Symptom 6: Difficulties with Fine Motor Skills: Fumbling Facts
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Struggling with tasks requiring fine motor skills, like buttoning a shirt or using cutlery, can be an early indication of ALS. You may find that you’re suddenly fumbling with objects more frequently or that tasks requiring precision become unusually challenging.
These difficulties are often due to the disease’s impact on the motor neurons controlling the small muscles in our hands and fingers. You might notice a lack of precision when trying to pick up small items or find that holding onto objects becomes increasingly challenging. This symptom, although subtle, can be one of the earliest signs of ALS.
Initially, it may seem like you’re simply having a series of clumsy days. However, if the difficulty persists or worsens over time, it could be indicative of ALS. Consider if these fine motor tasks have become consistently harder or if you’re finding yourself dropping objects more frequently.
The loss of fine motor skills can be particularly frustrating as it affects everyday tasks. From writing to cooking, these skills are interwoven into our daily lives, making their loss impactful. By recognizing these changes early, appropriate adjustments can be made to maintain independence and quality of life. (6)
