The silent symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and tardive dyskinesia (TD) can be subtle and often easy to miss, as they may not always manifest as obvious motor symptoms. TD is a movement disorder brought on by treatments for mental health disorders; on the other hand, Parkinson’s causes unintended shaking and issues with balance. Here are five early symptoms that are similar between the two conditions and can be easily missed.

Loss of smell (hyposmia/anosmia)
Both Parkinson’s disease and TD can lead to a decreased sense of smell (hyposmia) or a complete loss of smell (anosmia). This symptom can often go unnoticed or get attributed to other causes, such as allergies or sinus issues.

Mood changes
Changes in one’s mood, such as depression or anxiety, can occur in both conditions. These emotional changes are often overlooked or attributed to life circumstances rather than being recognized as potential symptoms of neurological disorders.

Sleep disturbances
Both Parkinson’s disease and TD can disrupt sleep patterns. This may include insomnia, restless leg syndrome, or frequent awakenings during the night. Since sleep problems are common, they are not always linked to people with Parkinson’s and TD. However, people with Parkinson’s disease often experience REM sleep behavior disorder and restless leg syndrome, which can disrupt sleep patterns. TD-related movements or discomfort can also interfere with sleep.

Constipation
Digestive issues like constipation can be an early sign of both Parkinson’s disease and TD. Gastrointestinal issues may not be immediately associated with neurological disorders, which could easily lead to delays in diagnosis. These issues can affect nutrient absorption, leading to nutritional deficiencies that contribute to fatigue, which is another silent symptom of Parkinson’s and TD.

Fatigue
People with Parkinson’s disease and TD often experience fatigue or a general lack of energy. However, this symptom can be misattributed to various factors like lack of sleep, sleep issues, aging, stress, and even a busy lifestyle.

It is important to note that these silent symptoms are not exclusive to Parkinson’s disease and TD. They can be caused by various other conditions or factors. These signs are easy to miss because they are often mild, progress slowly over time, and can be attributed to other causes. They can also be dismissed as a normal part of aging or daily life stress. Additionally, people with these conditions may not always notice these changes, as they can become accustomed to their gradual onset.