27forParkinson's - Day 6 Parkinson's Symptoms Bradykinesia Bradykinesia can be the most disabling symptom of the condition and refers to slowness of voluntary movements and a lack of normal associated movements. Initially, it may be misinterpreted as slowing due to aging - however, it is out of proportion to normal aging. Bradykinesia affects critical aspects of daily living - walking, talking swallowing and speaking. In the eyes and face, it presents a decreased blink rate and a lack of facial expression. Bradykinesia is usually unilateral and initially may be confined to the distal muscles of the hand resulting in slow finger tapping and problems with fine motor tasks such as keyboard skills and fastening buttons. These difficulties are increased when dual-tasking is involved. Generalized bradykinesia is assessed by the overall slowing of all body parts - typically how easily the person rises from the sitting position and their speed of walking Looking back now, Bill began to shuffle mid-2019 and whereas in the past I'd had trouble keeping up with him walking he was starting to have trouble keeping up with me - I found it easier to do the grocery shopping early in the morning without him and once Coles started on-line groceries and home delivery we became regulars. In December 2019 when Leeanne and Caiti came to visit and we had a mini holiday in Melbourne was when the slowness and shuffling plus fatigue became very evident - once again this was put down to another long term side effect of the two bouts of intense radiation he had endured in the past. It would be another six months before the diagnosis of Parkinson's with dementia was given. Today's contact and connection has been having a blood test and chatting to the phlebotomist about LBD, phone calls from friends chatting with Tracey (my cleaning lady) and shortly I'm off to the Hydro pool for exercise (body and mouth) with Kath and Ellen. Beautiful spring day outside ...