Parkinson's Disease

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• To keep symptoms under control, be sure to take your medication regularly, exactly as directed. If a medicine makes you drowsy, avoid driving or using dangerous machinery.
• Ask your doctor to tell you about the side effects of the medicines you are taking. Some medications can cause confusion or nausea. If any side effects develop, alert your doctor immediately
• Maintain a healthy diet including all 5 food groups: meat and fish, fruits, vegetables, breads, and dairy products. You may find it easier to eat frequent small meals. To avoid swallowing problems, cut your food into small pieces. Use a straw to drink liquids, if necessary. Tie a bib or napkin around your neck to keep food off your clothes. Mealtime should be relaxing, so don't rush.
• To prevent constipation, eat foods high in fiber, such as high-fiber cereals, beans, vegetables, and whole grain breads. Prune juice is a natural stool softener. Your doctor may also recommend an over-the-counter product.
• Do not carry hot foods if your hands shake badly. The food could spill and cause a burn. To keep your food warm, you may want to use a warming tray.
• Unless instructed otherwise, drink 6 to 8 large glasses of liquid, such as water, juices, and milk, each day. Limit caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and soda.
• Parkinson's disease may cause changes in your breathing muscles, affecting your voice level and tone. The disease may also make you speak faster and change the way you pronounce words. A speech therapist may work with you to try to resolve these problems.
• A massage may relax stiff muscles that accompany the disease.
• When Parkinson's disease begins to interfere with balance and movement, your chances of falling increase. A stooped posture contributes to the problem, as does the tendency to "freeze" when you try to start walking. At home, you can reduce freezing problems by putting tape strips on floors you use often. The tapes will help guide you to your destination.
• To keep from falling, make wide turns when you walk. You may feel safer with a 4-prong cane or a walker. Remove loose carpeting from the floor. If you have trouble getting up from a sitting position, use chairs with side arms and hard cushions.
• Using a raised toilet seat will make it easier to get up. Ask a medical supply store for suggestions. Grab bars on the walls beside toilets and inside showers and bathtubs will also make getting up easier---and prevent falls in the shower. A special chair inside the shower is another option.
• You may need extra time or help for bathing, dressing, eating, or other personal needs. Use an electric razor to avoid shaving cuts. Consider wearing shoes without laces. Choose loafers or shoes with Velcro fastenings.
• You may find it difficult to turn in bed or find a comfortable sleeping position. A firm mattress may help.
• Stop drinking liquids 3 to 4 hours before going to bed. Urinate just before lying down so you won't have to get up during the night.
• If your eyes become dry from lack of blinking, try using artificial tears, available at pharmacies and supermarkets.
• Depression often accompanies Parkinson's disease. There is no need to suffer this additional problem. If you feel depressed, check with your doctor. He can prescribe medications that help.
• Parkinson's is a life-changing disease for both victim and family. Accepting it is hard. Talk to your doctors, family, or friends about your feelings. You may also want to join a Parkinson's support group. For more information call or write:
• • American Parkinson Disease Association
    116 John Street
    Suite 417
    New York, NY 10038
    Phone: 800-223-2732
  • National Parkinson Foundation
    1501 NW 9th Avenue
    Miami, FL 33136
    Phone: 800-327-4545
  • United Parkinson's Foundation
    360 West Superior Street
    Chicago, IL 60610
    Phone: 312-664-2344

Call Your Doctor If...

• You get nauseous. This is a common side effect when you begin taking Parkinson's medications.
• You feel dizzy. This may be caused by your medication. (Don't attempt to drive while the feeling lasts.)
• You develop hallucinations---hearing, feeling, or seeing things that aren't there.
• You begin to feel you cannot cope with the illness.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• You find yourself contemplating suicide.
• You undergo a big change in behavior :mb (for example, :mx becoming very confused or :mb excited). :mx
• You become frightened or find you can't stay calm.