Personalized treatment plans
No single test is available to diagnose Parkinson's disease. Diagnosis
is based on the observations of a physician following a thorough physical
examination. In some cases, especially in the early stages of the disease,
it may be necessary for the physician to observe an individual over time
in order to accurately diagnose the disease.
 While there is no known cure for Parkinson's disease, the staff of the
Regional Parkinson's Center provides the most advanced treatment options
available. We help people lead healthy, happy and rewarding lives by
carefully blending the most advanced medical therapies available with
patient education, emotional support and practical suggestions for daily
living.
Our specialists work as a team to develop a personalized plan for each
patient, along with his or her family, that may include:
Lifestyle modifications
Not everyone with Parkinson's disease requires medication. Treatment
involves lifestyle changes in areas such as nutrition, exercise and
relaxation therapy to minimize symptoms and maximize adaptation.
Medical management
Parkinson's disease is a complicated condition because the disease, as
well as the treatment, affects individuals in different ways. Our goal
with medical management is to find the right sequence, timing and
combination of medications to manage the physical and psychological
symptoms of the disease on a long-term basis.
Rehabilitation
Physical, occupational and speech therapies are essential to counter
the complications associated with Parkinson's disease and to help patients
remain active and functional at work and at home.
Emotional support
Problems such as depression and anxiety are experienced by most
patients. Individuals with advanced Parkinson's disease may also
experience memory loss. Counseling services and specialized support groups
are available to help patients cope with the emotional challenges of the
disease. Our patient care plans include support services to help loved
ones deal with the impact of living with someone who has Parkinson's
disease.
Clinical trials
We treat more than 5,000 patients annually, so the Center has access to
grants and other funding for onsite clinical research trials. At any given
time, the Regional Parkinson's Center is involved with a number of studies
to evaluate the effectiveness of drugs and treatment methods not yet
available to the general public. Our participation in such research offers
options and renewed hope for patients who may benefit from medications
designed to have fewer side effects or improve the management of disease
symptoms. For more information about clinical trials, visit the center's
Parkinson's Research Institute.
Surgical options
While most cases of Parkinson's disease can be medically managed, a new
and improved surgical technique --
subthalamic deep
brain stimulation -- can be considered for certain patients.
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