PtEd – MANAGING YOUR PARKINSON’S DISEASE

MANAGING YOUR PARKINSON’S DISEASE PROBLEM Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a problem with the central nervous system that causes progressive muscle rigidity and tremors. The ability to move your muscles becomes difficult and you may also notice difficulty with walking and swallowing. Common symptoms you may experience include tremor at rest, rigidity (feeling stiff and finding it hard to start moving), bradykinesia (movements of your muscles slow down), having a difficult time maintaining your posture, and feeling like you are going to fall down. Other symptoms may include difficulty speaking and swallowing, drooling more, and changes in mood and sleep patterns. CAUSE The brain is not able to produce or use the correct amount of a chemical called dopamine required by the body, and therefore the nervous system reacts by producing a loss in control of your muscles and movements. TREATMENT PLAN/CARE A.There is no cure for PD. However, medications may relieve a lot of your symptoms. Your healthcare provider will share the medications that are available to you. B.People with PD can be very sensitive to heat. During hot weather, stay outside for very short periods of time, stay inside during the hottest part of the day, and increase your fluid intake. C.Balance problems are common with PD and increase the risk of falls. Move slowly when changing positions. Avoid turning around in one spot. Make wide turns with change of direction. When moving from one position to another, rise slowly and take your time to prevent falls. Some ways to avoid injury are no loose rugs or other floor coverings; grab bars around the tub and toilet; a sturdy rail on stairs; adequate lighting so you can see where you are going; and straight-backed, firm chairs with arms. D.Wear comfortable shoes that fit correctly. Lift your feet when walking and avoid shuffling to avoid falls. Use your arms to assist you in walking by swinging your arms in a natural fashion. E.Tremor increases the risk of accidents. Use sturdy plastic cups instead of glassware, use an electric razor to shave, and be cautious with sharp objects and power tools. F.For clothes, Velcro fasteners, zippers, and snaps are easier to fasten than buttons. Loose clothing is also easier to put on and take off. G.To avoid sleep problems, stay busy during the day and avoid naps. Discuss any problems you have with your neurologist; sometimes changes in your medication schedule can help. H.If you have speech problems, work on ways to make your needs known. Practice speech exercises or consider speech therapy with a speech therapist. I.Stay active in your daily work, hobbies, and other daily activities you enjoy. J.If you are having signs of anxiety, depression, sleep problems, or other symptoms, please discuss these with your provider. These symptoms are common and can be addressed and treated with other medications. Activity: Regular exercise helps maintain muscle flexibility and may reduce medication needs. Exercises to improve face, jaw, and tongue movement are encouraged. Diet: Your diet should include plenty of fluids and adequate fiber to prevent or manage constipation. Have bran cereal in the morning and eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Bananas are low in fiber and should be avoided. Plan medication schedules so that you are functioning well at meal times. Be sure you allow plenty of time to finish your meal. If you need help planning your meals, your healthcare provider can suggest a dietitian with whom you can talk about food choices. Alcoholic beverages are discouraged, as alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of your medications. If you are having difficulty with swallowing, let your provider know. Take your time with eating meals. Sit upright. Thick liquids are easier to swallow than thin liquids. Medications: A.The medicines you are taking can improve your ability to carry out everyday activities, but they cannot totally eliminate your symptoms. It is important that you know why you are taking each medication as well as the possible side effects of each. B.Check with your neurologist before starting any new medicine to be sure it does not interact with your PD medicines. Even vitamins can be a problem, so take only those recommended by your neurologist. C.In case of emergency, keep with you a list of your medicines, including the amounts you take and your schedule for taking them. You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________ You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________ You Need to Notify the Office If: A.You have a reaction to your medication. B.You are unable to tolerate your medication because of side effects. C.Your symptoms become worse. D.Other: ___________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________ RESOURCES Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Grand Central Station PO Box 4777 New York, NY 10163-4777 www.michaeljfox.org National Parkinson Foundation 200 SE 1st Street Suite 800 Miami, Florida 33131 1-800-473-4636 www.parkinson.org Parkinson’s Disease Foundation 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509 New York, NY 10018 212-923-4700 www.pdf.org

