A Reduction In Facial Expressions
Also known as hypomimia, face masking is an early Parkinson’s disease symptom that makes it difficult for people to interpret how you are feeling. This symptom causes the person’s face to express less, often leading to assumptions that they must be upset or depressed. For the patient, it can often be frustrating to constantly assure others that they are fine. The facial muscles become slow and stiff, making it hard to raise your eyebrows or smile. Since our facial expressions are an important part of the way we communicate, this can negatively affect the patient.