Nisha Pandey

Health and Me

Changes In The Way You Walk May Reveal Early Signs Of Parkinson’s Up To 7 Years Before Diagnosis

Changes in stride like a slower walking pace, fewer steps or a change in the way your arms move may be considered  as signs of ageing. However, an emerging study suggests that minor differences in walking patterns could be subtle, early indicators of Parkinson’s disease. According to the study, these signs can can emerge years before Parkinson's diagnosis. 

Published in the <em><span rel="noindex">Journal of Neural Transmission</span></em>, the study analysed movement data from more than 73,000 participants in the UK Biobank. Researchers found that certain changes in walking behaviour could indicate a future Parkinson’s diagnosis, surfacing up to 6.8 years beforehand.

The findings indicate that <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/long-term-air-pollution-exposure-linked-with-14-higher-dementia-risk-uk-study-based-on-488000-people-article-156406842" data-type="tilCustomLink">Parkinson’s disease</a> may begin developing long before its more familiar symptoms like tremors and stiffness, become noticeable.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/beth-dobbins-myalgic-encephalomyelitis-campaign-gains-support-from-360-sportspeople-why-are-they-urging-uk-pm-to-act-article-156463959" data-type="tilCustomLink">Beth Dobbin's Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Campaign Gains Support From 360 Sportspeople: Why Are They Urging UK PM To Act?</a>

Researchers examined data from 73,413 people who wore wearables that track movement for seven days. Their health records were then followed for up to 10 years. Of the participants without Parkinson’s at the time of the movement assessment, 314 were diagnosed with the disease during follow-up.

Using a digital analysis tool called Watch Walk, researchers examined 17 characteristics related to gait. They identified five walking characteristics that were consistently linked with a subsequent Parkinson’s diagnosis:

<ul><li>Fewer steps each day: Participants who later developed Parkinson’s recorded lower daily step counts than those who did not.</li><li>Slower walking speed: People who were diagnosed later tended to walk more slowly, including at their maximum walking speed. </li><li>Shorter walking periods: They also spent a lesser amount of their time walking in longer, continuous stretches.</li><li>Changes in step regularity: Their steps showed less consistent rhythm, indicating alterations in the regularity of their walking pattern.</li><li>Reduced natural arm swing: They spent more time walking with their arms in a static position instead of swinging naturally.</li></ul>

<h2>Effects Of Parkinson’s Disease On Walking </h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/world-s-first-patient-receives-pioneering-stem-cell-treatment-for-parkinson-s-in-japan-article-156437432" data-type="tilCustomLink">World's First Patient Receives Pioneering Stem Cell Treatment For Parkinson's In Japan</a>

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. It occurs due to the loss of nerve cells that produce dopamine in a brain region called the substantia nigra. Dopamine helps regulate movement, coordination and other functions.

As dopamine levels decline, the brain's ability to coordinate movement is affected. This can lead to bradykinesia, or slowness of movement, rigidity of muscle, <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/memory-issues-in-dementia-parkinsons-patients-linked-to-natural-mouth-gut-bacteria-article-151945350" data-type="tilCustomLink">tremors</a> and balance issues.

These changes can also affect gait. A person may take smaller steps, walk more slowly, experience difficulty moving or reduced swinging arms.

The study's findings suggest that some of these motor changes may be detectable in everyday movement well before the condition is formally diagnosed.

Changes in walking speed, balance, step length or arm movement can occur for several reasons, including ageing, joint problems, injuries, medication effects and other neurological conditions.

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Parkinson’s disease is, however, diagnosed through a clinical assessment, which considers a person's symptoms, medical history and neurological examination. Other symptoms that may warrant medical evaluation include:

<ul><li>A tremor especially when the affected hand or limb is at rest.</li><li>Slowness in everyday movements like dressing or getting up from a chair.</li><li>Muscle stiffness or rigidity.</li><li>Problems with balance.</li><li>Smaller handwriting or changes in speech volume.</li></ul>

<h2>Early Detection Of Parkinson’s Disease</h2>

Although there is currently no established treatment that stops or reverses the underlying progression of Parkinson’s disease, an earlier diagnosis can help people manage symptoms, access rehabilitation and support sooner.

