MedifocusHealth

The diagnosis and symptoms of Parkinson's disease can be devastating to an individual and family. However, there are several excellent resources available for education and support and ongoing research has lead to important developments in controlling symptoms and improving quality of life.

Support groups are important because the increasing difficulty of activities of daily life and the progression of symptoms can be very demoralizing. Patients and caregivers can benefit from the support of people who understand what they are experiencing and can suggest ways of coping that professionals may overlook. This also helps reduce the feeling of loneliness that many Parkinson's disease patients and their caregivers may feel.

Dementia is about six times more common in the elderly person with Parkinson's disease than in the average older adult. Support groups can be helpful in coping with dementia. The health care team can provide education and resources for managing difficult or unsafe behaviors that may develop.

Since depression is such a common complication of Parkinson's disease, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. In addition to the treatments mentioned above for depression, it is also helpful for the patient to stay socially active and involved with family and friends.

Due to the slow rate of progression on Parkinson's disease, there is ample time for patients and their families or caregivers to focus on future planning for issues such as:

• Contacting an attorney regarding estate planning, will, etc.
• Arranging long-term health/life/disability insurance policies
• Making adjustments in their professional life
• Determining possible modifications to be made in the work environment to facilitate continuing employment
• Investigating plans for future care, such as professional caregiver, assisted living facility, or nursing home