Clinical Case Study

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as monitor the effects of the disease. A neurologist could determine the best combination of medications to help manage the disease, such as dopamine agonists, COMT inhibitors, MAO-B inhibitors, amantadine, etc. If the medication doesn’t provide the desired results, they would also be the best kind of provider to determine whether surgery was a truly viable option to help diminish PD’s effects.

There should be additional coordinated treatment with a physical therapist (to help with the present stiffness and shuffling, help any future impairments in everyday tasks, such as “freezing”, and to provide safe at-home exercises to improve mobility and flexibility), a speech therapist (as the patient may develop a soft, monotonous voice and/or imprecise speech), as well as a psychologist (to help provide coping mechanisms and support for the patient in finding ways to live with PD). A consultation with a dietician/nutritionist will be helpful in determining foods for the lifestyle changes listed below.

What type of life style changes or home modifications would you recommend to this patient?

All recommendations are meant to be done with more conscientious effort

- Healthy eating, especially to incorporate high-fiber foods to help prevent constipation; choose foods that are easy to prepare and eat as it may become more difficult to manage making meals and maintain weight

- Walking carefully, to help maintain sense of balance and prevent falls

- Dressing “smarter” (allow for extra time due to difficulty, choose easier slip-on clothing items, etc.)

- Exercise regularly (as per physical therapists instructions)

- Have an occupational therapist perform a Home Safety Evaluation to evaluate potential “danger” points and make suggestions for improvement

- Find a support group

References

DiGiovanna, Augustine G. Human Aging: Biological Perspectives (Second Edition).

National Parkinson Foundation © 2011. “Parkinson’s Disease Overview.” Web. <http://www.parkinson.org/>

WebMD © 2005-2011. “Parkinson’s Disease Health Center”. Web. <http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/default.htm>

MedicineNet, Inc © 1996-2011. “Parkinson’s Disease”. Web. <http://www.medicinenet.com/parkinsons_disease/article.htm#what>

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “NINDS Parkinson’s Disease Information Page”. <http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease/parkinsons_disease.htm>

Mayo Clinic © 1998-2011. “Parkinson’s Disease”. Web. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/parkinsons-disease/DS00295>

Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, Inc © 2011. “DaTscan for Parkinson’s: What Does it Mean?”. Web. <http://www.pdf.org/en/science_news/release/pr_1295578745>