The curious fact is that the disease probably develops even a few years before (up to 5 years, according to some studies) the appearance of symptoms that put the person on alert, making them suspect that something is wrong in their body. In particular, the typical motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease appear after the non-motor symptoms: it has been observed, in fact, that the neurodegeneration of nigro-striatal dopaminergic neurons is preceded by extranigral neuropathological changes.
Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease include:
- Autonomic dysfunction (alteration of smell, sympathetic cardiac denervation, urinary dysfunction);
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (constipation);
- Neuropsychiatric disorders (depression, mild cognitive impairment, sleep behavior disorder or sleep behavior disorder);
- Sensory disturbances (pain, restless legs syndrome).
). Furthermore, it has been shown that the execution of repetitive movements is altered in amplitude, rhythm and speed.
Akinesia is characterized by a high difficulty of movement, so much so that individuals with Parkinson's disease are extremely difficult to carry out automatic movements, such as touching the face, crossing the arms or crossing the legs.
At the same time:
- During the walk, the movements of the arms that normally follow the step are reduced;
- The expressiveness of the face is lacking;
- Gesticulation associated with conversation is reduced;
- The automatic act of swallowing also decreases, causing excessive salivation (drooling).
