How to recognize it

Parkinson’s disease: first signs often appear long before

The neurodegenerative disease begins insidiously and progresses over years or decades until noticeable impairments finally occur over time.

(Bild: stock.adobe.com/Алексей Коза)

Alongside Alzheimer's dementia and stroke, Parkinson's disease is one of the most common diseases of the nervous system. Austria's leading Parkinson's doctor explains the symptoms and what those affected can expect.

It's a shock diagnosis that automatically makes you think of Alois Mock or Michael J. Fox. Now Vienna's former mayor Michael Häupl has also been diagnosed: He has Parkinson's disease. His wife noticed the first signs and advised him to see a neurologist, the 75-year-old told Krone. "Of course I know that it can't be cured," said the former city boss, but he is currently doing well. "I just have these tremors."

While many people associate Parkinson's with tremors and movement disorders, the actual picture is more complex. Dr. Regina Katzenschlager is Austria's leading doctor for Parkinson's disease. She talks to the "Krone" about the disease, how it can be recognized at an early stage - and how important it is to recognize the symptoms and treatment at an early stage.