Meet Antonio, a 68-year-old who faced an alarming change last year: his speech became muffled, his movements slowed, and he experienced stiffness that made rising from bed a challenge. Concerned, his family initially suspected heart issues, but a visit to the neurologist revealed it was the early stages of Parkinson's disease, not dementia.

Thanks to timely intervention with medication and daily physiotherapy, Antonio showed remarkable improvement. Unlike many who suffer due to late diagnoses, he was back on his feet within months, even regaining the ability to drive after five.

Age is no longer a sole indicator of Parkinson’s. While it traditionally affects those in their 60s, more patients in their 50s are now showing symptoms. Antonio's wife, Rita, noted, "We were completely unaware of Parkinson's symptoms in our family. He used to be such a talkative person; we were worried when he wanted to isolate himself."

However, this isn't the case for many. Neurologists stress that the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as speech difficulties or urinary issues, frequently go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Dr. Gajanan Panandikar, a consultant neurophysician, explains that these signs are often mistakenly interpreted as age-related, causing delays in treatment. By the time patients seek help, they may already be severely affected, complicating recovery.

Common early symptoms—like stiffness, slowness, and balance issues—are often misattributed to fatigue, depression, or other conditions, resulting in further delays. Dr. Sanat R Bhatkar, a neurologist, warns that nearly one-third of Parkinson's patients may not exhibit tremors, making recognition even trickier.

Despite being a progressive and incurable condition, early detection can vastly improve outcomes. Medications and physiotherapy can slow disease progression, enhancing the quality of life. But Bhatkar emphasizes the importance of consistent treatment, as neglecting medication can worsen symptoms.

Alarmingly, around one in every seven to eight Parkinson's cases are diagnosed as Parkinson's-plus syndromes, which are resistant to standard treatments.

Rita recalls the chaos of uncertainty, stating, "We were lost, watching him decline without a clear understanding. Learning it was Parkinson's was shocking but also a relief; we could finally focus on what needed to be done."

Don’t ignore the signs! Early intervention can be life-changing. Knowing the non-motor features of Parkinson's is essential for timely diagnosis and effective treatment.