Need help for my mother

[Ash_rnc]

My mother who is 68 years old , suffering from Parkinson since 10 years. From last six months her problem is increased and she is falling down frequently. Earlier She ate medicine name Syncapone 5 times a day along with Ropark 2mg and Pacitane. About 3 months ago doctor changed the Medicine and Prescribed Syndopa Plus, Syndopa CR and Ropark XL, Pacitane. For me I have not seen any improvement. Should I go back on old medicine or add some new ? Is there any difference between Syndopa or Syncapone ? She used to take Syndopa Plus in her early days of Parkinson.

[park_bear]

What does she say about her experience on the new regimen?

Be that as it may, I think what is an order here is to have a physical therapist design an exercise program. Parkinson's is very much a use it or lose its condition. I do balance challenging exercises daily to help me maintain my ability.

[LindaP50]

Ash_rnc, sorry to hear your Mom is falling. Hard for you both. Was Mom able to get up easily? Do you ask her if she knows what caused the fall? Sometimes, a PWP tries to reach for something and they fall, or cross over their legs, or gets distracted and turns head quickly, or other reasons.

If the fall happens when Mom is getting up from a seated position and immediately starts walking, and her blood pressure has dropped, this could cause a fall.

See if you can find the reasons and if Mom falls sideways, or backwards or forwards, or if it the fall direction is different each time. Let her doctor know. May need a med adjustment. May need to move more slowly or simply concentrate on the task at hand (walking).

For balance, stretches are good to get muscles going and then do some Tai Chi. I don't know your Mom's ability - my hubby has limitations so he does Tai Chi from a seated position. Our favorite is Don Fiore - and this is something we do together - nice quality time. Here's the link for Don Fiore's chair exercises for PWP.

youtube.com/watch?v=qpswzOd...(Not working as expected?)

Perhaps it's time to consult with Mom's doctor stating you've seen no improvements and Mom continues to fall.

Best to you and your Mom.

[DachshundFan]

Hello.

I am sixty-eight and I was diagnosed nine years ago.

My question is: How much does Mom exercise. I try to work out four of five times a week for an hour, and walk five days out of seven for a mile.

The only drug I take for PD is Rytary, which is time release Carbidopa/Levodopa.

My neurologist started e off on Sinemet and Pramapaxole. I gained thirty pounds in a few months. We dropped the a nd I gave back forty pounds. I have maintained this weight for seven years.

The symptoms I worry about the most are cognition and constipation. I was starting to have off periods with my dose and timing on Rytary. I tried another drug, it helped extend my on periods, but my wife said I was sounded like I was drunk and it was hard to concentrate. This was not a good way to feel when we were doing our first at-home covid tests.

I always recommend exercise. I was a couch potato before getting diagnosed, and now I live to exercise. I'm amazed by how much better I feel after a workout. I started out doing chair exercises. I started doing headstands soon after starting. It took more time to master the Crow position in Yoga. I always do it when I start at a new Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) Class!

Rock Steady Boxing is great. I've been to three different RSB classes. They all had good points. At the largest RSB class I went two, there were four levels of fighters. The first two levels are the least affected, and worked out at the gym two days a week. The next level was more affected and had a class after the first one. Most of these people had someone helping them get in. They have walkers and can go short distances without one. The fourth group works from home over Zoom.

The class I go to now has only eight total, and two fighters in the third level. They have attendants. They do some exercises standing and some sitting. They are trying hard.

Cheers!

[Dabaa in reply to DachshundFan]

Have you considered the judicious chomping on prunes re your constipation? Works so well for many.