TREATMENTS
AND THERAPIES
There are many ways to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), and treatment varies greatly for each person based on the symptoms that need to be managed. First, we need to understand the potential symptoms we may have - remembering that not all people with Parkinson's will experience the same symptoms. We break down each of those potential symptoms and provide common treatments and therapies for each to help you discern your best journey for living well with Parkinson's.
When it comes to medications, surgery options, or therapy, finding the right balance takes a great deal of patience, trial and error, and open and honest communication between you, your care partners, and your medical team to determine the best treatment path.
The most important thing to remember is that no one knows your body better than you. Only you and your care partner can determine which areas require treatment. And at the end of the day, it is your choice in what treatments you select - whether prescription and drug based, holistic, therapeutic, or surgical with your doctor's guidance.
It is important to remember that with Parkinson's disease, not everyone will experience every potential symptom. It is also important to understand each of these areas so that you can prioritize which ones may be impacting your current quality of life. By rating and prioritizing which symptoms may be impacting you the most, and clearly communicating that with your medical professional, you are able to develop a wellness, treatment, and therapy path that will best benefit you. By providing you with an understanding of these potential symptoms, you may best discern treatment paths.
Research has proven the importance of exercise for those living with Parkinson's, demonstrating both benefits and results. In this section, we highlight professionals who can assist you with building exercise plans that will help to manage specific PD symptoms, highlight movement-based support groups and classes, and talk about paying for fitness with applications for PAA Movement Scholarships. Most importantly, we provide a list of exercise types specific to PD and how you can connect to local resources throughout Alabama, or through home-based instruction and tutorials online.
This section breaks down common drug therapies used for motor and non-motor symptom treatment as well as medications to avoid with caution. We also provide tips to avoid potential medication interactions and overall best practice medication management strategies. You can download our FREE Medication Form template to help you track your meds, as well as understand how to plan for medication administration and advocacy during hospitalizations. Finally, we discuss some of the options available in Alabama when it comes to Prescription Payment Assistance.
Surgical therapies for Parkinson's are available that include Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), enteral suspension of carbidopa/levodopa, and focused ultrasound therapy. Each has various risks and benefits as well as invasive levels. In this section, we break down each procedure with conversation starters to have with your neurologists - what makes a good candidate for these procedures, and how do you prepare for the procedures. Our goal at the PAA is to highlight all available therapy options to you, empower choice, and equip you for conversations with your medical specialists.
Therapy is a critical component to your overall wellness plan when it comes to Parkinson's disease. In this section, we breakdown the three most common therapies covered by insurance for Parkinson's, including: physical, speech, and occupational therapies. We also dive into some complementary therapies that fall outside the scope of exercise that some people find beneficial adding to their overall wellness plan. Learn more about specific Parkinson's programs in this section such as LSVT BIG and SPEAK OUT Therapies.
Disclaimer: The Parkinson Association of Alabama provides you with an understanding of potential symptoms you may experience, as well as non-medical tips to help with symptom management as proven and sourced by research from National Parkinson's associations and organizations. We want to give you insight to have clear conversations with your doctor to best advocate and discern treatment and therapy options. The Parkinson Association of Alabama does not replace the guidance and discernment between you and your medical professionals. The Parkinson Association of Alabama does not endorse any specific brands of drugs or products for Parkinson's. All drug therapies, products, and services are provided with equal representation. The Parkinson Association of Alabama has not received any payment for the endorsement of any products. Prior to trying any recommended exercise or therapy, you should consult with your medical professionals.