Parkinson's Disease Questions
94 Question and Answer Results
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Will he ever walk or talk again?
Unfortunately, I cannot tell from your letter if your husband will be able to walk or care for himself again. You mention he had an aneurysm, but you do not say if he had surgery to repair it or if he had a ruptured aneurysm. With the surgical repair, it will take 6 months for him to recooperate... -
Is Parkinson's Disease hereditary?
The question as to whether Parkinson disease is hereditary is quite complicated. Researchers now think that about 7 or 8 percent of patients with PD have a direct genetic link. This is much more likely to be the case if your parents had onset of Parkinson disease in their 40s or younger. Otherwise it is much less likely... -
Can Parkinson's be diagnosed by only one symptom?
When diagnosing Parkinson's Disease, two of four cardinal features (rigidity or stiffness, tremor, bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and postural instability) must be present. That being said, there are often cases when we strongly suspect Parkinson's disease based on other symptoms... -
Does an increase in vitamin E help those with Parkinson's?
Although there has been much interest in vitamin E for multiple neurodegenerative diseases, there is not compelling data to suggest that there a role for vitamin E in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. Further, there is not good data to support a role of vitamin E in slowing the disease progression... -
How can I get my father to accept his Parkinson's diagnosis?
Accepting the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and the physical limitations that may result is occasionally very problematic for patients. As you well know, this often results in a fair amount of turmoil for the family and can result in injury or overall reduced quality of life for the patient... -
Am I at risk for Parkinson's?
This is a very difficult question to answer and to some degree depends on the age at which your father was disgnosed (young onset is more likely to be monogenetic) and whether or not he has a known genetic mutation or risk factor. Typically, however, we think that less than 8% of all parkinson's patients... -
What are good books to read about Parkinson's dementia caregiving?
This is a good question, and I'm not sure that I have great answers for you. In terms of dealing with the dementia issues, books like "The 36 hour day" have been helpful for some of our patients even though it is targeted more at Alzheimer's disease. The basic principles hold true. -
Can Parkinson's cause petit mal seizures?
The short answer to your question is "no." On occasion we have patients with PD, particularly those with a lot of cognitive symptoms have episodes that look like partial seizures such that they are staring off or somewhat unresponsive for a few moments... -
Why is my mother having trouble swallowing?
I would have this problem investigated, as it sounds as if you are taking alot of time to feed her. Some people do develop swallowing problems from diseases like strokes, Parkinson's, or dementias. I would let your mother's health care provider know that this is an issue, so that they can find out what is going on... -
Where can I find a support group for caregivers of dementia...
The Alzheimer’s Association really is the best place for a caregiver of someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia to look when seeking local support. To find groups in Palm Beach County, search the Southeast Florida Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association at: http://www.alz.org/seflorida/index.aspex... -
What do we do during a panic attack?
These sound like panic attacks, which are very common and very treatable. Before assuming that is the cause of her symptoms, however, she should see her physician and be sure there is not some other medical explanation. One of the medical explanations to consider if she experiences the hallucinations... -
Is restless leg syndrome related to Parkinson's disease?..
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is not related to Parkinson's Disease (PD), although patients with PD may be more likely to have RLS symptoms as part of their disease. People with RLS are not at an increased risk of developing PD. The fact that some of the same medications are helpful in treating these... -
What disorders mimic Parkinson's disease?
There are a number of disorders that share some of the same symptoms as Parkinson's disease and can result in "diagnostic confusion" for physicians and patients alike. Often, when patients are progressing very rapidly, develop balance problems within the first few years, don't respond to a strong dose... -
Is it OK for my mother to keep her recent diagnosis of Parkinson's disease a secret from friends and colleagues?
First, your mother's concern about her work situation is understandable. Sometimes patients, despite doing a good job at work, will get fired because of their Parkinson's disease. That's a violation of national law, but it happens all the time. So I can't judge your mother's work situation; she has to judge it... -
Why are urinary tract infections in elderly women so common?
This is a complicated question, and a good one. I'll to simplify the answer. There are several reasons why women are at a higher risk of urinary tract infections (UTI) as they age. -
What should I do when my parent with Parkinson's disease suddenly "freezes"?
Getting stuck in place tends to happen when people with Parkinson's disease are anxious or feel rushed, or when they're navigating small passageways like going in and out of elevators or through a doorway. It's embarrassing and awkward for them. -
How can I get my father to join a Parkinson's disease support group?
I'm a big fan of support groups. If your father is apprehensive about seeing other patients with Parkinson's disease who are further along in the illness, what I'd say to him is: "Yes, you may see someone who's considerably impaired because of Parkinson's... -
Is there a device to deal with falls?
There is a method to help people get up from the floor, and your mother and father may be able to use this method to help them. Your mother clearly cannot lift your father from the floor, because of their weight difference, but even lifting someone much lighter can result in injury to one party or both... -
Parkinson's is making my husband less social, what can I do?
Patients with Parkinson's disease, such as your husband, often have difficulty feeling overwhelmed in social situations and it is not uncommon for them to shut down or isolate themselves when there are multiple lines of banter to keep up with...
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