Parkinson's Disease - Resources

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Mental Tasks. Mental training is also helpful. Approaches include:

• Select and learn new hobbies that require finger and hand mobility, such as sewing, carpentry, fishing, or playing cards.
• Practice deep breathing and relaxation exercises. These may help maintain proper speech control, control tremor, and reduce anxiety.
• Both the patient and any caregivers should consider psychological therapy and support for depression and loss of motivation. Support programs and groups are widely available and can be invaluable for the patient and the family.

Speech Therapy. Speech therapy may help those who develop a monotone voice and lose volume. Therapy is prescribed to help with speech and to evaluate and monitor swallowing.

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Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Devices

A number of devices can be helpful for maintaining stability and preventing falls. Examples include:

• Rails installed where the patient needs support in getting up or down, such as along the bed and in the bathroom.
• Chairs with straight backs, firm seats, and arm rests.
• Electric beds or mattresses. Sliding boards are also useful for helping patients slide out of bed.)
• Wheelchairs

Review Date: 06/18/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).