Recognizing Changing Symptoms In Parkinson s Disease May Help Patients To Better Manage Their Condition
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Health Fitness -> subcategory Disease Illness.
Recognizing Changing Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease to Improve Management
Overview
Parkinson's disease (PD) impacts around 1 million people in the United States, with 50,000 new cases diagnosed each year. As our understanding of the disease evolves, treatment options continue to improve, offering hope for better management.
The Case of Paul Ramirez
Paul Ramirez, a World War II veteran and avid dancer, was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1999 after his wife noticed him shuffling his feet during walks. Initially, he managed his symptoms with traditional levodopa medication, which has been the primary treatment for PD for nearly 40 years. While effective initially, levodopa's effectiveness may wane over time, leading to periods where symptoms resurface before the next dose.
Challenges with Levodopa
After two to three years on levodopa, Ramirez experienced less predictable symptom control. His "off" times?"periods when symptoms like freezing and slow movement return?"began lasting longer. This decline significantly restricted his activities, including dancing and walking.
"The inability to dance, and sometimes even walk, was very frustrating," Ramirez recalls.
Understanding "Wearing Off"
Many patients on levodopa experience "wearing off," where both motor and non-motor symptoms, such as anxiety or restlessness, reappear before the next dose. When this happens, daily tasks become challenging.
New Treatment Options
Dr. Kevin Callerame from the NeuroMedical Center in Baton Rouge introduced Ramirez to Stalevo, a medication combining levodopa with carbidopa and entacapone. This formula helps reduce side effects and enhance symptom control, extending relief periods significantly.
"In just a year, Ramirez's symptoms were controlled for four to five hours per dose, much longer than before," Dr. Callerame notes. This improvement allowed Ramirez to regain confidence in engaging in activities he once enjoyed.
Importance of Open Communication
Dr. Callerame emphasizes the need for PD patients to maintain open conversations with their doctors. Identifying "wearing off" is crucial for exploring alternative treatments.
Resources for Patients
A free information and resource kit is available to help patients identify "wearing off" symptoms. This kit includes a diary card for tracking symptoms between doses. To order, call 1-866-STEP-KIT or visit www.stepkit.net.
Patient Experience and Treatment Variability
Every patient's response to treatment varies. While Ramirez found success with Stalevo, results may differ. Clinical trials showed Stalevo provided an average of 1.4 more hours of symptom relief than standard levodopa.
Important Information About Stalevo
Stalevo, a combination of carbidopa, levodopa, and entacapone, is designed for PD patients experiencing "wearing off." It is available in three strengths and may replace separate doses of carbidopa/levodopa and Comtan. Common side effects include dyskinesia, nausea, and discoloration of bodily fluids, while more serious effects may include hallucinations and severe diarrhea. Patients should not suddenly stop or reduce their dose and should consult healthcare professionals about any side effects or health concerns.
Conclusion
Recognizing changes in symptoms and communicating with healthcare providers can greatly aid in managing Parkinson's disease effectively.
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