Symptom 2: Bradykinesia – Slowness of Movement in Parkinson’s Disease
Bradykinesia, the thief of time and fluidity in Parkinson’s disease, is a silent invader that permeates every aspect of an individual’s life. Translated as ‘slowness of movement’, bradykinesia manifests as a gradual deceleration of physical actions, an invisible burden that weighs heavily on those it afflicts.
What starts as an almost imperceptible slowing of movement evolves over time into a condition that challenges the simplest of tasks. Activities once carried out thoughtlessly – reaching for a cup, buttoning a shirt, or walking to the mailbox – transform into laborious ordeals, performed in slow motion against a tide of invisible resistance.
Yet, bradykinesia extends its reach beyond the physical realm. It manifests in the very words a person speaks, leading to slower, more monotonous speech, devoid of its previous rhythm and cadence. Expressions that once flitted effortlessly across faces become scarce, replaced by an unchanging mask that belies the emotions beneath.
The unique sequence effect of bradykinesia adds a layer of complexity to this symptom. Defined by a progressive decrease in the amplitude and speed of repetitive movements, this phenomenon manifests in scenarios such as a patient’s steps growing progressively shorter while walking.
Bradykinesia, with its insidious infiltration of both the physical and expressive aspects of an individual’s life, is a definitive aspect of Parkinson’s disease. Its pervasive effects underscore the complexity of this condition and the multifaceted approach required to manage it effectively. (2)
