When most people think of Parkinson’s disease, they imagine obvious symptoms like trembling hands or trouble walking. But in reality, the condition often begins with much subtler changes — some of which may appear years or even decades before a diagnosis. For those over 50, knowing what to look for can make a big difference in getting timely treatment and maintaining quality of life.
4 early physical signs of Parkinson’s disease
1. Your handwriting is getting smaller
Have you noticed that your handwriting has become smaller, more cramped, or harder to read over time? This change — called micrographia — is a common early sign of Parkinson’s disease. The disease affects the brain’s ability to control fine motor movements, making it harder for your hand muscles to move smoothly. As a result, writing may feel awkward or effortful, and letters can shrink noticeably as you go.
2. Your hands struggle with small objects
If picking up things like coins, buttons, or pills is becoming frustrating — and your hand starts to shake or won’t cooperate the closer it gets — this could be a red flag. Parkinson’s disease gradually weakens coordination and control in the hands. As the condition progresses, even simple tasks like holding utensils or turning a key can become challenging due to tremors and muscle stiffness.
3. Everyday hand tasks feel strangely difficult
Tying shoelaces, buttoning shirts, or opening jars may start taking longer or feel clumsy, even though you’re trying your best. Parkinson’s disease can reduce the range of motion in your joints and slow down how quickly your muscles respond, turning once-simple actions into time-consuming efforts.
4. Your movements are slowing down
Are you walking more slowly than usual, dragging your feet, or noticing that your arms don’t swing naturally when you walk? This slowness of movement — known as bradykinesia — is one of the most common early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. You might take shorter steps, feel stiff, or have trouble starting and stopping your movement. These changes can sneak up on you, but they often grow more noticeable over time.
4 non-motor symptoms that may appear first
Parkinson’s disease isn’t just a movement disorder. It can also affect other parts of the body long before any physical symptoms appear. In fact, some of the earliest signs are non-motor symptoms that may go overlooked.
1. You’ve lost your sense of smell
Up to 90 percent of people with Parkinson’s disease report a reduced or lost sense of smell. You might have trouble detecting odors, need stronger scents to notice them, or find it harder to identify familiar smells. This change usually affects both nostrils and tends to appear years before any motor symptoms.
2. You act out dreams in your sleep
Kicking, yelling, or even falling out of bed while sleeping could be signs of a condition called REM sleep behavior disorder. It happens when the brain doesn’t properly relax your muscles during dreams, allowing your body to move as if the dream were real. This is a surprisingly common early indicator of Parkinson’s disease and sometimes results in injuries to the sleeper or their partner.
3. You’re frequently constipated
Having fewer than three bowel movements a week, passing hard stools, or feeling like you can’t fully empty your bowels might not just be a digestive issue. Parkinson’s disease can affect the nerves that help move food through your digestive system, slowing everything down. Constipation is one of the earliest symptoms and can appear 10 to 20 years before a diagnosis.
4. You’re feeling emotionally flat or depressed
A drop in mood, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, or a persistent sense of hopelessness can also be early signs of Parkinson’s disease. These emotional changes are linked to the same chemical imbalances in the brain — particularly involving dopamine — that affect movement. Unfortunately, they’re often mistaken for ordinary depression, which can delay proper diagnosis.
When to seek help
If you or someone you love is over 50 and experiencing one or more of these symptoms — especially in combination — it’s worth talking to a doctor or neurologist. While these signs don’t always mean Parkinson’s disease, they are serious enough to deserve attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the disease’s progression and preserve independence and quality of life for years to come.
Translated by Patty Zhang
Follow us on X, Facebook, or Pinterest
