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How to Detect the Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. Parkinson's disease is a chronic
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condition caused by a lack of dopamine in the brain. Diagnosis can sometimes take years;
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knowing symptoms can speed up the process. You will need An observant eye and a doctor.
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Step 1. Take note of tremors, the most common and often earliest symptom of Parkinson's
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disease. Tremors are a steady and rhythmic shaking of the hands or feet. Step 2. Test
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rigidity. Muscle stiffness is another common symptom. Stretch and move limbs to see if
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they feel heavy or weak. Check for a decrease in facial expressions, as this is also an
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indicator of rigidity. Step 3. Look for a noticeable slowness in movement, known as
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bradykinesia. Movement may also be incomplete or hard to start. Step 4. Test the difficulty
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of keeping balanced with a gentle push. Parkinson's disease can cause postural instability, which
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leads to loss of balance. Check for a bent-forward posture when standing. This adds to the loss
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of balance. Step 5. Look for a loss in automatic movements, such as blinking or swallowing.
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Parkinson's disease reduces many functions that are normally unconscious. Step 6. If
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you notice any of these symptoms, consult a doctor for a thorough examination. Did you
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know Did you know? Parkinson's disease does not only affect the elderly. Ten percent of
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Parkinson's patients are 40 years or younger.