#UniteforParkinsons

It's a common misconception that certain diseases are the terrors of old age only. Many physical and neurological illness aren't age specific and stories about the impact of Parkinson's Disease on young sufferers are increasingly shared. Early-onset Parkinsons affects 21-40 year olds, but juvenile-onset affects under-21s.

Today is World Parkinson's Day. There are some 14 million people living with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and it's not always easy to determine whether it's PD or another illness that's affecting you. Parkinson.org details early symptoms, and recommends if you have more than one sign, consider making an appointment to speak to your doctor.

10 early signs of Parkinson's

Resting tremors, when your hands, digits or even chin shake slightly. Have you done exercise, hurt yourself, or are you stressed? Some medicines also cause shaking.

Smaller than usual handwriting can be PD, but equally poor vision or cramped or stiff fingers.

Do you have loss of smell? This could be down to a cold or allergy, but if your sense of smell doesn't return, consider seeing your GP.

Tossing and turning, or jerking in your sleep is common and often normal, but sudden movements during sleep or acting out dreams can also be a sign of PD.

Parkinson's can cause stiffness and pain, and a physical stoop or lean. If you're injury-free and not suffering from arthritis, speak to your GP if the stiffness doesn't go away when you start moving.

Early PD symptoms can include constipation. Check you have plenty of fibre in your diet, that you're drinking enough fluid and any medicines you're taking don't have constipation listed as a side effect.

Changes to your voice such as softness or hoarseness not attributed to a cough or cold can also indicate PD.

The disease can cause something called facial masking - this is when your expression doesn't match your mood, usually suggesting you're in a bad or sad mood.

Feeling dizzy or fainting can be a sign of low blood pressure, but can also be linked to Parkinson's. If it's happening regularly, make an appointment with your doctor.

There's plenty of help available to sufferers, and making a plan to stay healthy is a good starting place. Brain specialists, occupational, physical and speech therapists and social workers will provide specialist care to help you manage physical and emotional symptoms. Talking to your family and friends will provide you with a support network. Exercise can help delay symptom progression.

Parkinson's is challenging to live with. It causes progressie changes to motor and non-motor symptoms and impacts the life of the sufferer and their carers.

Even though so much of PD is uncontrollable, taking an active role in managing it can help PD sufferers live their lives to the fullest. The first step is understanding the disease and its impacts and #NationalParkinsonsDay aims to do that.

Join the conversation, and unite - one voice, one day.