I got a call a few days ago from a friend of an old friend of mine. It seems this ladie's husband has had PD for ten years.
He is not doing well and the rate of progression is of a concern. He cannot walk by himself anymore and has other advanced problems associated with PD.
His only treatment is Carbadopa/Levadopa 25/100 four times a day. He is depressed and cannot find himself in an upbeat mood anymore.
I am not a doctor just a PD patient with 13 year on the journey and not offering medical advice, just my observation.
As I understand the situation as described via the telephone, this person's neurologist thinks he is overmedicated.
April is Parkinson's awareness month.
With all the advancement in treatments in the last few years, you might wonder why so many PWP are not aware of the various alternatives and do not get that comprehensive and all inclusive care that is so vital to the quality of life of the whole person. Parkinson's is a fickel disease, ever changing with many surprises. Those who provide medical care should be addressing the whole person and learn from their patients how and when changes occur. There is ample research to show and share, teaching us that PD affects us in different ways and cannot be treated with a rubber stamp philosophy.
I have empathy for the person I first mentioned.
Hoping for better days ahead.
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