Treatment of Parkinson’s does not just rely on medical treatments, such as drugs and surgery. Many other health and social care disciplines, sometimes grouped together under the umbrella term ‘allied health professionals’, also play a vital role in management. These include physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy and dietetics.
Parkinson’s disease being a complicated, individual condition that most people live with for many years, requires a multidisciplinary approach to management. Such an approach involves several of these professions working together, thus making up ‘Your Health Care Team’. They work towards ensuring that you retain your independence and continue to enjoy the best quality of life possible. Most health and social care disciplines also recommend early referral to their services for assessment and advice.
This section provides a guide to some of the professions that are involved in the management of Parkinson’s. Knowledge of the roles that these different services can play in your care will help you to identify those who will be most able to help you with any specific problems that you are experiencing and also assist you to make informed choices about your treatment.
Multi Disciplinary Approach
A Neurologist
A Neurologist is a doctor trained to diagnose, treat and manage patients with neurological disorders (disorders of the nervous system) such as Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders. Some Neurologists sometimes, have a further specialization or special interest in movement disorders like the Parkinsonism spectrum.
Primary care physician or a General Practitioner
A doctor who is generally the first point of contact for any illness or complaint within the family. Usually called family physicians or general physician, the primary care physician is aware of the patient’s long term medical history, is able to advice the family on referrals to specialists, able to see the patient regularly and follow up the treatment closely.
Physiotherapist
A physiotherapist is a healthcare professional who deals with physical weaknesses and difficulties that occur as a result of injury, illness or ageing.
Physiotherapists are trained to manage mobility problems including gait, posture, balance, transfers (e.g. getting in and out of bed or a chair) and dexterity. They can help persons with PD with improving mobility through exercises, movement strategies (such as getting out of a chair or turning in bed), and overcoming side effects of medication. They can also assist with pain relief using special equipment and massage.
Early referral to a physiotherapist is recommended as this can enable the therapist to prevent some problems from worsening. However, all people with Parkinson’s, regardless of the stage of the condition, can benefit from physiotherapy to help them maintain as much functional ability and physical mobility as possible.
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Occupational Therapist (OT)
Occupational therapy promotes good health and wellbeing by helping people regain their independence and adapt to disability.
Occupational Therapists are trained to help one adapt to the motor, cognitive and other impairments associated with Parkinson’s by providing special equipment and through the modification of the patient’s environment. Thus, enabling one to continue to lead an independent and fulfilling life at home, at work and through leisure pursuits.
They can suggest practical aids to help you with various activities and ways to adapt your daily routine and surroundings, ensuring that your environment is safe and user-friendly. Also, empowering the person with Parkinson’s by allowing them to participate in everyday tasks, reduces the pressure and stress often placed on their families and friends.
Speech and Language Therapist (SLT)
Speech and language therapists help people communicate to the best of their ability by assessing and treating speech, language and communication problems. They also treat people who have eating, swallowing and drooling problems.
Ways in which the Speech and Language therapist can help include:
- Providing exercises to improve communication on a one-to-one basis, or in a group
- Advising on specific communication difficulties
- Suggesting breathing and postural techniques to facilitate better voice and overall communication, ease chewing and swallowing difficulties etc.
- Offering tips and strategies to make particular activities easier, such as talking on the telephone, eating etc.
- Recommending special tools and equipment to aid communication
- Assessing and treating difficulties with eating, drooling and swallowing
- Advising caregiver’s.
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Dietician
A dietician advises on a healthy diet and specific dietary needs. They can offer advice on how diet can ease some symptoms, such as constipation, heart burn etc. They may also liaise with a speech and language therapist regarding swallowing and eating difficulties.
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Psychiatrist
A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in treating mental health issues and disorders, such as anxiety and depression. A psychiatrist evaluates a person’s mental health along with his or her physical health and can prescribe medications to treat mental and emotional disturbances. Such psychiatric consultation and treatment can greatly benefit persons with PD, who encounter significant difficulties with sleep or a depressive/melancholic mood.
Psychologist
Psychologists are trained specialist who can talk with you and your family about emotional and personal matters, and can try to help overcome emotional or psychological reactions to injury or disease. They play an important role in the lives of persons with Pd and their families by helping to maintain their compliance to treatment, help motivate them to be involved in their self care, deal with cognitive difficulties and cope with demoralizing feelings.
Nurse
Some countries may have Specialist Nurses for Parkinson’s disease, movement disorders or senior citizen care; who can act as a ‘bridge’ between the patient and the doctor; answering queries or referring one to other professionals within the health care team. Some nurses have been specially trained in Parkinson’s and may be closely involved in certain aspects of care, such as medication.
Social Worker
Social workers are trained to help with the social, emotional and financial needs of the person with PD, their caregiver and their family. In some cases the social worker will be able to help you access available funding opportunities, subsidizations in treatment or medical fees, services and any other appropriate benefits.
Pharmacist
A Pharmacist is qualified to prepare and dispense prescribed drugs, and plays a key role in the lives of persons with PD as they require a regularized supply of their medications.
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Sex Therapist
Sex therapists are trained to provide advice and counseling on all aspects of sexual health and related concerns and can help persons with PD cope with any difficulties they may experience in this regard.