Around 145,000 people currently have a Parkinson's diagnosis in the UK, but an estimated one in 37 of us will be diagnosed in our lifetime.
Just over 1% of people with Parkinson's are under 50 years of age. The degenerative, neurological condition has no cure, and it can show a huge number of symptoms.
Three main signs of the condition visibly affect physical movement, and when many think of Parkinson's, they think of hand and arm tremors.
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But there is one warning sign that can present itself years before the tremors begin.
Dr Beckie Port, head of research communications at Parkinson's UK, previously told the ECHO: "Parkinson's is complex. There are over 40 symptoms which vary from freezing and rigidity to anxiety and sleeping problems.
"It affects everyone differently and no two people present with the same symptoms. Many people tell us they experience symptoms related to their Parkinson's for a number of years before a formal diagnosis, but the dots were never connected."
According to the NHS, the primary signs of Parkinson's are:
- tremor – usually begins in the hand or arm and is more likely to occur when the limb is relaxed and resting
- slowness of movement (bradykinesia) – physical movements are much slower than normal, which can result in a distinctive slow, shuffling walk with small steps, and can make everyday tasks difficult
- muscle stiffness or tension (rigidity) – this can make it difficult to move around and make facial expressions, and can result in painful muscle cramps (dystonia)
However, many people develop anosmia (a loss of sense of smell) some years before any other symptoms occur. The NHS said this "sometimes occurs several years before other symptoms develop".
Other Parkinson's symptoms include:
- depression and anxiety
- balance problems (this may increase the chances of a fall)
- problems sleeping (insomnia)
- memory problems
If you're concerned that you may have symptoms of Parkinson's disease, you should see a GP. You may then be referred to a specialist for further tests.
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