Three ‘common’ scalp issues that can indicate Parkinson’s disease

Spotting Parkinson’s early means being treated early. Many people who treat it early go on to live full, although often challenging, lives. Tremors, slow movement, and slurred words are the most recognisable signs of Parkinson’s disease. But most people with the disease also suffer from scalp problems – including ‘stubborn’ dandruff.Parkinson’s disease is when parts of the brain that are connected to movement are destroyed.There is a loss of nerve cells in a part of the brain responsible for creating dopamine – causing low levels of the hormone.Dopamine is a chemical that interacts with the brain to help produce movement and coordination. It’s also linked to motivation and drive.The low levels of dopamine in the brain are connected to the onset of tremors. Parkinson’s is also directly thought to cause depression and other mood disorders.READ MORE: Dyschezia could signal spreading tumour of bowel cancer – sign that strikes on loo Dandruff may be a sign of Parkinson’s disease (Image: GETTY)It’s not known entirely why, but the development of Parkinson’s disease is also associated with the onset of seborrheic dermatitis (SD). One new study found that SD was more prevalent in people with severe movement symptoms.The authors of the study wrote: ‘After adjusting for age, disease duration, and sex, there remained a positive correlation between the severity of motor symptoms and SD.’SD is a ‘common skin condition’ that usually strikes the scalp. People with PD suffer from three scalp problems. These are scaly patches, inflamed red skin, and ‘stubborn dandruff’, explains the Mayo Clinic.The health body explains: ‘It usually affects oily areas of the body, such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and chest.’DON’T MISS:Bob Mortimer admits he is ‘not very well’ – ‘It’s a real downer’ [CELEBRITY]Blood clots warning: Four types of drinks to avoid – can cause ‘hardening’ of arteries [INSIGHT]Three symptoms commonly appear a month before someone dies from a heart attack – study [SIGNS] An early Parkinson’s diagnosis can help people get the relevant help they need to live a long life (Image: Getty) A scaly scalp is another sign of suborrheic dermatitis, which is associated with Parkinson’s disease (Image: Getty)The health body explains: ‘The ANS controls sweating and many other processes within the body and people with Parkinson’s often experience a decreased ability to naturally regulate some of these processes, including sweating.”Hypohidrosis [inadequate sweating] can also be caused by changes in the ANS, but most typically occurs when the person is on an ‘off’ period, described as a time when Parkinson’s medications are wearing off or not working optimally.’It can also occur during an ‘on’ period if the person experiences dyskinesia (the uncontrolled wave-like movement of the upper body). For some, it can also be a side effect of anticholinergic medications, such as amantadine.’If you are taking this kind of medication and you experience inadequate sweating, you may want to speak to your doctor. Reduced ability to sweat may put you at risk of overheating.’