Section 01 — Caring for Your Brain at Any Age
Pay Attention to the Little Things
Change is part of getting older . But not all change is from age . Sometimes change can signal an emerging problem or new medical condition . It can be hard to know what ’ s age and what might be something else .
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
01 — Constipation 02 — Smell loss 03 — Slowing down 04 — Depression
Another difficulty is that some of the earliest possible signs of some medical conditions , such as Parkinson ’ s , are mild or subtle . And they may not be ones you typically associate with the disease , such as shaking ( tremor ).
This doesn ’ t mean that you should be overly concerned about tracking every change , no matter how minor . There are some common experiences that , surprisingly , especially in people over 60 , can be associated with Parkinson ’ s risk . If you experience these , first and foremost don ’ t panic ! For most people , these are not Parkinson ’ s . But being aware of how you are changing can help you talk early and often with your loved ones and your doctor .
01
Constipation
Constipation is less frequent or more difficult bowel movements . “ Normal ” bowel movements vary significantly from person to person . Some people go once or more a day ; others go a few times a week .
Many factors can cause constipation , including what you drink and eat and how much you exercise . Not drinking enough water , not eating enough fiber or not moving enough all can contribute to constipation . Make sure you drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of water per day , more if you exercise or spend time outdoors . Gradually add high-fiber foods , such as apples with the skin on , bran and oatmeal , and beans and legumes . And make sure to exercise . Steady , moderate activity , such as walking , swimming or light weightlifting can help activate your digestive system .
Most of the time , constipation comes and goes with nothing more serious than a few days of discomfort . But rarely , particularly in people around 60 and up , constipation may be a sign of early changes associated with Parkinson ’ s taking place in brain and body cells . It can show up years or even decades before the better-known movement symptoms ( such as tremor , slowness and stiffness ), and before diagnosis with the disease .
As a result , studying individuals over age 60 who are experiencing constipation may lead to increased understanding of Parkinson ’ s risk . ( For some people living with Parkinson ’ s , though not all , constipation continues to be a symptom of the disease .)
If , over the course of a few weeks or months , you notice you go less often or have a harder time passing stool , especially if you are taking healthy steps but still experiencing constipation , talk to your doctor . Make sure to discuss the lifestyle changes you ’ ve tried and other medical conditions or medications that might cause constipation . Many medications for pain and some for depression , blood pressure and other health problems , for example , can lead to constipation .
02
Smell loss
We may not fully appreciate our sense of smell until it decreases or goes away . The ability to smell helps us taste and enjoy our food . It also keeps us safe by letting us know if food is spoiled or something is burning , for example .
Sense of smell does naturally diminish as we get older . But loss of smell can also be part of other medical conditions . For some people with Parkinson ’ s or other brain disease , smell loss is one of the first symptoms , happening years or decades before diagnosis .
But many other factors can cause smell loss : cigarette smoking ; a cold , sinus infection , allergies or other nasal problems ; or head injury . Some medications , such as nose sprays , could also impact sense of smell .
If you notice you can ’ t smell as well as you used to , or that your sense of smell is gone , talk with your doctor . They can help you determine the potential cause and best treatment options .
18 The Michael J . Fox Foundation for Parkinson ’ s Research