Friends In Frederick
Parkinson's Disease Support Group

Post Office Box 213
Walkersville, MD 21793-0213
ph: (301) 703-1194
stephen@fifpdsg.org

About Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system affecting millions of people in the United States. It is one of the most common chronic neurological diseases affecting adults. The cause remains unknown.Parkinson's is characterized by tremors, a decrease in spontaneous movements, walking difficulty, falling, and stiffness. PD often begins with an occasional tremor in a finger or hand, which becomes more frequent over time. The tremors may then spread to the entire arm, or body, and make simple tasks increasingly difficult.

--CLICK HERE-- for Ten Essential Facts About Parkinson's Disease

Initial Symptoms

The first symptoms vary from patient to patient but usually begin with a feeling of weakness or fatique. Symptoms usually appear on one side of the body and remain that way for some time. Other signs may be the dragging of the leg while walking, change in handwriting, tremors and generalized trouble with mobility. Some people lose their sense of smell.

--CLICK HERE--for the Ten Early Warning Signs of Parkinson's Disease

What's it like to be newly diagnosed? Dean Cook shares his experience --CLICK HERE--

Primary Symptoms

Tremor At Rest- most common symptom.
Rigidity- tightness or increase in muscle tone at rest or throughout the entire range of motion
Bradykinesia- Greek meaning "Slow Movement". This covers numerous symptoms. The most common are a mask-like facial expression, a decrease in fine motor coordination (such as turning over in bed, dressing and handwriting)
Balance - especially falling backward
Speech - quieter with difficulty being understood
Swallowing, drooling
Loss of sense of smell
S-L-O-W cramped, tiny handwriting
Constipation
Anxiety
Depression
Sleep Disturbances

Symptoms Vary

Since there are such a varied number of symptoms that you may or may not experience, it is crucial that you see a qualified doctor (usually a neurologist) and request an examination. A neurologist who is also a Movement Disorder Specialist often deals with Parkinson's Disease.

Treatment

Levodopa in combination with carbidopa is a common treatment
A new long acting Carbidopa/Levodopa medicine called Rytary became available in 2015
Dopamine agonists which act like dopamine in the brain are sometimes used with Levodopa or alone
Nuplazid to treat Parkinson's Psychosis
Numerous other drugs are available to help with Parkinson's symptoms
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery has been used effectively
Physical therapy, Speech Therapy and Occupational therapy
Exercise
Support Groups

HOWEVER, there is currently no cure for Parkinson's Disease

"The only thing having Parkinson's has given me is a total appreciation for how valuable time is,"

- weightlifter Josh Robinson

Travel Tips For Parkinsons

The National Parkinson Foundation has TRAVEL TIPS for persons with Parkinson's.

Plan your trip carefully and in advance.
Check your medical insurance policy to be certain that you are adequately covered. Be aware of services provided (or not provided) in other countries.
Ask your neurologist if she can give you the name of a doctor in the area to which you are traveling.
Find out if there is a National Parkinson Foundation Center, chapter, or support group in the area you are visiting.
Don’t forget to rest the day before your trip AND the day (or day after) you arrive.

--READ MORE--

It's Important that People with Parkinson's Get Their Medication ON TIME in the Hospital

One-third of all patients with Parkinson’s disease visit an emergency department or hospital each year. One in 3 patients with Parkinson’s disease has been prescribed contraindicated drugs during hospitalization.

Medication Administration in the Management of Parkinson's Disease --CLICK HERE--
Five Things to know when Hospitalized With Parkinson's --CLICK HERE--
Parkinson's Disease In The Hospital by Dr. Stephen Grill --CLICK HERE--
Delayed Administration and Contraindicated Drugs Place Hospitalized Parkinson’s Disease Patients at Risk --CLICK HERE--
Parkinson's Foundation of the National Capital Area Hospitalization Guide (FREE download) --CLICK HERE--
Get your FREE Patient Safety Kit (Aware In Care) --CLICK HERE--
PODCAST - When A Parkinson's Patient is Admitted to the Hospital --CLICK HERE--
The APDA list of medications to avoided or used with caution if you have Parkinson's Disease. --CLICK HERE-- and add a copy to your Aware in Care kit or take with you to the hospital.

How To Prepare Your Finances With Parkinson's Disease

The Simple Dollar has a nice article about finance and Parkinson's Disease. You can --READ THE ARTICLE-- on the Simple Dollar website

Parkinson's Scorecard from PFNCA

Make a plan for YOUR Parkinson's Disease --CLICK HERE-

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