Parkinson's Disease Video Center
Was this helpful?
5 Things You Didn't Know About Parkinson's Disease
Last Updated: Feb 01, 2021 8:34:19 PM
(1)
Are you living with or caring for a loved one with Parkinson's disease? Here are things you may not know about it.
Transcript
close
5 Things You Didn't Know About Parkinson's Disease
1. While many people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) suffer from tremors, it’s also common to experience the opposite: slowing and stiffening of muscles and movement.
2. For some, non-movement symptoms (like mood disorders, cognitive issues, and problems sleeping) can be more debilitating than motor symptoms.
3. Early signs of PD include loss of smell and changes in penmanship. Take note if your handwriting (or that of a loved one) has become smaller or more crowded.
4. People with PD aren’t always sad or mad; many just experience “facial masking” which stiffens the muscles in their face and impairs their ability to move those muscles quickly.
5. The cause of Parkinson’s disease is still unknown, and there’s not a cure yet. But with all the treatment options available, people with PD can enjoy a great quality of life.
Turn to Healthgrades to connect with the right neurologist to treat Parkinson’s disease.
And share this video to help spread the word!
2020 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
or reprinted without permission from Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Use
of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement.
Parkinson's Disease Video Center
Was this helpful?
All About Telehealth for Parkinson’s Disease
Last Updated: Feb 01, 2021 8:47:55 PM
(0)
New to telehealth for Parkinson's disease? Here's what you need to know.
Transcript
close
All About Telehealth for Parkinson's Disease
Telehealth allows doctors to care for people virtually over a phone call, text message, or most commonly, video chat.
Although some situations require an in-person visit, telehealth is a great option when you can't get to the doctor's office for your Parkinson's disease (PD).
If you're new to telehealth, here's what you need to know.
Medicare will cover telehealth visits just like in-person visits, but state Medicaid programs and private insurers vary, so confirm your coverage in advance.
With telehealth, even though you're not in the doctor's office, your private health information is still covered by HIPAA, so it will remain confidential and secure.
Although your neurologist can't give you a physical exam via telehealth, they can write prescriptions and offer quality care, especially if you prepare in advance.
Before your telehealth appointment:- List any PD symptoms (including dates and severity), like tremors, slow or stiff movement, difficulty balancing, impaired speech, or handwriting changes- PD often comes with non-movement symptoms, like mood changes, cognitive issues, and trouble sleeping, so track those symptoms too- Note any side effects from your PD medications- Record your vital signs if you own a blood pressure monitor, thermometer, or another device- Compile a list of your health conditions and all medications- Write down any questions you have for your neurologist- Charge your computer or phone- Make sure your internet is reliable- Download any telehealth apps your specific provider may require- Find a quiet, private space to conduct the call- Be prepared with pen and paper or a note-taking app
Turn to Healthgrades to connect with the right neurologist to treat Parkinson's disease via telehealth. And share this video to spread the word!
2020 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
or reprinted without permission from Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Use
of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement.
Parkinson's Disease Video Center
Was this helpful?
5 Ways to Make Life Easier With Parkinson’s Disease
Last Updated: Feb 01, 2021 8:52:58 PM
(0)
Living with Parkinson's disease is difficult. Here are five ways to make life easier.
Transcript
close
5 Ways to Make Life Easier With Parkinson's Disease
1. Be as active as possible.
Regular exercise not only helps promote balance and muscle strength, which can be a challenge with Parkinson’s, but it can also improve your emotional well-being. Ask your doctor about the best exercises for you.
2. Use adaptive equipment.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) can make it tough to do daily tasks like cooking or buttoning your shirt. Buy covered cups, ergonomic knives, and clothing with magnetic or Velcro closures to make those tasks easier.
3. Reorganize.
Move your most frequently used items (like dishware or coffee cups) into places that are easier to access. And label your drawers and cabinets.
