In neurological disorders, Parkinson’s disease and Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) often present apparent symptoms, from tremors to involuntary movements. However, a shadowy realm of silent indicators exists that is easy to miss yet is important for early detection and intervention. This is why understanding these subtle signs can be the key to prompt treatment and improved quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions. Here are ten silent symptoms that both Parkinson’s and TD share.

Micrographia and impaired handwriting
One of the earliest signs shared by Parkinson’s and TD is a change in handwriting. Individuals might notice their writing becoming smaller, cramped, and more challenging to control. This symptom, known as micrographia, stems from motor control difficulties arising from the disorders’ impact on the basal ganglia. While seemingly innocent, paying attention to alterations in handwriting can provide valuable insights into the progression of these conditions.

Soft speech and reduced vocal volume
Parkinson’s and TD often manifest as speech-related challenges. Those affected might speak in a softer tone, and their speech may become less clear over time. This can be attributed to the disorders’ impact on the muscles involved in speech production. Loved ones and caregivers may need to actively listen for these subtle changes, as early intervention in speech therapy can significantly improve communication capabilities.

Facial masking and reduced expressiveness
Both conditions can lead to a reduction in facial expressions, a symptom often referred to as facial masking. This occurs due to a loss of control over facial muscles, making it difficult to convey emotions through expressions. Loved ones may notice that the affected individual’s face appears stiffer and less responsive, indicating a need for further evaluation.

Loss of sense of smell
Anosmia, or the loss of the sense of smell, is another shared symptom. While not exclusive to Parkinson’s or TD, it is an indicator often preceding other noticeable signs. The olfactory system’s involvement in these disorders is a vital factor, and individuals experiencing a significant decline in their sense of smell should consider seeking medical advice.

Sleep disturbances and insomnia
Sleep disorders are common in both Parkinson’s and TD. Individuals may experience difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, as well as vivid dreams or nightmares. These disturbances can exacerbate other symptoms and significantly impact an individual’s well-being. Recognizing sleep issues and seeking professional guidance can lead to more effectively managing these conditions.

Loss of fine motor skills
Fine motor skills, which involve the coordination of small muscle movements, can be subtly affected by both Parkinson’s and TD. Tasks like buttoning a shirt, tying shoelaces, or handling small objects may become progressively more challenging. These changes might initially be attributed to aging, making them easy to overlook.

Postural instability and balance problems
Issues with balance and stability are hallmark symptoms of both Parkinson’s and TD, but in the early stages, they may not be as pronounced. Individuals might find it slightly harder to maintain balance or notice a slight unsteadiness when standing or walking. Regular monitoring of these aspects can aid in the timely implementation of exercises and therapies to mitigate further decline.

Cognitive changes and memory impairment
While primarily associated with Parkinson’s, cognitive changes can also be present in cases of TD, especially in more advanced stages. Individuals might experience difficulties with memory, attention, and executive functions.

An average teenager uses their smartphone for about 7 hours and 22 minutes daily. When one considers VR headsets, smartwatches, and gaming consoles into the mix, several minutes are added to that figure. Gadget addiction in children is a problem that parents everywhere are desperately trying to resolve. There are certain strategies that can bear fruit in that regard. Some effective ways to keep kids away from phones, video games, and other gadgets are:

Helping children find outdoor buddies
A lack of friends can result in children finding refuge in video games and smartphones. Children generally love making new friends their age. While they may be shy and refuse to engage in conversations at first, playing with friends or simply spending time with them is more rewarding than just leveling up endlessly in a video game.
Parents can initiate such friendships by introducing their children to other kids in their neighborhood. They can also set up fun little activities in the neighborhood to get all the kids in a locality to mingle and befriend one another.

Doing regular digital detoxing
Families with kids who are constantly glued to screens need to indulge in occasional digital detoxing. Parents need to set a side one or two days a week where none of the family members will have access to any screen time. Doing so on Saturdays and Sundays ensures that the parents’ professional life is not affected either.
Children tend to appreciate their elders leading them by example. So, if a kid sees his or her parents spending the entire weekend reading a book, exercising, or engaging in household activities, they may do so too.

Making a strict gadget schedule
This list is not about eliminating gadgets completely from kids’ lives. Instead, it is about inculcating a sense of self-control, mindfulness, and responsibility in them. Making a tight schedule for smartphone or video game usage is the best way to do so. Parents can make a daily schedule for their children in which 2 to 3 hours are dedicated to gadget usage.
In this way, children will not only spend their time more systematically, but the dopamine rush will be earned when they finally unlock their smartphone after a day spent doing actually fruitful things.

Keeping devices under password protection
This is an extension of the previous point. Parents can ensure that their kids fall in line with their schedule by locking all electronic devices with child locks and passwords. While this may seem like a somewhat heavy-handed move, it can address the problem of severe smartphone addiction in kids.
When they grow older, kids will appreciate the time and effort their parents put into getting them off their video games and VR headsets, and into their studies or homely activities.

Sending kids to participate in art and craft exhibitions
Unlocking a child’s creative side is perhaps the greatest gift a parent can give their kids. Most kids may not know how artistic they are and how much they love creating paintings, origami, or sculptures until they participate in local or school-level art and craft competitions and exhibitions.

Apart from these, communicating with children in a face-to-face manner also helps them express their emotions and feelings better.