SUBTLE CHANGE TO VISION THAT IS AN 'EARLY WARNING SIGN' OF PARKINSON'S - EXPERTS SAY NEVER IGNORE IT

A subtle change to vision may be the first tell-tale warning sign of the neurological disease Parkinson's, experts have claimed. 

Early indications of the condition have long included tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement and loss of smell.

But a change in depth perception may strike before these other hallmark symptoms, one top NHS GP said.

According to Dr Punam Krishan, who appears on BBC Morning Live, depth perception is a 'common challenge' for people with Parkinson's and 'poses significant issues with mobility'. 

More than ten million people worldwide are thought to have the condition, including Michael J. Fox, Billy Connolly and Jeremy Paxman.

Parkinson's is caused by a loss of nerve cells in an area of the brain responsible for producing dopamine, which helps coordinate body movement.

It gets worse over time as more cells die, with sufferers eventually left struggling to complete day-to-day tasks. 

While the condition can alter vision in multiple ways, including double vision, hallucinations and dry eyes, two specific areas in the house could pose a particular problem for those experiencing depth perception issues, Dr Krishan said. 

“Stepping into the bath has the potential to be hazardous, as surfaces are slippery when wet, so steady footing is all that prevents a fall from happening. For older loved ones, I'd recommend a walk-in bath, if not a shower, to minimize the risk. The stairs can also be dangerous for anyone facing depth perception or mobility issues. Ensure your, or your elderly loved ones', vision isn't impaired by checking that navigating the stairs isn't a challenge.”

She added: “Being able to move around the home confidently is key to maintaining independence as we grow older, so spotting this warning sign early—whether in yourself or an older loved one—can enable them to get the right support to continue enjoying life at home. Making changes around the home will help handle the condition, too. Grab rails or a stairlift will enable you to move around the home independently and safely.”

Parkinson's affects around 153,000 Britons and 500,000 Americans. 

Other common signs of the condition include balance problems, such as issues with coordination, and muscle cramps. But it is a poorly understood condition and experts are still working to uncover what triggers it. Current thinking is that it's due to a combination of genetic changes and environmental factors.

While there is no cure, treatments are available to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life for as long as possible.