Question 1

how does parkinson disease affect your body's gait and posture?

Accepted Answer

Slows gait: Parkinson's slows movements and makes steps smaller. There are also balance difficulties and increased falls. Posture is often bent forward though there is a tendency to fall backwards known as retropulsion. These problems can be mild early on in the illness but can be debilitating if you have had the disease for a number of years.

Question 2

why does parkinson's disease cause a hunched over posture?

Accepted Answer

Rigidity: Rigidity in the musculature causes the so called semian posture.

Question 3

my husband has parkinson's disease he is not feeling well i'd like to know if there is a parkinson's doctor?

Accepted Answer

Neurologist: Generally, he'd have to see his primary first to be referred to a specialist.  The specialist is usually a neurologist.  Hope that helps.

Question 4

how can i cope with parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Control what u can: Though there is no cure for patkinson's, strategies such as medications and remaining active (especially lots of walking, yoga, tai chi, etc) can help ameliorate symptoms, delay developing disability, and some meds (azilect) and exercise may even slow down the disease. Sometimes a support group can help. Also make sure your doctor addresses common non-movement issues in pd like depression.

Question 5

what drugs help with parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Several: The mainstays of parkinsons treatment are Dopamine agonists such as Requip and the drug l-dopa (sinemet).  Others include comtan, (entacapone) amantadine, selegeline, cogentin.  Even ECT can be used in severe cases and there is also experimental surgery.  Talk to your neurologist to see what is right for you or your loved one.

Question 6

how fast does parkinson's disease progress?

Accepted Answer

Slowly: Once the diagnosis is made, the initial problems can be handled with Dopamine agonists and seem stable for 1-2 yrs, but then the progression requires l-dopa, which may help nicely for about 6-8 yrs, during which time additional meds may be added.  By 10-12 yrs the medications are sharply losing efficacy, and the next step may require use of a deep brain stimulator device.

Question 7

who is most affected by parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Older males: Typically, there are about 3 times as many males as females, but not fully clear why there is this predilection.  Usually a disease presenting in the 60's and 70's, but younger patients can be seen.  There may be a higher frequency in Caucasians.

Question 8

what can be done to cure parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

No cure, treatments: Unfortunately there is no cure for parkonson's disease.  There are many different medicines available which help the underlying pathology, which is a shortage of Dopamine (and other neurotransmitters).  We also know that regular vigorous exercise is helpful.  There is a surgical procedure that in the right patient can help symptoms.

Question 9

what can be initial symptoms of parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Tremors: Tremors in the hands at rest, problems with walking and reduced coordination in general are early symptoms.

Question 10

should i still go to work if i have parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Depends upon severit: Depending how disable you are ( severity of symptoms)for the type of work you do.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Parkinsons disease and stooped posture

A member asked:

How does parkinson disease affect your body's gait and posture?

A member asked:

Why does parkinson's disease cause a hunched over posture?

A member asked:

My husband has parkinson's disease he is not feeling well i'd like to know if there is a parkinson's doctor?

A member asked:

How can i cope with parkinson's disease?

A member asked:

What drugs help with parkinson's disease?

A member asked:

How fast does parkinson's disease progress?

A member asked:

Who is most affected by parkinson's disease?

A member asked:

What can be done to cure parkinson's disease?

A member asked:

What can be initial symptoms of parkinson's disease?

A member asked:

Should i still go to work if i have parkinson's disease?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?