An ailment that causes difficulty in the movement and control of muscles, Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder with debilitating symptoms. Parkinson’s disease occurs when the cells in a part of the brain known as substantia nigra begin to deteriorate. This degradation decreases the production of dopamine, which affects motor skills and muscle movements. Although experts do not know what exactly causes the cells in the substantia nigra to die, they believe that genetic and environmental factors cause Parkinson’s disease. Nearly 50,000 people are affected by Parkinson’s every year. Although it is not curable, an early diagnosis may help in prolonging life and improving the patient’s quality of life.

• Handwriting gets smaller : Micrographia is an early sign of Parkinson’s disease. A person’s handwriting changes and becomes very cramped. The patient’s writing becomes quite illegible over time.
• Experiencing tremors : A common early sign of Parkinson’s disease is tremors while a person is at rest. A person may experience slight tremors or shaking in the chin, hand, thumb, or fingers. However, tremors after intense physical activities, during extreme stress, or after an injury is quite normal and should not be a cause for concern. Certain medications can also cause tremors and shaking.