Michael J Fox opens up about his Parkinson’s diagnosis

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters.Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer.Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights.You can unsubscribe at any time.

Parkinson’s disease symptoms mainly relate to movement because it involves a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain responsible for producing a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine acts as a messenger between the parts of the brain and nervous system that help control and coordinate body movements. If these nerve cells die or become damaged, the amount of dopamine in the brain is reduced. The amount of blinking a person does could be a sign they may be at risk.

Parkinson’s is caused by a loss of nerve cells in a specific part of the brain.

These nerve cells are used to help send messages between the brain and the nervous system.

Parkinson’s disease symptoms tend to develop gradually, and only appear as mild at first.

One of the common warning signs of Parkinson’s is subtle changes to your eyes, including reduced blinking.

Parkinson’s can cause some patients to develop particularly dry eyes, according to charity the Parkinson’s Foundation.

That subsequently leads to a fewer number of blinks in any given minute.

The average person blinks around 15 to 20 times every minute, scientists have revealed.

But, everybody is different, and some people may naturally blink fewer times than that.

DON’T MISS
Apple cider vinegar: How to drink [TIPS]
Coronavirus South Africa strain: Worsening symptom [INSIGHT]
Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine side effects – what are common? [ADVICE]

Some Parkinson’s patients may find that they blink less often than they’re used to.

Most people usually blink around 17 times every minute, accord to the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA).

But, if you have Parkinson’s, you may find that it “substantially” reduces over time.

There’s no set limit to how often Parkinson’s patients blink in a minute, but if you’re blinking less than normal, you should consider speaking to a doctor.

Other early symptoms to look out for include:

• Tremor
• Slowed movement
• Rigid muscles
• Impaired posture and balance
• Loss of automatic movements
• Speech changes
• Writing changes.

When to seek medical advice

“See your GP if you’re concerned you may have symptoms of Parkinson’s disease,” advises the NHS.

It is important to alert your GP sooner rather than later as evidence shows you can slow down its progression by making healthy lifestyle choices.

Exercise is one of the most effective measures you can take to delay its progression.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation (PF), exercise can assist in maintaining balance, mobility and daily living activities, along with a potential “neuroprotective” effect.

In fact, there is a growing consensus among researchers about the short and long-term benefits of exercise for people with Parkinson’s.

Source: Read Full Article