Acknowledgements
Thanks to Dr K Ray Chaudhuri, Consultant Neurologist for his help with this section.
The first step is to discuss the tiredness you are experiencing with your doctor or health professional. Fatigue can be caused by other medical problems, such as depression, so it is important to identify the underlying problem so the correct treatment can be prescribed.
If the cause does seem to be related to Parkinson’s, medication used to treat Parkinson’s that has a mild stimulant effect, such as amantadine and selegiline, may be beneficial if a low dose is given during the daytime. Drugs that promote wakefulness, e.g. modafinil may also be tried but its long-term effects in people with Parkinson’s have yet to be established. Rasagiline, a monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor licensed to treat Parkinson’s, may also possibly be effective in treating fatigue but this is not yet proven.
If depression is diagnosed, treatment may include antidepressant medication and psychological approaches including counselling.
Sometimes fatigue can also mimic apathy – a condition being increasingly recognised as a feature of Parkinson’s. This involves a loss of interest in activities that the person previously greatly enjoyed. Treatment for apathy generally requires the input of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
An occupational therapist may also be able to advise you on ways of managing fatigue and making tasks that you find particularly exhausting easier to manage – perhaps through rearranging your work/living space or using equipment that takes the drudgery out of certain tasks.
A physiotherapist may be able to advise you on managing fatigue and exercise.
A class of drugs that are used to treat the symptoms of early Parkinson's disease, as well as to treat levodopa -induced motor fluctuations in more advanced disease. MAO-B inhibitors work by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase B which breaks down dopamine in the brain and can be used to make the dose of co-beneldopa or co-careldopa last longer or to reduce the amounts of these drugs needed. They can also help reduce the motor fluctuations that can occur as a side effect of levodopa.
See also Types of medication available.
Health profession that helps people of all ages who are disabled, ill or aged to remain independent and lead fulfilling lives at home, in work and through leisure pursuits. The methods they use include specific activities and equipment.
See section on Occupational Therapy.
Health profession that treats people of all ages who have physical problems that occur as a result of injury, illness or ageing. Methods they use include exercise, heat treatments, manipulation and hydrotherapy.
See section on Physiotherapy.
A type of medication used to treat Parkinson's disease.
See also Types of medication available
A mental state of melancholia, unhappiness or sadness characterized by decreased energy, reduced interest in sex, suppressed appetite, too much sleep or sleep disturbance, a pessimistic sense of inadequacy, a despondent lack of activity, despair, and discouragement.
Trained specialist who can talk with you and your family about emotional and personal matters, and can try to help overcome emotional or psychological reactions to injury or disease.
A MAO-B inhibitor used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
See also Types of medication available.
A medical doctor (MD) who specializes in treating mental health issues and disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
A psychiatrist evaluates a person’s mental health along with his or her physical health and can prescribe medications to treat mental and emotional disturbances.
A medication / drug or other substance (nutrient or herb) used for to alleviate depression.
