Have you ever felt like your body isn't moving as fast as it used to? Getting up from a chair feels slower, your strides seem shorter, or your hands take longer to perform simple tasks like buttoning a shirt. Many people dismiss these conditions as normal, caused by fatigue or aging. However, gradual changes in movement can be important messages from the body.
One medical condition often characterized by slowed movement is Parkinson's disease. This symptom is known medically as bradykinesia and is a key symptom of Parkinson's disease.
What is Slowed Movement (Bradykinesia)?
Bradykinesia is a condition where the body experiences a slowdown in initiating and carrying out movements. This isn't simply laziness or a lack of energy, but rather a disorder of the nervous system that regulates movement.
This condition causes:
- Hand and foot movements feel stiff and slow
- Difficulty initiating movement, such as standing or walking
- Simple activities take longer
- Facial expressions appear flat or less expressive
Bradykinesia occurs due to a reduction in dopamine in the brain, a chemical that plays an important role in regulating the coordination and smoothness of body movements.
When to Be Alert and Consult?
Slowed body movements need special attention if:
- Happens continuously
- Disturbing daily activities
- Accompanied by tremors, stiffness, or balance disorders
- Getting worse over time
Early examination by a neurologist is crucial to determine the cause. A correct diagnosis allows for earlier treatment and helps maintain the patient's quality of life.
Why Can Slow Movement Be a Sign of Parkinson's?
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement control. Along with tremors, bradykinesia is a key symptom of Parkinson's disease.
In contrast to normal fatigue, slowed movements due to Parkinson's:
- Occurs gradually and persists
- Does not improve with rest
- Often accompanied by muscle stiffness and changes in body posture.
- May affect one side of the body first
Because the process is slow, many sufferers do not immediately notice these changes until their daily activities begin to be disrupted.
Slowed movement isn't always a normal part of aging. In some cases, it can be a frequently overlooked sign of Parkinson's disease. By understanding the characteristics of slow movement and not ignoring these changes, early detection can be achieved.
If you or your family begin to experience slowed body movements, don't delay getting checked out. Consult a neurologist immediately for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Article written by Dr. Gloria Tanjung, Sp.N (Neurology Specialist Doctor at EMC Alam Sutera & Sentul Hospital).