Questions and Answers - Recent questions and answers in Parkinson's Disease

What is Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:59:10 +0000

Answered: How can catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitors help with treating Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:58:56 +0000

COMT inhibitors add to the amount of time you get relief from symptoms by blocking the action of an enzyme that breaks down levodopa. You take these drugs, such as entacapone (Comtan) and tolcapone (Tasmar), along with levodopa. Tolcapone is rarely prescribed by doctors, though, because it can cause liver damage.

Stalevo is a tablet that combines carbidopa/levodopa with entacapone. While carbidopa lessens the side effects of levodopa, entacapone adds to the time levodopa is active in the brain.

Answered: How can dopamine agonists help with treating Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:58:28 +0000

These drugs imitate the action of dopamine in your brain. Some examples are pramipexole (Mirapex), ropinirole (Requip), and rotigotine (Neupro). You can take them alone or with L-dopa to treat the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Answered: How can monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors help with treating Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:57:57 +0000

MAO-B inhibitors block the action of an enzyme that breaks down dopamine. You can take them alone early in Parkinson's disease or with other drugs as your disease moves to a later stage.

MAO-B inhibitors include rasagaline (Azilect) and selegiline (Eldepryl). You usually take them alone because you can get side effects when you combine them with other drugs.

Answered: How does levodopa help with Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:57:26 +0000

Levodopa (also called L-dopa) is the most commonly prescribed medicine for Parkinson’s. It’s also the best at controlling the symptoms of the condition, particularly slow movements and stiff, rigid body parts.

Your brain cells change it into dopamine, a chemical the brain uses to send signals that help you move your body. People with Parkinson’s don’t have enough dopamine in their brains to control their movements.

People who take levodopa for 3-5 years may eventually have restlessness, confusion, or unusual movements within a few hours of taking the medicine. Changes in the amount or timing of your dose will usually prevent these side effects. An inhalable powder form of levopoda (INBRIJA) and the tablet istradefylline (Nourianz) have been approved for those experiencing OFF periods, OFF periods are when Parkinson’s symptoms return during periods between scheduled doses of levodopa/carbidopa.

Answered: What medications treat Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:56:21 +0000

Drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat Parkinson's include:

Amantadine (Symmetrel)
Benztropine (Cogentin) and trihexyphenidyl (Artane)
Dopamine agonists, including pramipexole (Mirapex), ropinirole (Requip), and rotigotine (Neurpo)
Entacapone (Comtan) and tolcapone (Tasmar)
Inhaled levopoda (INBRIJA)
Istradefylline (Nourianz)
Levodopa, also called L-dopa
Levodopa + carbidopa (Sinemet)
Rasagiline (Azilect) and selegiline (Eldepryl, Zelapar)
Safinamide (Xadago)

Answered: Which drugs stop the breakdown of dopamine to treat Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:55:52 +0000

Elegiline (Eldepryl, Zelapar) and Rasagiline (Azilect) block the brain chemicals that break down dopamine. That helps your brain have more dopamine to work with. They may also slow the progression of Parkinson's.

Answered: How do dopamine agonists help with Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:55:24 +0000

Pramipexole (Mirapex), rotigotine (Neupro), and ropinirole (Requip) act like dopamine in the brain. You can take one of these drugs on its own or along with Sinemet. Most doctors prescribe dopamine agonists first and then add levodopa if symptoms still aren’t controlled.

Dopamine agonists don’t have the same risks of long-term problems as levodopa, so they're often the first choice of treatment for Parkinson's disease.

Answered: What are some problems you'll notice when you have Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:53:55 +0000

Rigid muscles
Slow movements
Tremors
Walking and balance problems

Answered: How many physical therapy visits will I need for Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:53:20 +0000

Treatments in physical therapy often can be completed in one to three office visits. The first appointment includes an evaluation and recommendations for exercises. The following appointments check your progress and review and expand your home program. Most hospitals can provide additional sessions of outpatient therapy if needed.

Answered: What is occupational therapy for Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:52:48 +0000

This can help people with Parkinson's stay active. You can learn different ways to finish tasks or discover a handy equipment. Occupational therapy can include:

Arm and hand therapy
Handwriting aids
Home modification information
Driver evaluation and vehicle modification information
Cooking and homemaking adaptations
Eating and dinnerware adaptations
Ways to make the most of your energy
Computer modifications
Workplace or work equipment modifications
Leisure skill development
Manual or electric wheelchair use
Bathtub and toilet equipment use
Dressing and grooming aids

Answered: Who gets Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:51:16 +0000

About 3 out of 100 Americans over the age of 60 have Parkinson’s. Evidence is building that Parkinson's disease may be passed down in families. Some 4% of those with Parkinson's disease are diagnosed before age 50, and of those, about half are diagnosed before age 40. When the diagnosis is made early, it is referred to as "young-onset" Parkinson's disease.

