Parkinson’s disease support for members

Symptoms of Parkinson’s tend to start slowly and then progress over time, usually years. It can affect the ability to walk and talk. It might also cause mental or behavioral changes. No two people experience Parkinson’s the same way.

Parkinson’s symptoms that affect your motor skills might include:

Other Parkinson’s symptoms might include:

Symptoms of Parkinson’s can also be caused by other conditions. So your doctor will perform exams and testing to diagnose Parkinson’s and rule out other possible causes. Tests might include neurological assessments, strength and reflex measurements, blood tests, imaging tests, and more.

Parkinson’s symptoms are treatable. Your care team will work with you on a personalized plan to help minimize symptoms so you can do more of what you enjoy. Common Parkinson’s treatments include:

• Medicines – Your doctor may prescribe medicines that increase dopamine levels or help your motor skills. You might also get medicines to help with non-motor symptoms, like sleep, digestive or mood problems.
• Physical, occupational, speech and music therapy – These therapies can help both your physical and mental health. They can also help you stay active and improve your ability to do daily activities.
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) – DBS is an effective Parkinson’s therapy that can help different parts of your brain work better together. Your doctor can help you determine if DBS might be right for you.

Living with Parkinson’s disease can be hard sometimes. So in addition to medical treatments, it’s important to practice self-care and take things day by day:

• Make home and lifestyle changes – Regular exercise can improve mobility and potentially slow symptom progression. Switching your diet to include more healthy foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish and poultry, may also be beneficial. And changing the layout of your house (furniture and surfaces to lean on, clear walkways and clutter-free floors) can help, too.
• Stay on top of movement-related symptoms – Parkinson’s can affect motor skills. But there are steps you can take to minimize disruption. For example, exercises can help with hand tremors. If you’re having problems with eating and drooling, changing what and how you eat can help. And if your speech is affected, working with a speech-language pathologist may help.
• Get help with non-movement related symptoms – A Parkinson’s diagnosis can affect your mental health, too. So it may be helpful to speak to someone if you’re feeling sad or depressed. Parkinson’s support groups can also help you meet others so you can share your feelings and frustrations – they’re often free, either right in your community or online. And if you’re having problems with constipation, sex, sleeping or other concerns, talk with your doctor.

Remember: You don’t have to deal with Parkinson’s alone. Your friends, family members and care team can help you make adjustments and work on challenges. Good support teams and a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan go a long way in helping you live more independently.