Parkinson’s – Discussion Group and Education Series
November 30, 2022
Open Discussion
This week the group discussion centered around some of the major decisions that PWP ultimately have to make as their symptoms progress. Moving, living arrangements, type of housing, and character of the neighborhood, were all mentioned as things to consider when faced with these issues.
Move or Stay is one of the most difficult decisions. When is a good time? What about the emotional aspect of leaving a longtime residence? or neighbors. Moving itself is demanding work – don’t wait until you can’t enjoy it.
Living Arrangements: Alone, with a Spouse, with your Care Partner, or a Paid Caretaker?
Housing: How many flights of Stairs, adequate Lighting, appropriate, Heat and AC
Neighborhood: Public transportation, Grocery availability, Sidewalks
Character – young couples with kids, older people with no kids, “bad” section of town.
The discussion then turned to questions about the various professionals that treat PWP.
General Neurologist – completes all the requirements for a medical degree in neurology.
Movement Disorder Specialist Neurologist – completes all the requirements for a medical degree in neurology. And has additional Fellowship Training. Will be required to maintain the MDS credential.
Parkinsons “Specialist” – usually a General Neurologist who specializes in patients having those with Parkinson’s Disease. Does not have the same credentials as the MDS. The term “Specialist” is not regulated in the same way “Fellowship Trained in Movement Disorders” is.
UPDRS Uniform Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UP DRS)
MDS-UPDRS Uniform Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS)
Future Topics of Interest: fluctuating motional aspect of PD. Otherwise know as “why am I crying one minute and laughing the next?”
