Parkinson’s disease is a condition that causes the brain to become progressively more damaged over time, said the NHS.
It’s caused by a loss of cells in a specific part of the brain, which are used to send messages to the nervous system.
Parkinson’s disease symptoms usually develop gradually, and they may be difficult to spot during it’s earlier stages.
But one of the earliest warning signs of the brain condition is taking shorter steps than normal, it’s been revealed.
Parkinson’s causes patients to take shorter, but faster, steps, warned medical website ParkinsonsDisease.net.
While it may seem like patients are walking fast, their strides are very inefficient, which can be frustrating for them.
The change is caused by damage to part of the brain called the substantia nigra, it said. This reduces the amount of dopamine in the body – a neurotransmitter.
“Parkinson’s disease can affect the gait, or the way a person walks,” said the medical website.
“Gait alterations can be highly disruptive to people with Parkinson’s disease and may interfere with the ability to work, exercise, or engage in everyday activities.
“A quickening and shortening of normal strides characterise festinating gait [shorter, faster steps].
“While the steps are quicker, the stride is shorter, causing this to be a very inefficient gait, which can be frustrating and tiring for the person experiencing it.”
Some patients develop a hesitation before making a stride – a condition known as ‘freezing of gait’, it added.
It can make the feet feel like they’re glued to the floor, although it’s usually only temporary.
It’s more common in certain situations – for example, when starting to walk, or turning around a bend.
Freezing is a potentially serious problem for people with Parkinson’s disease, as it increases the risk of falls, it said.
Slow movement is one of the three most common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, along with tremors and muscle stiffness.
Tremors, or shaking, usually starts in the hands or arms, and is more likely to occur when the limb is relaxed, said the NHS.
Muscle stiffness can make movement difficult for patients, and it may even result in frequent muscle cramps.
Other warning signs of Parkinson’s include balance problems, loss of sense of smell, and nerve pain.
Speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the signs or symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, urged the NHS.