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What is Parkinson Disease
Parkinson disease is a long-term (chronic) condition. It gets worse over time (is progressive). Parkinson disease limits your ability:
- To control how your body moves.
- To move your body normally.
This condition affects each person differently. The condition can range from mild to very bad. This condition tends to progress slowly over many years.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
- Put grab bars and railings in your home. These help to prevent falls.
- Follow instructions from your doctor about what you can or cannot eat or drink.
- Go back to your normal activities as told by your doctor. Ask your doctor what activities are safe for you.
- Exercise as told by your doctor or physical therapist.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important. These include any visits with a speech or occupational therapist.
- Think about joining a support group for people who have Parkinson disease.
Contact a doctor if:
- Medicines do not help your symptoms.
- You feel off-balance.
- You fall at home.
- You need more help at home.
- You have:
- Trouble swallowing.
- A very hard time pooping (constipation).
- A lot of side effects from your medicines.
- You see or hear things that are not real (hallucinate).
- You feel:
- Confused.
- Anxious.
- Sad (depressed).
Get help right away if:
- You were hurt in a fall.
- You cannot swallow without choking.
- You have chest pain.
- You have trouble breathing.
- You do not feel safe at home.