A neurologist warns that Parkinson's disease is not confined to older adults and can threaten young Indians too, outlining four early signs to spot sooner. But here’s where it gets controversial: many people still dismiss these early cues as stress or burnout, which can delay crucial diagnosis and treatment.
To shed light on this issue, HT Lifestyle consulted Dr. Sanjay Pandey, Professor and Head of the Neurology and Stroke Medicine Department at Amrita Hospital in Faridabad. He emphasized that India faces a troubling rise in cases and projects the country may have the highest absolute number of Parkinson’s patients worldwide. Alarmingly, nearly 40–45 percent of Indian individuals with Parkinson’s develop motor symptoms between ages 22 and 49, making early-onset Parkinson’s Disease (EOPD) more common than commonly realized.
Four early signs to watch for in young adults
1. Micrographia (small handwriting): A noticeable shrinkage in handwriting size can appear suddenly. People often chalk this up to stress or fatigue, but it can signal diminished control of hand movements.
2. Difficulties with movement or walking: Slower pace, stiffness, dragging a foot, or trouble turning while walking develop gradually and are sometimes mistaken for muscle fatigue or inadequate exercise.
3. A soft or breathy voice: A voice that loses volume or expressiveness can be an early neurological sign. Many attribute it to throat strain, not realizing Parkinson’s can affect speech muscles.
4. Tremor: A subtle tremor at rest in the hand or fingers is a well-known symptom, yet small or intermittent tremors are easy to overlook even though they can be clinically meaningful at an early stage.
What actions help
Dr. Pandey urges prompt attention and regular neurological check-ups, as ignoring subtle signs can lead to complications. He recommends:
- Regular neurological screenings, especially if symptoms persist.
- Maintaining physical activity and monitoring for persistent changes in movement, voice, or handwriting.
- Getting evaluated promptly if there is a family history of Parkinson’s.
These steps can significantly aid early detection and better management.
Important note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. For any questions about a medical condition, consult a healthcare professional.
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