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Here’s how to spot early signs of Parkinson’s disease

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Parkinson’s disease primarily targets the central nervous system which can lead to problems with movement, balance and other aspects of a person’s life.

This condition affects men more than women and usually starts at the age of 60. However, it also affects young people as early as those in their 20s but it only happens in rare cases and especially when the individual has a relative with the same condition.

Nigeria records over 100,00 cases per year. Parkinson’s disease also ranks second among age-related degenerative brain diseases. And among motor (movement-related) brain diseases, it is the most common.

Early symptoms to watch out for

While a diagnosis is needed for this condition, there are some early signs that could indicate its prescence. This is particularly because symptoms develop slowly: the very first sign may present as a tremor in just one hand.

Here are the early signs of Parkinson’s disease and how to spot them.

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1. Insomnia

Parkinson’s affects sleep to a great extent, causing insomnia (a sleep disorder involving difficulty falling asleep at night or staying awake all night).

Usually, the classic symptoms of the disease like tremor, stiffness, pain, and restless leg syndrome cause the inability to fall asleep.

And when sleep is affected, people tend to feel tired and drowsy during the day.

2. Loss of sense of smell

A gradual loss of sense of smell is another symptom that can show up in the early stages of the disease. It can manifest as an inability to no longer smell favourite foods or scents.

ALSO READ: Diabetes drug could be used to fight Parkinson’s disease


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3. Loss of bladder control

Problems with bladder or bowels also appear at the onset of the disease. The urge to urinate quicky or more frequently (generally associated with an overactive bladder) are commonly reported in patients at the time of diagnosis.

4. Changes in speech

A person’s speech can gradually deteriorate. They may begin to slur, speak too quickly or softly, or even hesistate before talking.

They may also sound flat or monotone, without typical speech patterns.

5. Changes in handwriting

It is not unusual to notice a sign of smaller handwriting in the early stages of this condition. This is due to changes in the brain that make movements smaller and less forceful than before.

As such, a significant change in handwriting should not be dismissed.

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ALSO READ: ‘I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at 34’

6. Depression

Feelings of emptiness or extreme sadness for an extended period can be regarded as depression. Although depression on its own doesn’t signal a neurodegenerative condition, it is worth looking into if there are other visible symptoms.

7. Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common early signs reported among patients. It typically manifests as a sense of dread, constant worry or difficulty concentrating, sweating, heart palpitations, trembling or dizziness.

8. Fatigue

We all get physically exhausted. But fatigue is a tiredness that remains even after rest. Up to half of people with Parkinson’s experience fatigue.

While fatigue is related to many other conditions, chemical changes in the brain are said to be responsible when Parkinson’s is involved.

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Some patients even report mental (cognitive) fatigue as they find it hard to concentrate for a long time without a break.

9. Tremor and uncontrollable movement

It is expected that as the disease sets in, tremor becomes noticeable. Tremor is an uncontrollable movement that affects a part of the body.

Typically, tremor associated with Parkinson’s starts in the hand before spreading to affect the rest of the arm or down to the foot on the same side of the body.

10. Slowness of movement

If a person who used to move swiftly starts to move unusually slow, it’s worth looking into. Patients typically report stuggling with coordination and difficulty walking.

ALSO READ: Japan team transplants stem cells into brain to treat Parkinson’s

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Most likely causes

There is no known cause of this disease but there are several factors that can play a role.

They include:

  • Genes: There are specific genes linked to Parkinson’s disease. But these are rare unless many family members have had Parkinson’s disease.

  • Exposure to toxins: Ongoing exposure to herbicides and pesticides may slightly increase your risk of Parkinson’s disease.

  • Age: The risk of Parkinson’s disease increases with age. Usually, it starts around age 50 or older. The average age of onset is around age 70. Parkinson’s disease can occur in younger adults, but it is rare. When people younger than age 50 have the disease, it’s known as early-onset Parkinson’s disease.

  • Sex: Men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than women.

Preventing this disease is not straightforward because there is no known cause. However, research shows that some factors can help protect against it. They include:

  • Exercise: Aerobic exercise has been linked to a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease.

  • Caffeine: Some studies show a link between drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee and green tea and a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease.

  • Medicines: Some medicines, such as ibuprofen and statins, have been linked to a lower risk of the disease.

These early warning signs should not alarm you but help you make an informed decision when the time is right.

ALSO READ: Ozzy Osbourne Reveals He Is Living With Parkinson’s Disease

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Lifestyle

List of Popes throughout history: a complete timeline

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When it comes to the Catholic Church, the papacy remains one of the oldest continuous institutions in the world. It has seen a long line of leaders guiding the Catholic Church over the centuries. 

Each pope’s tenure has had its own impact on the Church and the world at large.

As the world mourns the death of Pope Francis, here is a list of popes of the Roman Catholic Church throughout history, along with the duration of their papacies. 

READ ALSO: What happens when the Pope dies? 

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From the early days of Saint Peter to the modern pontiffs, this compilation includes the men who have held the papal office and shaped religious, political, and cultural landscapes across time. 

READ ALSO: Meet the only Nigerian who can vote on who becomes the next pope


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Lifestyle

3 Surprising foods that naturally keep you smelling fresh

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We often turn to deodorants, perfumes, and body sprays to maintain a pleasant scent throughout the day. 

While these products can be effective, what you consume also plays a powerful role in how your body smells. 

Surprisingly, some foods can help you stay naturally fresh from the inside out. By including these in your diet, you not only support your overall health but may also notice a subtle improvement in your natural body odour. 