Answered: What are the risks of a positron emission tomography (PET) scan?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:48:45 +0000

A PET scan uses a small of amount of radioactive material to make an image of the inside of your body. There always is a small chance that it could damage cells or tissue. But radiation levels are usually very low. You also may find your arm a bit sore where the IV was put on your arm.

Answered: What is the difference between young-onset Parkinson's disease and older onset Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:47:28 +0000

People who get Parkinson’s before age 50 face have much the same disease as those who get it much later. Usually, those with young-onset Parkinson’s usually have fewer other health problems, and their disease worsens much more slowly than in older people. They also tend to have fewer problems like memory loss, confusion, and balance problems. At the same time, they often have more movement problems than older people with Parkinson’s from taking levodopa, a widely-prescribed drug.

Answered: How can I avoid getting constipated?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:46:44 +0000

To avoid getting constipated:

Eat plenty of fiber. Good sources are fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain bread and cereal. Eat bran cereal or add bran to other foods.
Drink 1½ to 2 quarts of water and other fluids a day. (Note: Milk can cause constipation in some people.) Liquids with caffeine, such as coffee and soft drinks, can dehydrate you and may need to be avoided.
Exercise regularly.
Move your bowels when you feel the urge.

Answered: How is Parkinson's disease treated?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:45:47 +0000

It's all about managing symptoms. Drugs for Parkinson's can often help with tremors, stiff muscles, and slow movements. Your doctor may also suggest physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, based on how it affects you. And in some cases, you may need surgery.

Answered: How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:45:11 +0000

A lot of it's based on your symptoms and health history, but it could take some time to figure it out. And part of the process is ruling out other conditions that look like Parkinson's. That's one reason it's important to go to a doctor who knows a lot about it. Early on, it's easy to miss.

If you do have it, your doctor might use the Hoehn and Yahr scale to tell you what stage of the disease you're in. It ranks how severe your symptoms are from 1 to 5, where 5 is the most serious.

Answered: How is bacterial pneumonia treated?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:44:33 +0000

Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics, usually by mouth. If it’s severe, you may need to go to the hospital. Treatments there may include oxygen therapy, IV antibiotics, and fluids. With treatment, bacterial pneumonia usually starts to improve in about 24-48 hours.

Answered: What is viral pneumonia?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:43:50 +0000

This is inflammation or swelling in your lungs that make it hard for oxygen to reach the blood. Viral pneumonia is pneumonia caused by a virus. About half of all people with pneumonia have viral pneumonia. Viral pneumonia is usually less serious than bacterial pneumonia and can take 2-4 weeks to recover.

Answered: What do you need to know about speech therapy for Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:43:05 +0000

Parkinson’s can make it hard for you to talk, (dysarthria) or swallow (dysphagia). A speech pathologist or speech therapist can help treat both issues.

Answered: What devices can help people with Parkinson's disease communicate more clearly?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:42:21 +0000

Palatal lift. It looks like a retainer and helps lift the soft palate and stops air from escaping out of the nose while you talk.
A personal amplifier can make your voice louder and help save your energy.
TTY telephone relay system with a keyboard lets you type your speck so it can be read and relayed by an operator.
Notebooks and language boards.
Computers with voice synthesizers and other high-tech devices.

Answered: How can Parkinson's disease affect your brain?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:41:48 +0000

Deep down in your brain, there's an area called the substantia nigra. Some of its cells make dopamine, a chemical that carries messages around your brain. When you need to scratch an itch or kick a ball, dopamine quickly carries a message to the nerve cell that controls that movement.

When you have Parkinson's, the cells of your substantia nigra start to die. There's no replacing them, so your dopamine levels drop and you can't fire off as many messages to control your body.

Answered: How can Parkinson's disease affect your life?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:41:17 +0000

Most people who have Parkinson’s live a normal to a nearly normal lifespan, but the disease can be life changing.

For some people, treatment keeps the symptoms at bay, and they're mostly mild. For others, the disease is much more serious and really limits what you're able to do.

As it gets worse, it makes it harder and harder to do daily activities like getting out of bed, driving, or going to work. Even writing can seem like a tough task. And in later stages, it can cause dementia.

Answered: How can I protect myself from pneumonia?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:40:41 +0000

Get a viral influenza (flu) vaccine (shot) each year. Flu vaccines are prepared annually in anticipation of that year's virus strain. Influenza can make pneumonia infection more likely.
Get the pneumonia vaccine to protect yourself against Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Get treated for any other infections in the respiratory system, especially those in the lungs. Wash your hands before eating, before preparing food, and after going outside.
Try to avoid people who have colds or the flu. Ask them to visit you when they are feeling better.
Eat a healthy diet, exercise, and get plenty of rest.
Contact your doctor if you think you have symptoms. Don't wait for symptoms to worsen, as you may develop an emergency condition.
Don't smoke.
Don't use alcohol heavily.

