Neurological Services That Are Designed to Support Parkinson's Patients
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disease of the nervous system. Slight tremors, twitching, and minor speech and motor delays will gradually increase if a treatment plan is not executed. If a close family member has demonstrated symptoms of Parkinson's, your support efforts may include seeking medical care and clinical trials.
The Diagnosis and the Outcome
A neurological doctor is a practitioner who examines, diagnoses, and treats patients who have a medical issue that is linked to the nervous system. Parkinson's disease can be difficult to detect immediately. This is due to the minor symptoms presented and inconsistencies in how often they are experienced. A doctor will perform a neurological test and a physical examination of a patient's body.
A doctor will conduct a full assessment of a patient's medical history. Upon the diagnosis, a doctor may prescribe medication, provide diet support guidelines, or refer a patient to another caregiver or a clinical trial provider. A clinical trial is a study that is voluntary. A trial will provide medical care, educational materials, medications, and other resources.
Your Role and the Trial Process
You can provide your loved ones with guidance and compassion by attending medical and trial appointments with them. If your family member is struggling to pay for their medication or if they are not responsive to an FDA-approved product, they may be receptive to taking part in one or more clinical trials. Clinical trial participation may require your loved one to sign up for a trial and conduct an interview with a medical personnel member who is overseeing a trial.
A trial may require participation for several weeks or months. A lengthy trial may involve stopping by a health center at specific times and taking a newly-formulated medication. Medications that haven't been approved by the FDA require extensive testing. Medical doctors need to determine the effectiveness of a product and the proper dosage to give a patient. Doctors can better understand if a product will be effective at slowing down the progression of Parkinson's, by observing a group of clinical study participants.
Clinical trials are typically free to a participant. Your family member's participation could ultimately help them regulate their symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease, without being burdened with financial hardship. Each clinical trial that is used to study the early stages of Parkinson's disease may be set up differently. If you review the printed material that is furnished by each medical director who is orchestrating a trial, you and your family member can openly discuss what types of services are available to them.
To find out more, visit a clinic such as the Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders.