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Therapies

Parkinson's is almost always treated with medication. Parkinson's cannot be cured with medication but its symptoms can usually be treated with medication for a long time and many types of medication are used. Sometimes a person with Parkinson's will be using several different types of medication at any one time. And it often takes some time to find the right medication and dose for each individual. It is important that the medicines are taken as prescribed. Moreover, the doctor must be kept informed of all types of medication used, including those for other illnesses. This will prevent the wrong combinations of medicines being taken. Medication for Parkinson's can have side effects and older people are more sensitive to these. Treatment can be adjusted to your own symptoms and wishes. Different drugs might be tried, sometimes in combination, to see which give the best results. Some adjustment of dosages may be necessary for the same reason and sometimes further medication may be required. Over the course of time, the symptoms may become more extreme and the effect of medication reduced. From time to time medication is therefore reviewed to see whether it should be adjusted further.

Side effects

Medication reduces the symptoms of Parkinson's but can give unpleasant side effects. Usually the doctor does not try to make all your symptoms disappear completely, but prescribes a dose sufficient to reduce your symptoms adequately. Some doctors advise people with mild symptoms not to take medication, since there are no drugs without side effects. Their advice is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to keep drugs for later use. If you notice new symptoms consult your doctor. They will be able to tell you if they are side effects of medication. Bear in mind that if you experience side effects something can often be done, perhaps for example by adjusting the dose or prescribing medication that counteracts them. When medicines are prescribed, read and follow the instructions carefully, and note which side effects may occur. The information leaflet supplied with the medication by the Pharmacist gives full information on possible side effects, even the very rare ones. You will certainly not experience all of them.

Surgical Treatment

Medication helps most people with Parkinson's reasonably well. However, it does not work for everyone and surgery may help a small number of people. Research is still going on into the effects of surgery. These involve various types of operations, known as pallidotomy, thalamotomy, and deep brain stimulation.

Professionals who can help with the management of Parkinson’s

• General Practitioner
• Neurologist
• Gerontologist
• Psychologist
• PD Nurse Specialist
• Occupational therapist
• Physiotherapist
• Dietician
• Speech and language therapist
• Pharmacist
• Social Workers
• Chiropodist
• Continence advisor
• National Parkinson’s organisation