Answered: I care for someone who has Parkinson’s disease. What challenges am I likely to face?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:40:16 +0000

As a caregiver for someone who has Parkinson’s disease, you’re likely to face these challenges:

At times, your loved one will be very dependent. That can make a caregiver think the person is too demanding or manipulative. But this is a natural part of the disease.
While medications and surgery can relieve symptoms, they don’t stop Parkinson’s from getting worse.
Depression is part of the disease. Recognize the signs of it, and get prompt treatment, for your loved one and yourself.

Answered: What are symptoms of bacterial pneumonia?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:39:24 +0000

This is inflammation or swelling in your lungs that make it hard for oxygen to reach the blood. Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can come on slowly or suddenly. They include:

High fever (up to 105 degrees)
Drowsiness
Rapid breathing
Chills
Cough with mucus (may be greenish or have blood)
Chest pain
Blue tint on lips or under the nails (severe cases)

Answered: How can you deal with freezing due to Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:37:56 +0000

Rock in place from foot to foot to get moving again if you become frozen.
Have someone place their foot in front of you, or visualize something you need to step over, to get moving again.

Answered: What are tips for standing up if you have Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:37:26 +0000

Bend slowly at the waist and touch your toes before trying to get up from a seated position.
Once standing, remain in place for a few seconds before trying to walk to help you regain your balance.
Use a cushion or book to add height to your chairs and add firmness. This will decrease the distance when sitting or standing.
To make it easier to get out of bed, tie a sheet to the bed post and knot the othe

Answered: What are some bathing tips if you have Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:36:53 +0000

Use a shower chair.
Use a hand-held hose.
Use a long-handled sponge or scrubbing brush.
Use soap-on-a-rope, bath mitts, or sponges with soap inside or a soft soap applicator instead of bar soap.
Use lukewarm water, as very hot water can cause fatigue.
Sew straps on towels to make them easier to hold while drying.
Put a non-skid rug on the floor outside the tub so you don't slip.
Put a towel on the back of your chair and rub your back against it to dry, or use a terry cloth robe instead of a towel to dry off.

Answered: What are some grooming tips if you have Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:36:05 +0000

Sit to shave, dry your hair, etc.
Use hairbrushes and combs with built-up handles or handles with finger loops.
Use toothbrushes with built-up handles or use an electric toothbrush.

Answered: How can you prevent drooling from Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:35:37 +0000

To prevent drooling, you might suck on hard candy, lozenges, or gum to control excess saliva. You also might use a straw when drinking to strengthen the muscles of your lips, mouth, and throat.

Answered: How can periods of rest help manage Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:34:48 +0000

If you have Parkinson's disease, you may need to plan at least one rest period every day. If you have swelling in your feet or ankles, raise your legs when you're resting or sitting for long periods. Avoid working long days. Rest between recreation and leisure activities.

Answered: What helps someone who has problems with eating because of Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:34:18 +0000

If a loved one with Parkinson's disease has trouble swallowing, fix moist, soft foods. Avoid foods that crumble easily, like crackers. Thick drinks, like protein shakes, are also easy to swallow. If eating is tiring, serve smaller meals more often.

Answered: How should caregivers help people with Parkinson's disease with their bathing?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:33:54 +0000

To help a loved one with Parkinson's bathe:

For safety and comfort, use the shower, if possible. Tub baths can be a falling hazard.
While bathing, have your loved one sit on a shower stool, use a hand-held showerhead, and hold a grab bar.
Sometimes Parkinson's causes dandruff. If it does, use a little shampoo with mild coal tar or salicylic acid. Rinse hair well.
Wrap up in a terry cloth robe after bathing. It will absorb water, so you can skip the towel.

Answered: Can medication help allow someone with Parkinson's disease to drive?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:33:26 +0000

For many people with early Parkinson’s disease, medications can reduce symptoms. But medications may have side effects, such as drowsiness, that can affect driving as well.

It can be difficult for doctors to devise a medication plan that reduces the primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and allows some patients to drive without causing side effects that make driving a car even more dangerous.

Answered: What are common symptoms of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:32:53 +0000

Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare neurological condition that can make you unable to walk, stiff, and prone to dizzy falling spells. You also may have:

Forgetfulness
Change in personality
Loss of interest in usual socializing with family and friends

Answered: What are the duties of a caregiver of someone with Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:31:50 +0000

As a caregiver of someone with Parkinson's disease, you have a lot to do. You:

Help maintain the quality of life for your loved one
Educate yourself about symptoms, treatments, and the progression of the disease
Keep track of appointments with the doctor, medication schedules, and exercise
Offer the love and support needed to meet the challenges of Parkinson's disease

Answered: How can I avoid getting constipated?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:31:23 +0000

To avoid getting constipated:

Eat plenty of fiber. Good sources are fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain bread and cereal. Eat bran cereal or add bran to other foods.
Drink 1½ to 2 quarts of water and other fluids a day. (Note: Milk can cause constipation in some people.) Liquids with caffeine, such as coffee and soft drinks, can dehydrate you and may need to be avoided.
Exercise regularly.
Move your bowels when you feel the urge.