4. Make your home safer and more accessible.
Rearrange your furniture to create more space to move; install handrails to avoid falls, especially in the bathroom; and consider replacing soft furniture with more firm options, which are easier to get on and off of.
5. Put your medical care in the right hands.
The right neurologist can help make Parkinson’s disease easier to live with. Turn to Healthgrades.com to find the best doctor for you.
2020 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
or reprinted without permission from Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Use
of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement.
Parkinson's Disease Video Center
Was this helpful?
Parkinson’s Disease: Jorge’s Story Part 1
Last Updated: Feb 01, 2021 9:02:09 PM
(1)
Jorge’s life changed when his Parkinson’s disease symptoms began. But with treatment and mobility aids, he’s making the most of it.
Transcript
close
My name is Jorge, and I was born in Cuba. I've been living in the United States since 1962. I started having problems in my handwriting, my calligraphy, the way I handwrite became very small, very tiny, difficult to read. So I was concerned about it, and I heard before that people who have Parkinson's disease, one of the symptoms, they write very minuscule.
So I went to a doctor and asked him my problem, and he referred me to the neurologist. So the doctor did some tests. He put me on a medication, and the medication worked for my tremors. I have a lot of tremors, which it did. That confirmed that I have Parkinson's.
Sometimes I get frustrated, and especially when I can't remember things because Parkinson's affects also your memory, and sometimes I become very upset. I have to walk with the aid of a walker and that limits my activities, household things to do, going out. Everything is not as easy as it used to be.
2020 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
or reprinted without permission from Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Use
of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement.
Parkinson's Disease Video Center
Was this helpful?
Parkinson’s Disease: Jorge’s Story Part 2
Last Updated: Feb 01, 2021 9:13:37 PM
(0)
Jorge’s Parkinson’s restricts him, but with the support of his family, his philosophy is to stay motivated and have gratitude.
Transcript
close
Rita:Even though he's doing well, it still causes rigidity in his bones and it slows his movement. So physical therapy actually starts tomorrow at home, a couple times a week, and it's going to be really helpful. It really is an important necessity for him to stay in the right road of not deteriorating his bones and his rigidity. You know, he does still drop things, but like I said, my father is a very motivated person. That keeps him a hundred steps ahead of the disease.
Jorge:I have great support from my family. It's the support, you see my daughter's here with me today. And thank God that I sit here, 85 years old, I can be on my own. That's important. If somebody has this illness, you have to face it. And you have to face it early. And look at the positivity that he or she has in this life. You have to expect illness and some problems of all sorts, or you die young, you won't have any problems. But nobody wants to die young. So that's my philosophy. And it works for me.
2020 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
or reprinted without permission from Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Use
of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement.
Parkinson's Disease Video Center
Was this helpful?
5 Fast Facts: Parkinson’s Disease
Last Updated: Feb 05, 2021 10:14:26 PM
(0)
After a Parkinson's disease diagnosis, make sure you know the basics.
Transcript
close
5 Fast Facts: Parkinson's disease
#1: Parkinson's disease (PD) affects 10 million+ people worldwide. That includes nearly 1 million people living in the United States.
#2: Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition. It gradually gets worse over time-but treatment can help slow this process and improve quality of life.
#3: With Parkinson's, brain cells that make dopamine weaken or die. Dopamine is a chemical that regulates movement. A lack of dopamine causes many PD symptoms, like tremors, stiffness, and balance problems.
#4: Parkinson's disease can also cause non-movement symptoms. Parkinson's can also lead to depression, memory issues, constipation, and other challenges.
#5: Treatment for Parkinson's disease is different for each patient. Common treatments include medications, surgery, and deep brain stimulation. Many patients also benefit from exercising, yoga, Tai chi, and physical therapy.
Turn to Healthgrades to connect with the right neurologist to treat Parkinson's disease. And share this video to help spread the word!
2020 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
or reprinted without permission from Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Use
of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement.