The following professionals may be included in the
multidisciplinary team (MDT) depending on the country in which you live,
and can help you in various ways. It should also be remembered that you, your partner, your carer and your family are also members of the team, and as such should be involved in making decisions regarding your treatment and care.
Primary care physician (sometimes called a General Practitioner/GP)
A doctor who is generally the first point of contact for any illness or complaint.
Specialist Doctor (who may have a different name depending on which country in which you live)
Nurse
In some countries there may be a Parkinson’s Disease
Nurse Specialist (PDNS) who can act as a ‘bridge’ between you and the
doctor, answering queries or referring you to other professionals within
the MDT. They may also take the lead in organising and coordinating the MDT. Nurses who have been specially trained in Parkinson’s may
be closely involved in aspects of your care, such as medication and providing information and advice to help you..
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists are trained to manage mobility
problems. They can help with improving mobility, exercises, movement
strategies (such as getting out of a chair or turning in bed), and
overcoming side effects of medication, such as ‘on’ and ‘off’ phases.
They can also assist with pain relief using special equipment and
massage. For more information on the work of physiotherapists see Physiotherapy.
Occupational therapist (OT)
OTs are trained to help you adapt to life with
Parkinson’s, enabling you to continue to lead an independent and
fulfilling life at home, at work and through leisure pursuits. They can
suggest practical aids to help you with various activities and ways to
adapt your daily routine and surroundings, ensuring that your
environment is safe and user-friendly. For more information on the work of occupational therapists see Occupational therapy.
Speech and language therapist (SLT)
SLTs are trained to help you to overcome communication
difficulties, particularly problems with speech, swallowing, drooling,
eating and drinking. For more information on the work of speech and language therapists see Speech and Language therapy.
Dietician
A dietician advises on a healthy diet and specific
dietary needs, including advice on maintaining a healthy body weight. They can offer advice on how to improve nutritional intake by using energy-dense foods, the use of nutritional supplements and how diet can ease some symptoms,
such as constipation. They may also liaise with a speech and language
therapist regarding swallowing and eating difficulties.
Pharmacist
A person qualified to prepare, dispense and give advice on prescribed medications. They can offer also ensure that over-the-counter medications and vitamin supplements do not interfere with prescribed drugs. A pharmacist may also advise you regarding treatment compliance, that is taking the right medication in the right dose at the right time.
Sex therapist
Sex therapists are trained to provide advice and
counselling on all aspects of sexual health and related concerns of both
you and your partner.
Social Worker
Social workers are trained to help with the social,
emotional and financial needs of you, your carer and family. In some
countries, state-funded social support may be available and a social
worker will be able to help you access available services and any
appropriate benefits.
Psychologist
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. They may also carry out memory tests to help clarify the degree of any cognitive difficulties.
Psychiatrist
A medical doctor (MD) who specialises in treating mental health issues and disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and disturbances in thinking and perception.
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.
Continence advisor
A specialist nurse who advises on continence problems to help with controlling the bowel, bladder movements and timing.
Podiatrist/chiropodist
A podiatrist/chiropodist diagnoses and treats disorders
of the feet and advises on the most appropriate footwear to cope with
walking problems, such as falls and freezing.
How can I see these professionals?
Your first point of contact should be your doctor or, in some countries, a Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialist.
Referral procedures depend on the country in which you
live and treatment may or may not be accessible though your national
health system. If this treatment is not state-funded, you can also book
an appointment on a private basis – this means you have to pay for any
treatment and assessment you receive.
