“It can often be very difficult to differentiate what is just normal aging versus what may be related to Parkinson’s disease,” said Dr. Ellenbogen.
The first segment explores how early warning signs, such as subtle changes in movement, sleep disturbances, and loss of smell, can appear years before a formal diagnosis. Recognizing these symptoms early can help support more timely evaluation, intervention, and long-term care planning.
“In general, I would recommend that someone be evaluated—at least by their primary care doctor—if they are starting to have slowness of movement that is beginning to interfere with function,” Dr. Ellenbogen added. “When function is lost, it can be related to normal aging, but consideration needs to be given to the fact that it may be something more serious, like Parkinson’s disease.”
This three-part series reinforces the importance of awareness, early evaluation, and access to specialized neurological care.
Listen to the WJR HealthWatch interview series featuring Dr. Ellenbogen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthwatch-with-lloyd-jackson-parkinsons-disease-part/id1558751013?i=1000761034872
Learn more about the MIND Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center: mindonline.com/parkinsons-disease-and-movement-disorders-center