Exercise, physiotherapy and medical care can help maintain mobility, balance and quality of life. Early assessment can also help doctors distinguish Parkinson’s from other conditions that may cause similar movement difficulties.

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Changes in stride like a slower walking pace, fewer steps or a change in the way your arms move may be considered  as signs of ageing. However, an emerging study suggests that minor differences in walking patterns could be subtle, early indicators of Parkinson’s disease. According to the study, these signs can can emerge years before Parkinson's diagnosis. Published in the Journal of Neural Transmission, the study analysed movement data from more than 73,000 participants in the UK Biobank. Researchers found that certain changes in walking behaviour could indicate a future Parkinson’s diagnosis, surfacing up to 6.8 years beforehand.The findings indicate that Parkinson’s disease may begin developing long before its more familiar symptoms like tremors and stiffness, become noticeable.Findings From The StudyAlso read: Beth Dobbin's Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Campaign Gains Support From 360 Sportspeople: Why Are They Urging UK PM To Act?Researchers examined data from 73,413 people who wore wearables that track movement for seven days. Their health records were then followed for up to 10 years. Of the participants without Parkinson’s at the time of the movement assessment, 314 were diagnosed with the disease during follow-up.Using a digital analysis tool called Watch Walk, researchers examined 17 characteristics related to gait. They identified five walking characteristics that were consistently linked with a subsequent Parkinson’s diagnosis:Fewer steps each day: Participants who later developed Parkinson’s recorded lower daily step counts than those who did not.Slower walking speed: People who were diagnosed later tended to walk more slowly, including at their maximum walking speed. Shorter walking periods: They also spent a lesser amount of their time walking in longer, continuous stretches.Changes in step regularity: Their steps showed less consistent rhythm, indicating alterations in the regularity of their walking pattern.Reduced natural arm swing: They spent more time walking with their arms in a static position instead of swinging naturally.Effects Of Parkinson’s Disease On Walking Also read: World's First Patient Receives Pioneering Stem Cell Treatment For Parkinson's In JapanParkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. It occurs due to the loss of nerve cells that produce dopamine in a brain region called the substantia nigra. Dopamine helps regulate movement, coordination and other functions.As dopamine levels decline, the brain's ability to coordinate movement is affected. This can lead to bradykinesia, or slowness of movement, rigidity of muscle, tremors and balance issues.These changes can also affect gait. A person may take smaller steps, walk more slowly, experience difficulty moving or reduced swinging arms.The study's findings suggest that some of these motor changes may be detectable in everyday movement well before the condition is formally diagnosed.Changes in walking speed, balance, step length or arm movement can occur for several reasons, including ageing, joint problems, injuries, medication effects and other neurological conditions.            Parkinson’s disease is, however, diagnosed through a clinical assessment, which considers a person's symptoms, medical history and neurological examination. Other symptoms that may warrant medical evaluation include:A tremor especially when the affected hand or limb is at rest.Slowness in everyday movements like dressing or getting up from a chair.Muscle stiffness or rigidity.Problems with balance.Smaller handwriting or changes in speech volume.Early Detection Of Parkinson’s DiseaseAlthough there is currently no established treatment that stops or reverses the underlying progression of Parkinson’s disease, an earlier diagnosis can help people manage symptoms, access rehabilitation and support sooner.Exercise, physiotherapy and medical care can help maintain mobility, balance and quality of life. Early assessment can also help doctors distinguish Parkinson’s from other conditions that may cause similar movement difficulties.

changes in the way you walk may reveal early signs of parkinson’s up to 7 years before diagnosis

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Changes In The Way You Walk May Reveal Early Signs Of Parkinson’s Up To 7 Years Before Diagnosis

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