Parkinson Association
OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
PROMOTING QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PERSONS WITH PARKINSON DISEASE AND THEIR CARE PARTNERS
Featured News
Dr Campbell's Update
Resting Tremor Related to Dyskinesia in PD
Levodopa-induced dyskinesia (abnormal movements of the limbs, head, and torso) is a common and disabling long-term complication of dopaminergic therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD). For example, studies have shown that patients may experience dyskinesia less than a year after initiating Levodopa treatment. Several clinical factors are known to increase the risk of developing dyskinesia such as advanced PD, higher doses of Levodopa, and longer duration of PD.
A recent study suggests that different clinical presentations of PD may differ in their risk of developing dyskinesia – for example, tremor-predominant forms vs. primary gait and balance dysfunction. A recent study in the Archives of Neurology notes that approximately 50% of patients with PD have resting tremor as an initial manifestation of the disease. The authors observed that patients without resting tremor at onset were more likely to develop dyskinesia. This agrees with the observation of a more benign course of PD in tremor-dominant forms. The reason is not completely clear, but the authors suggested that resting tremor may not be completely related to dopamine deficiency.
It has been my experience that resting tremor is often resistant to Levodopa therapy. However, resting tremor often predicts slower progression of the disease. This has now been confirmed in this study. Further study into the pathophysiological mechanisms are necessary.
Dr. John Campbell, PASFI’s Medical Director, is Director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center at Collier Neurologic Specialists which is located at 730 Goodlette Road, Suite 100, Naples FL. The telephone number is 239-262-8971
MAKE SURE YOUR POWER OF ATTORNEY IS NOT OBSOLETE WHEN YOU REALLY NEED TO USE IT
by Edward E. Wollman and Lisa B. Goddy, Estate Planning Attorneys
Sweeping changes have taken place with the new Durable Power of Attorney statute in Florida, which goes into effect on October 1, 2011, and applies to all power of attorneys regardless of when they were executed.
A durable power of attorney (POA) allows you to designate someone to serve as your agent to have general authority in making financial decisions on your behalf. This document is effective immediately upon execution. "Durable" means that it remains in effect even if you become incapacitated. "Incapacity" is your inability to take the necessary actions to obtain, administer and dispose of your real and personal property.
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PASFI'S SPIRITUAL NURSE Betty Gamel, PASFI's own Spiritual Nurse, assists families in connecting with resources they need so that they can remain in their own home. She also guides families in maing lifestyle changes or end of life decisions.Please call for more information: Telephone (239) 417-3465
