Serious Shortage of Doctors Affects Parkinson's Disease Patients

Doctors who are specialized in the field will know what type of test to administer and what they should look out for in patients during check-ups. Certain doctors will now the proper treatment needed, in the hopes of helping the patient achieve a high-quality life. At a bigger perspective, the advantages include lower mortality rates and a decrease in numbers of patients being placed in nursing homes. Misinformation and a lack of treatment can have devastating long-term effects on the person such as higher morbidity and mortality rates.

Dr. Okun, a neurology professor at the University of Florida, states that doctors should have a better understanding of the treatments and medications available for Parkinson’s patients and how some therapies might work for others, and some don’t. While the simplest techniques such as exercising may be more beneficial than medicine, surgery may benefit some better. There are also symptoms that might need the attention of psychologists or counselors when patients are experiencing depression and/or anxiety.