Treatment for Parkinson disease (suggestion needed) Discussion Property News & Community Talk

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Imran

Sunday, August 21, 2011 11:41 AM

Aoa,
My father has been diagnosed with Parkinson disease last year. He can move in slow phase but for little time, he cannot sit stand by himself and very difficult for him to keep balance, often falls in washroom.
I have taken him to few neurophysician here in peshawar and all of them advised the common medicines "Sinamet", "Pk-merz" and "dophamine" with slight variation in doses but there is no improvement at all after a 7,8 months usage. i.e. the symptoms remain as it is and increasing with time.
Please suggest me a good and understanding Neurophysician in Peshawar or Islamabad/Pindi, or if there is any doctor here on the forum who could help with these medicines uses or any other advises which could help my father to keep balance and improve his movement.

Masood replied on Sunday, August 21, 2011 11:55 AM

AOA Brother Imran,
Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease. Levodopa/Carbidopa are standard regime for the treatment of this disease.
They can delay the full on set of this disease. There are some newer meds however the combination of these two are still considered as a gold standard in the early stages of this disease.

AG replied on Sunday, August 21, 2011 11:59 AM

@Imran

Imran Bhai I read a research article recommending at least two cups/day of coffee for Parkinson patients.

Regards.

ZA replied on Sunday, August 21, 2011 12:20 PM

I am sorry to hear of your father's condition. Medicines would help, though it takes long, so be patient.

It is recommended to stick to one neurologist, as most will manage the condition in a similar manner, sticking to one will be beneficial for your father, as the physician would be able to appreciate the progression of the disease.

Prof. Sardar Alam used to be a big name in neuro at Peshawer, you may consult him.

Prayers for your father.

Regards,

adnan replied on Sunday, August 21, 2011 02:22 PM

Brother Imran! There is no cure for Parkinsonism. The medicine which your father uses replaces the missing hormone but they are short lived.The most important thing in management of Parkinsonism is to take the medicines exactly as presribed and exactly at the same time. This can be difficult but because as soon as the medicine is metabolised the deficiency sets in! So check with the physician and give medicines exactly at the prescribed time.

MAS replied on Sunday, August 21, 2011 05:46 PM

Dear Imran I am in the same boat. My father too was diagnosed with Parkinsonism about two years ago and I am still learning about the disease and searching for solutions. He too has difficulty getting up from chair and has slow movement. This is called Bradykinesia.

He too have been prescribed PK-Merz and Sinemet. I have read that Sinemet can cause side effects like depression, hallucinations, worsening of involuntary movements, dizziness and many other possible side effects are there. Furthermore my father also has slightly enlarged prostate for which he takes medicines. I have also read that Parkinson medicines tend to worsen the urinary symptoms associated with enlarged prostate. Due to these reasons I have so far resisted giving him any medicine for Parkinsons at all. I have been told by doctors that Parkinson medicines DO NOT slow or delay the progression of disease, they merely control the symptoms so it is okay to delay taking medicines as long as symptoms are mild or manageable. My father was seen by Dr Tariq head of Neurology at PIMS but I have also been recommended Dr Mazhar Badshah of PIMS and Dr Arsalaan at Shifa Internatinal, Islamabad.

There are other ways to manage the disease. Have metal pipes/bars installed on the side of W.C in the wash room so he can use it as arm support in order to get up. Also have metal handles installed near the shower area which he can grab for support and to avoid falling. Make sure to have thick wall-to-wall carpet in the room so that there is no injury in case of fall. Have night light switched-on 24 hours in the rooms under his use. Make sure there is nothing on the floor (like small piece of carpet or shoes)that may come in his way. Make sure his trousers/shalwar are of short length so he can wear them easily. His chair should have firm base without incline and with straight back.

Encourage him to stay active and take a little walk in the lawn daily. It is not the end of the world. Over time the patient gets used to his condition and continues to enjoy activities like reading, watching TV etc However each person and his progression of disease is different. Wish you all the best. If you like you may give your email address so we can share any useful tips in future. Brother AG thank you for the interesting tip.

Finally thanks to brother CMY for allowing such topics on this forum.