Hi. My 72 year old Husband was diagnosed 5 years ago, also has other symptoms form Heart and diabetic conditions. Generally PD is not over severe, he is just really slow, bad and tremor and a little forgetful at times though PD progression has been slow. Some could be age related anyway. One weird thing is his facial expression. I have heard of a ‘mask’ which I can see at times in his general expression but he does really strange things with his mouth. (Sounds odd to describe really). Even in conversations he has his mouth wide open a lot and keeps putting his tongue out. Its almost like a grimace when people are doing something executive like lifting heavy objects etc. But he does this all the time. It almost looks scary and he doesn’t realise he is doing it. Could this be related to his PD?
Hi Xanto, thank you for sharing your story, and welcome to the Forums. You’ll find loads of helpful advice and experience here, from our truly wonderful community, as well as resources you can use to expand your knowledge of Parkinson’s and to help live with its effects. We found some information on rigidity and related muscular issues here: Rigidity | Parkinson's UK. Please feel welcome to browse our website in general, and also to call us at 0808 800 0303 for free and confidential one-to-one discussion.
All our best,
Jason
Moderation Team
Thank you. I understand about the rigidity(I used to be a nurse) But this isn’t stiffness in his face, it is almost like ‘gurning’. Thats the only way I can describe it. Its very bizarre.
Hi xanto. Yes I know what you mean as my husband does it too. When he is focusing on doing something it’s like his mouth is putting in more effort than his hands. He’s done it for some years and his Parkinson’s has been slow progression, tremor was his biggest problem until dbs and he’s had it for 12 years. I don’t think he realises he is doing it and it does look very odd. I’ve just put it down to another part of parkies. Hope that helps x
Thank you. Certainly seems very similar. Unfortunately my OH wont really discuss it. He just brushes everything aside but we are seeing so many changes apart from the obvious tremor. He is 72 but raging at an alarming rate 