay as active as possible, since movement can improve flexibility and delay stiffness. Take walks together, explore enjoyable exercises, or simply keep them engaged in activities they love.

Building a strong support system of family, friends, and healthcare providers will also be essential. Whether it’s helping them get to appointments or just being a shoulder to lean on, your involvement is invaluable.