Parkinson’s Disease & ALS

Early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease may include an occasional tremor, changes in handwriting, unexplained muscle stiffness, mood fluctuations, and a reduced sense of smell. Patients might also experience frequent constipation. Over five to ten years, these symptoms, particularly the loss of motor control, generally become more pronounced as the disease progresses and the nervous system deteriorates.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) often begins with muscle weakness in one or more limbs and difficulty with speaking, chewing, swallowing, or breathing. As the disease advances, symptoms can include muscle wasting, twitching, tightness, cramps, weight loss, and difficulty with fine motor skills. Patients may also experience slurred or nasal speech, excessive drooling, and trouble holding up their head. Mood changes with uncontrollable crying or laughing spells and falling episodes are also common. The progression rate varies among individuals, leading to widespread physical impairment over time.