Does anyone know of medicines that can improve balance

[pmmargo]

I have been falling a lot. (6 times this year). 3 of the times, it was only at night so I am using a walker at night to go to the bathroom. But I have also fallen during daylight including today. Any drug recommendations?

[kaypeeoh]

I've read of infra-red light helping with balance.

[park_bear]

Things I do to avoid falls:

I tell myself "walking correctly is more important than walking quickly" - paying careful attention especially to the movement of the impaired side.

Exercises to challenge balance and impairment:

Frequent activity that demands the body do that which seems difficult.

I usually put on my shorts and socks standing up without support one leg at a time - attempt this only if you can do so safely.

As to medication I recommend appropriate amounts of levodopa- whatever mitigates motor impairment helps with balance.

[Jennyjenny2]

Sorry to hear this, Paul. Hope things improve quickly.

[bookish]

Might be worth checking that your B12 is generously high in range in case it is a contributing factor. Are the falls more recent and have you had covid? Some reports that it affects methylation (more demands on your folate and B12 at cellular level, although serum levels will probably look fine). ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

I don't have PD but other neuro issues, and although I was aware of the methylation issue so increased both B12 and methylfolate when I got covid, I am still more unbalanced 2 months post. Just a thought. (PS if you aren't already taking B12 and folate, please try to get them checked out properly in blood before starting supplements as it skews the results and makes an already difficult diagnosis much harder to get). Cheers

[pmmargo]

thanks. that was incredibly inspirational

[PDbeater]

Something I find can help if you are at home is to wear only one shoe when walking around. It focuses your attention.

[LindaP50]

Try Tai Chi for improvement with balance. We like Don Fiore on You Tube -youtube.com/watch?v=qpswzOd...(Not working as expected?)

Also, may want to use a urinal at night to eliminate falls in bathroom when you are half awake. My husband (he's 83yo) uses one - keeps on floor by bed. Now, I don't have to get up at night to walk him to bathroom (safety). Good for long-distance travel as well. During the day he needs the exercise so will walk (with walker and cane) to bathroom.

amazon.com/Hand-Held-Capaci...

[AmyLindy in reply to LindaP50]

Great practical tip

[HekateMoon]

The Feldenkrais method exercises have some specific ones for balance. Look at feldenkrais with alfons in youtube. Its awesome

[AmyLindy]

I’m so sorry, Paul… I am watching for answers with you.