Here are three surprising foods that can help keep you smelling fresh all day long.

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1. Parsley

Often used as a garnish, parsley is a powerful herb that does more than add colour to your plate. It contains chlorophyll, a natural compound known for its deodorising properties. Chlorophyll helps neutralise body odours by detoxifying the bloodstream and promoting healthy digestion, which can influence how your body smells.

ALSO READ: Why your feet stink and how to keep them fresh

Parsley also has antibacterial properties that may help combat odour-causing bacteria. You can chew on a few sprigs after meals, blend it into green smoothies, or add it generously to salads and soups for a refreshing boost.

2. Green Apples

Green apples are not only crisp and delicious, but they’re also rich in fibre and antioxidants, which support gut health, a key player in body odour. A healthy digestive system ensures toxins are efficiently eliminated from the body, reducing the chances of unpleasant smells.

What’s more, green apples contain polyphenols that help fight bacteria in the mouth, naturally freshening your breath. Replacing sugary snacks with a green apple can be a tasty and effective way to stay refreshed throughout the day.


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EXPLORE: How to naturally smell good without using deodorant

3. Lemon

Known for its sharp, clean scent, lemon is a citrus fruit that works wonders from the inside. It helps balance the body’s pH levels and acts as a natural cleanser. Drinking warm lemon water in the morning supports digestion, flushes out toxins, and may contribute to a more neutral body odour over time.

Additionally, lemon’s high vitamin C content boosts the immune system and supports the health of the skin, which plays a vital role in how we smell. Adding a few slices to your water or using lemon juice in salad dressings can make it a regular part of your routine.

Smelling fresh isn’t only about what you apply on your skin, it also begins with what you consume. Adding foods like parsley, green apples, and lemon into your daily diet can help support your body’s natural freshness in a subtle yet noticeable way.

Combined with good hygiene, these simple dietary additions can make a lasting difference, helping you feel confident and refreshed all day long.

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RECOMMENDED: 5 hygiene mistakes that cause vaginal odour


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Lifestyle

Why is my urine foamy?

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Have you ever looked into the toilet and noticed that your urine appears foamy or bubbly?

While it might not seem like a big deal at first, foamy urine can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue. In this article, we’ll explore what causes foamy urine, when it’s considered normal, when it might signal a medical condition, and what treatments or steps you should take if it persists.

ALSO READ: Having trouble urinating? It could be a sign of prostate cancer

What Does Foamy Urine Mean?

Foamy urine simply means urine that looks bubbly or sudsy, almost like soap has been mixed in. It’s often noticed when using the toilet and can appear occasionally or frequently.

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Common Causes of Foamy Urine

1. Fast Urination

One of the most common reasons for foamy urine is urinating with a strong stream. This can cause bubbles to form in the toilet bowl due to the force of the flow.

2. Dehydration

When you’re not drinking enough water, your urine becomes more concentrated. This concentrated urine may appear darker and foamy than usual.

3. Presence of Protein (Proteinuria)

Persistent foamy urine could indicate protein in the urine, a condition known as proteinuria. This is often a sign that your kidneys are not filtering properly.

Common causes of proteinuria include:

  • Kidney disease

  • Diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • Autoimmune conditions like lupus

4. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Some UTIs can cause changes in the appearance of urine, including cloudiness or foaminess, often accompanied by a strong odor or burning sensation during urination.


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5. Retrograde Ejaculation (in men)

In some men, a condition called retrograde ejaculation causes semen to travel backward into the bladder instead of out through the penis. This may cause the urine to appear foamy.

ALSO READ: 5 Nigerian soups that are good for your kidney

6. Chemicals in the Toilet

Sometimes, foam may simply be due to residues from cleaning products in the toilet bowl interacting with your urine.

Health-Related Causes of Foamy Urine

If your foamy urine is persistent and accompanied by other symptoms, it could be a sign of a serious health condition, including:

  • Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Kidney damage causes protein to leak into the urine. This is a major warning sign and should be evaluated immediately.

  • Diabetes: Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to protein leakage and foaminess in urine.

  • High Blood Pressure: Over time, hypertension can harm kidney function, increasing the risk of proteinuria and foamy urine.

When to See a Doctor

You should consult a healthcare professional if:

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  • The foamy urine persists for more than a few days

  • You notice swelling in your hands, feet, face, or abdomen

  • You have frequent urination, especially at night

  • Your urine is dark, has a foul odour, or appears cloudy

  • You’re experiencing other symptoms like fatigue, nausea, or shortness of breath

To determine the cause, your doctor may recommend:

  • Urinalysis to check for protein, blood, or infection

  • Blood tests to assess kidney function

  • Imaging tests (like an ultrasound) to check the kidney structure

  • 24-hour urine collection for accurate protein measurement

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

  • Dehydration – Drink more water and stay hydrated

  • Proteinuria/Kidney disease – Medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBS, lifestyle changes, manage diabetes or BP

  • UTI – Antibiotics prescribed by a doctor

  • Retrograde ejaculation – May be treated with medications or fertility support if needed

  • Diabetes/Hypertension – Manage with proper medication, diet, and exercise.

While occasional foamy urine may not be a cause for concern, persistent or frequent foaming, especially when paired with other symptoms, could point to an underlying health condition. It’s always better to check with your doctor if you’re unsure. Early detection and management can prevent serious complications, especially when it comes to kidney health.

ALSO READ: 12 vegetables you should eat everyday

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