Parkinson's disease

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Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes shaking and other uncontrollable movements, balance and coordination problems, and stiffness. Symptoms usually start out mild and get worse over time. As the disease advances, it can interfere with walking and talking. It also can cause mental and behavioral changes, sleep problems, depression, memory issues, and exhaustion.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive disorder affecting the brain cells that make dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement and other functions. Over time, these brain cells become damaged or die, resulting in a wide range of physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms. For this reason, PD is classified as a neurodegenerative disease.

How common is PD?

Nearly one million Americans and 10 million people worldwide live with PD, including over 16,000 in Alabama. About 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with PD each year. It is the second most common neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimer’s disease.

What are common symptoms of PD?

PD causes both movement-related (motor) and non-movement (non-motor) symptoms.

Movement (Motor) symptoms

Tremor, mainly at rest and often in the hands
Problems with voice, swallowing, and/or speech
Slowness of movements (bradykinesia)
Rigidity and stiffness
Walking (gait) and balance problems

Non-movement (Non-motor) symptoms

Apathy
Depression
Constipation
Sleep behavior disorders
Loss of sense of smell
Cognitive impairment (trouble with memory, thinking, and concentrating)

Whom does PD affect?

Getting older is the biggest risk factor for PD, and most people diagnosed are in their 60s. However, some people develop PD before age 50, known as young-onset PD. Men are 1.5 times more likely to have PD than women. Only about 10-15% of all cases of PD are thought to be caused by inherited genetic factors. In the other 85-90% of cases, the cause is unknown.

How is PD diagnosed?

Currently, PD is diagnosed through a clinical examination. Physicians use a combination of clinical exams and tests to evaluate symptoms.

How is PD treated?

Treatment for PD is based on symptoms and may include medications, surgery, therapy, or some combination of these. Lifestyle changes may also be part of treatment, such as increasing movement through exercise or working with speech-language pathologists to strengthen voice and swallowing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the UAB Comprehensive Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders Clinic?

Located at The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital, the UAB Comprehensive Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Clinic sees more than 3,500 patients each year. Our neurologists specialize in neurological disorders that affect movement, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD).

We offer complete diagnostic services and provide a full range of treatments, including medications; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; deep brain stimulation surgery; and neuropsychological evaluations and treatment. Our doctors also participate in clinical research trials to test promising new medical and surgical therapies for PD and other conditions that affect movement.

How is UAB Medicine promoting excellence in Parkinson’s disease research?

UAB Medicine is home to one of eight Advanced Centers for Parkinson Research in the nation, as designated by the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA). UAB participates in many studies and clinical trials of new medications and treatments. More than a dozen clinical trials are open to patients at any given time. Some trials are for particular stages of the disease, while others are open to all patients with Parkinson’s. Thanks to clinical trials, some UAB Medicine patients have access to treatments not available at other medical centers.

How do I schedule, reschedule, or cancel follow-up appointments?

Call the appointment line at 205-801-8986 to request, cancel, or reschedule appointments.

How often can I expect to see my movement disorders specialist?

You will typically meet with your movement disorders specialist annually and attend semi-annual visits with an advanced practice provider between those appointments. Patients do not generally switch between providers.

Will the movement disorders specialist replace my current neurologist?

Not necessarily. You can choose whether to continue visiting your local neurologist annually for urgent needs. Our team will collaborate with them.

Where will I have my appointment with the UAB Movement Disorders Clinic?

All patient visits are on the second floor of The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital. The clinic is located immediately on the left and marked as Neuroscience Two.

What do I need to know about parking at UAB?

Convenient parking is located in the deck next to The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital at 2100 6^th Ave. S. The deck is connected to the second floor of The Kirklin Clinic by a weatherproof sky bridge. Patients can be dropped off and picked up in front of The Kirklin Clinic, where a Guest Services team member will assist. It is recommended that you take your ticket with you to your appointment and pay for parking at one of the kiosks located at the exit before leaving the building.

Are telehealth (video) appointments available?

Yes. While we prefer that you attend your appointments in person with your movement disorders specialist at least annually, in most cases you can meet with your doctor or advanced practitioner through a telehealth visit. You should request the telehealth visit when making your appointment. If a telehealth visit is scheduled, the clinic staff will provide directions on how to access the tools needed to complete the visit over video with your appointment confirmation.

What if I have an urgent issue that needs to be addressed in between my appointments?

If you are having a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to your local emergency department. If there is a PD-specific issue that needs to be addressed prior to your next appointment, please call 205-934-0683 to speak with a nurse.

What if I have a non-urgent PD-related question in between my appointment?

You can call 205-934-0683, and the first available member of our Movement Disorders Clinic team will return your call to answer your questions. You also may submit a question through the UAB Patient Portal.

What is the UAB Patient Portal?

The UAB Patient Portal is a secure and private website where you can access your medical records, review lab results, and email your provider with your questions. Many requests, such as questions about medications and referrals, may be asked through the portal. You can sign up or log in to the UAB Patient Portal at uabmedicine.org/me. Type in your provider’s name to send a message. All messages will be included in your medical record.

How do I request medication refills?

Please call 205-934-0683 two weeks in advance of when refills are needed to allow for adequate time to submit refill requests to your pharmacist. Please be sure to have your pharmacy location and phone number handy to share with the nurse or clinic staff when making the refill request. You should also include all information about the prescription, including the name and dose of the drug. In some cases, medication changes may require an appointment. You can also make your request for medication refills over the UAB Patient Portal.

How can I get a copy of my medical records or forms needed for FMLA and disability insurance?

You can request a copy of your medical records from our partner, MediCopy Services. You also can request forms for disability insurance and FMLA. Call 866-587-6274, extension 213; fax to 888-972-2476; or visit MediCopy.net.

How can I prepare for my upcoming appointment with UAB?

We aim to address all your key challenges related to PD during your appointment. Before your visit, consider which symptoms are having the biggest impact on your daily activities. This will help us make the best use of this time. Writing down all of your questions and bringing them with you can also help us make sure we address what is important to you.

You can use these two worksheets for guidance in helping you to prepare for your next appointment. The “My Symptoms Worksheet” asks you to rate how bothersome each symptom is. The “Parkinson’s Care Questionnaire” aligns with many of the questions your clinicians will ask during the appointment. Be sure to list out your goals for the appointment and your current or most bothersome symptoms. Also, be prepared to request any medication refills needed at this time.

My symptoms worksheet

Parkinson’s disease care questionnaire