Q
: 1
01/19/2010 |
Does Parkinson's affect the thinking process? My husband has been diagnosed for 1 year and gets confused easily. He has trouble remembering all of a message. He was diagnosed with the rigid type of PD.
This symptom must be reporting to the treating physician. Early PD does not usually affect the thinking/memory process but medication interaction can certainly cause these symptoms.
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Q
: 2
12/14/2009 |
I have had PD since the age of 17 and have been given many drugs which have helped. I've also have had a DBS surgery. I'm finding my medications are starting to go into off modes leaving my balance and walking ability greatly effected. I'm becoming petrified of becoming rigid again. I'm going to extreme means to find out if there is anything else to try, so I can keep on enjoying life.
Assure that your DBS programming is at optimum settings to control your symptoms and that you are continuing to take your medications on a regular schedule. Remember that good nutrition and regular exercise help maintain your physical status. A positive outlook and searching for new ways to participate help keep your life in balance.
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Q
: 3
11/16/2009 |
I have an appointment on to discuss the possibility of having Parkinson's Disease. Could you tell me things that I need to ask or expect them to ask?
It is important to take with you a list of all your medications, a list of all surgical and medical problems in your past, and a list of all your symptoms. A complete physical and neurological examination will provide additional information. Ask specific questions about why you have certain symptoms and what to expect from any medications that may be prescribed.
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Q
: 4
10/05/2009 |
I have mild PD and want to buy a new bed. What should I look for and who makes good beds?
There is no particular bed that is best for a person with PD. The most important aspect is safety. Best suggestion is to choose a bed that is easy for you to get into and out of--not too high or too low. The firmness of the mattress is for your personal comfort.
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Q
: 5
09/01/2009 |
I have been diagnosed with Cushing's disease. I've used your site for research and I have all the symptoms of Parkinson's. What should I look for and what should I tell my Primary Care Doctor?
Ask your doctor for a referral to a neurologist because you are worried about Parkinson`s disease.
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Q
: 6
08/26/2009 |
Does Azilect help stop the progression of Parkinson Disease?
Azilect does not stop the progression of Parkinson Disease. Previous research has suggested that Azilect may result in a mild slowing of progression, however, these results are controversial. In summary, the jury is out on this question.
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Q
: 7
07/08/2009 |
My father has Parkinson's, is wheelchair bound and now has very little movement in his joints. He can barely swallow. What is the next stage of the illness?
He is already in the advanced stage of Parkinson's disease. It is important that his difficulty swallowing be addressed by guarding against choking. The book "Parkinson's Disease: A complete Guide for Patients & Families," written by Weiner, Shulman, and Lang, outlines the symptoms and treatments for this stage.
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Q
: 8
06/01/2009 |
Is Parkinson's Disease hereditary?
In some cases, there is a definite link that is noted, but in most cases that occur after the age of 60, it is thought to not be. A person can carry one of the Parkinson's genes and still not exhibit the symptoms of the disease.
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Q
: 9
05/26/2009 |
Does surgery cure Parkinson's Disease?
Deep Brain Stimulation does NOT cure Parkinson's disease. It is a treatment that can help alleviate some of the symptoms.
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Q
: 10
04/27/2009 |
If a patient has Parkinson's Disease, why should they avoid antipsychotic agents??
Most antipsychotic agents block dopamine action and therefore are very likely to worsen the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
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Q
: 11
03/26/2009 |
Can you please tell me whether Parkinson's Disease is considered a medical condition or whether it is considered a mental problem.?
Parkinson's disease is a medical condition, but it can have psychological symptoms. A complete history and medical and neurological examination is the first step to receiving appropriate treatment.
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Q
: 12
02/20/2009 |
My father is 87 and was diagnosed with Parkinson's 11 years ago. Is he absolutely too old to be considered for Deep Brain
Stimulation?
Although his age is a significant factor, his general health status is more important.
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Q
: 13
01/27/2009 |
My Father-in-law has advanced Parkinson's disease. He freezes up continuously. During his sleep cycle, he constantly feels like he needs to urinate. My Mother-in-law gets up with him many times throughout the evening so neither of them get any sleep. She by the way also has Parkinsons'. What happens next in the progression of this disease? They are starting to talk about death as being a possibility.
It seems that the next step should be to get them some assistance so that they can each have a higher quality of life. The requirement for frequent urination needs to be addressed by his treating physician. Having a urinal available to preclude the necessity of his getting out of bed frequently would lessen the burden. Respite care during the night, even if for only one night a week, could make a significant improvement in his wife's ability to cope during the day.
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Q
: 14
12/29/2008 |
How is Parkinsonism different from Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a specific disease caused by loss of cells in a certain area of the brain (substantia nigra). Parkinsonism is a syndrome in which a patient can have some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease--rigidity, tremor, slowness (bradykinesia), balance or gait problems--but not have the disease.
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Q
: 15
12/28/2008 |
My paternal grandfather had and father has Parkinson's. I am 53 and first experienced one of the prediangosis symptoms about 15 years ago. Over the years it has increased to the current number of four. Is there anything I should be doing to help delay the progression?
There have been many studies of different agents to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease in diagnosed patients with early symptoms. At this time, none were conclusively effective in delaying progression. There have been no trials to date, assessing delay of progression in people prior to diagnosis. Current compounds under study in early Parkinson's include creatine and coenzyme Q which are both available. Exercise has been suggested as another approach that might delay onset.
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