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.

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.

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.

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

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

Have you ever had those nights when your body is tired but your mind is wide awake, buzzing with thoughts about everything from work emails to what you said in that conversation three weeks ago? 

You’ll just be on your bed tossing and turning, watching the clock, wishing your brain would just allow you to sleep and stop overthinking.

If you’re in this situation, here are ways to help shut off your brain and finally get some decent sleep.

1) Write down your thoughts

Journalling might just be what your brain needs in order to relax. This is especially if your mind is racing with to-do lists or random worries. Just scribble them down in a notebook before trying to sleep. Think of it as emptying your mental bin. 

ALSO READ: What happens to your brain when you don’t get enough sleep

2) Try putting away your phone

We’re all guilty of scrolling through social media for hours when trying to sleep. But this only makes it worse because the blue light from your phone suppresses melatonin (the sleep hormone), and the constant stimulation keeps your brain in overdrive.

Try putting your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ at least 30 minutes before bed, and actually leave it across the room if you must.

3) Try breathing exercises

Simple breathing exercises can do wonders if you’re trying to get some sleep. Try the 4-7-8 technique where you breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. It’s calming, helps slow your heart rate, and distracts your mind from spiralling thoughts.

4) Avoid caffeine or energy drinks hours before bedtime

Sometimes, the reason you’re still wide awake is that coffee you drank earlier in the day. Caffeine stays in your system for hours, and if you’re sensitive to it, you’ll be tossing and turning all night. The same goes for energy drinks. Try herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint in the evening instead.

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EXPLORE: 10 reasons you are always tired no matter how much sleep you get

5) Try meditation 

Meditating can also help you fall asleep. This is even easier with some meditation apps and videos on YouTube that are made to lull you to sleep. Think of them as bedtime stories for grown-ups. They help you shift focus from your thoughts to something peaceful and dreamy.

6) Your sleep space also matters 

Your room doesn’t have to be all perfect, but a messy, noisy, or uncomfortable sleep space can keep your mind restless. Make sure your mattress is comfy, your room is dark and cool, and you don’t have distractions lying around.

7) Try not to force it

Ironically, trying too hard to fall asleep can make it worse. If you’re lying there for more than 20–30 minutes, get up and do something low-energy like reading or listening to calming music. Avoid screens though, so your brain eases into sleep naturally.

Which of these tips worked for you? 

RECOMMENDED: 10 sleep patterns that signal you should see a doctor

Over the last few years, Trendupp Africa has steadily built an undeniable reputation as the go-to platform and home for Influencers and Content Creators in Africa. The platform has been set as the stage for the movers and shakers of the digital space.

Trendupp Africa has done more than just observe the creator economy; it has consistently shaped it, and is now taking things a step further with the launch of Trendupp Africa Magazine—the first-ever print and digital magazine dedicated solely to Influencers and Content Creators on the continent.

The debut edition of the Trendupp Africa Magazine is everything the creator community has been waiting for; as the magazine dives deep into the world of African creators—unpacking trends, telling powerful origin stories, highlighting breakout stars, and featuring core insights from industry leaders and stakeholders. In this first edition, readers have explored the inspiring profiles of some of Africa’s most impactful digital voices.

It’s a showcase that reflects the spirit of a new generation of creatives who are redefining storytelling, influencing culture, and building community across the continent through content. The inaugural issue also offers brand and tech insights relevant to creators, monetization opportunities, and strategies for staying ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape. 

At Trendupp Africa, with audacious initiatives like the Trendupp Awards, TrenduppX and now Trendupp Africa Magazine, We are proud to continually invest in the creators economy while championing the culture of African creatives” says Tiwalola Olanubi, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Trendupp Africa Magazine.

One of the standout cover features of the inaugural edition is “Record Breakers,” a bold celebration of trendsetters who redefined limits in the year 2024. Beyond the headline-makers, the magazine also spotlights emerging voices across the continent; for their originality and promise among other elements. For brands looking to understand how to own the digital space organically, Trendupp Africa Magazine breaks down real collaborations and what makes the Creator Economy grow bigger. 

This isn’t just a collector’s item though. Trendupp Africa Magazine is already crossing borders with a distribution footprint reaching up to 5,000 key touchpoints across Africa, including business hubs, airports, hotels, media lounges, and co-working spaces. Given the wide spread of distribution, brands are beginning to pay close attention; with more and more companies jostling for placement in the next editions—securing advertising slots, native placements, and features.

This is also a testament to the prolific effectiveness of Influencer Marketing in Africa. Corporate businesses now understand where attention is going, and they want to be in the same room as the creators who are shaping tomorrow’s audience. 

“Influencers and content creators are shaping how brands connect with consumers, and how global audiences perceive Africa. They deserve to be documented, celebrated, and studied. This magazine does all of that—and more.” – Says Chisom Winifred (Editor of the Trendupp Africa Magazine)

Another exciting asset of Trendupp Africa is Trendupp Awards—Africa’s pioneer award for influencers and content creators. Now four editions strong, Trendupp Awards has become one of the most respected events in Africa’s digital community, recognizing and rewarding creators across multiple categories—from niche storytellers to mega influencers.

The awards have spotlighted talents who’ve gone on to achieve even greater heights and have cemented Trendupp Africa’s reputation as a platform that truly understands the creator ecosystem. Through the Trendupp Awards, thousands of nominations and votes have poured in from across the continent, showing just how powerful the creator community has become.

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The awards have built bridges across industries—connecting creators with brands, platforms, and each other—and fostering a culture of excellence, impact, and collaboration. With the launch of Trendupp Africa Magazine, it’s clear that the mission has not changed.

Trendupp Africa is doubling down on its commitment to build, amplify, and celebrate the people who power the digital space. 

Visit www.trendupp.com/magazine to get access to the digital copy of the magazine. 

For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, please contact: info@trendupp.com | 08163613526

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