MANAGING YOUR PARKINSON’S DISEASE

PROBLEM

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a problem with the central nervous system that causes progressive muscle rigidity and tremors. The ability to move your muscles becomes difficult and you may also notice difficulty with walking and swallowing. Common symptoms you may experience include tremor at rest, rigidity (feeling stiff and finding it hard to start moving), bradykinesia (movements of your muscles slow down), having a difficult time maintaining your posture, and feeling like you are going to fall down. Other symptoms may include difficulty speaking and swallowing, drooling more, and changes in mood and sleep patterns.

CAUSE

The brain is not able to produce or use the correct amount of a chemical called dopamine required by the body, and therefore the nervous system reacts by producing a loss in control of your muscles and movements.

TREATMENT PLAN/CARE

A.There is no cure for PD. However, medications may relieve a lot of your symptoms. Your healthcare provider will share the medications that are available to you.

B.People with PD can be very sensitive to heat. During hot weather, stay outside for very short periods of time, stay inside during the hottest part of the day, and increase your fluid intake.

C.Balance problems are common with PD and increase the risk of falls. Move slowly when changing positions. Avoid turning around in one spot. Make wide turns with change of direction. When moving from one position to another, rise slowly and take your time to prevent falls. Some ways to avoid injury are no loose rugs or other floor coverings; grab bars around the tub and toilet; a sturdy rail on stairs; adequate lighting so you can see where you are going; and straight-backed, firm chairs with arms.

D.Wear comfortable shoes that fit correctly. Lift your feet when walking and avoid shuffling to avoid falls. Use your arms to assist you in walking by swinging your arms in a natural fashion.

E.Tremor increases the risk of accidents. Use sturdy plastic cups instead of glassware, use an electric razor to shave, and be cautious with sharp objects and power tools.

F.For clothes, Velcro fasteners, zippers, and snaps are easier to fasten than buttons. Loose clothing is also easier to put on and take off.

G.To avoid sleep problems, stay busy during the day and avoid naps. Discuss any problems you have with your neurologist; sometimes changes in your medication schedule can help.

H.If you have speech problems, work on ways to make your needs known. Practice speech exercises or consider speech therapy with a speech therapist.

I.Stay active in your daily work, hobbies, and other daily activities you enjoy.

J.If you are having signs of anxiety, depression, sleep problems, or other symptoms, please discuss these with your provider. These symptoms are common and can be addressed and treated with other medications.

Activity: Regular exercise helps maintain muscle flexibility and may reduce medication needs. Exercises to improve face, jaw, and tongue movement are encouraged.

Diet: Your diet should include plenty of fluids and adequate fiber to prevent or manage constipation. Have bran cereal in the morning and eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Bananas are low in fiber and should be avoided.

Plan medication schedules so that you are functioning well at meal times. Be sure you allow plenty of time to finish your meal.

If you need help planning your meals, your healthcare provider can suggest a dietitian with whom you can talk about food choices.

Alcoholic beverages are discouraged, as alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of your medications.

If you are having difficulty with swallowing, let your provider know. Take your time with eating meals. Sit upright. Thick liquids are easier to swallow than thin liquids.

Medications:

A.The medicines you are taking can improve your ability to carry out everyday activities, but they cannot totally eliminate your symptoms. It is important that you know why you are taking each medication as well as the possible side effects of each.

B.Check with your neurologist before starting any new medicine to be sure it does not interact with your PD medicines. Even vitamins can be a problem, so take only those recommended by your neurologist.

C.In case of emergency, keep with you a list of your medicines, including the amounts you take and your schedule for taking them.

You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________

You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________

You Need to Notify the Office If:

A.You have a reaction to your medication.

B.You are unable to tolerate your medication because of side effects.

C.Your symptoms become worse.

D.Other: ___________________________________________________________

Phone: ____________________________

RESOURCES

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

Grand Central Station