Answered: How can I treat constipation?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:31:01 +0000

To treat constipation:

Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day.
Try warm liquids, especially in the morning.
Add fruits and vegetables to your diet.
Eat prunes and/or bran cereal.
If needed, use a very mild stool softener or laxative (such as Peri-Colace or Milk of Magnesia). Don’t use laxatives for more than 2 weeks without calling your doctor, since using laxatives too much can worsen your symptoms.

Answered: What can help me communicate with a loved one who has Parkinson’s disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:30:36 +0000

Parkinson's disease can make verbal communication very difficult for your loved one. Here are things that can help you understand:

Talk to your loved one face-to-face.
If the disease is advanced, ask yes-or-no questions.
Repeat the part of the sentence that you understood. (For example, "You want me to get the what?")
Ask your loved one to repeat what they’ve said, or ask them to speak slower or spell out the words you didn’t understand.

Answered: How can safinamide (Xadago) help with treating Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:29:03 +0000

Safinamide (Xadago) is an add-on medicine that may be prescribed when people taking levdopoa and carbidopa have a breakthrough of Parkinson’s symptoms that were previously under control. Studies show that adding this drug helps individuals experience longer times with reduced or no symptoms. The most common side effects are trouble falling or staying asleep, nausea, falls, and uncontrolled, involuntary movements.

Answered: What is Parkinson’s disease and how does it affect driving?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:28:40 +0000

^{Parkinson’s disease is a type of movement disorder that can significantly impair driving skills, cause safety concerns, and force many people with the condition to stop driving a car.}

Answered: What happens after deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:28:09 +0000

Deep brain stimulation requires surgery to place a battery-powered device in your chest. Afterward, you'll need to stay on your usual dose of Parkinson's medicine. Your device can't be programmed until the swelling in your brain goes down, which takes 2-4 weeks, and you have the pulse generator.

It also can take several months to get the programming right. Once you do, your symptoms could get better, and you may need less medicine.

Answered: How is progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) treated?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:27:44 +0000

Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare neurological condition that can affect your ability to walk, impair your vision, and slow your thinking. It has no cure, but a range of medications can help curb PSP's symptoms.

Sinemet is a drug that has levodopa, which helps control shakiness and tremors.

Antidepressants, along with sleeping pills, may ease sleep problems. Many drugs for other neurological disorders can also be prescribed for PSP.

Answered: What are alternate methods of transportation for those with Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:27:18 +0000

Rides from family and friends
Taxi cabs
Shuttle vans and buses
Public buses, trains, and subways
Walking

Answered: What should I do to help make more saliva?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:26:18 +0000

If you don't make enough saliva:

Drink plenty of fluids.
Every once in a while, suck on ice pops, ice chips, lemon ice, or lemon-flavored water to add to your saliva. That'll help you swallow more often.

Answered: What are side effects of deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:23:45 +0000

Deep brain stimulation can cause serious issues. Many go away in a few days or weeks, but some don't. You could have:

Stroke symptoms, like numbness and slurred speech
Changes in your mood, memory, and thinking
Seizures
Movement and speech problems that get worse
Headache, dizziness, and tingling

Answered: What can help with the stress of having Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:23:09 +0000

The most important step you can take is to seek help as soon as you feel less able to deal with Parkinson's disease. Taking action early will enable you to understand and manage the many effects of your condition. A mental health care provider can design a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. The goal is to help you regain a sense of control over your life and improve your quality of life.

Answered: Who can get deep brain stimulation to treat Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:22:34 +0000

One of the most important factors is that you try drug treatment first. Surgery is not recommended if medications can adequately control the disease. But surgery should be considered if the medications don't help enough. Your doctor can help you know what the pros and cons are of all your options.

Answered: What drugs might you take with levodopa for Parkinson's disease?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:19:50 +0000

Carbidopa makes the levodopa work better, so you can take less of it. It's one of the drugs in Sinemet. Your doctor may also want you to take dopamine agonist like pramipexole (Mirapex), ropinirole (Requip), or rotigotine (Neupro).

Safinamide (Xadago) is an add-on medicine that your doctor may prescribe when you're taking levdopoa and carbidopa and have a breakthrough of symptoms that used to be under control.

When you take levodopa, a chemical in your body called COMT makes part of the drug useless. Entacapone (Comtan) and tolcapone (Tasmar) block COMT, so the brain can use levodopa more effectively.