People living with Parkinson’s disease may be treated by a neurologist or a movement disorder specialist. Neurologists treat a wide variety of neurological diseases, but movement disorder specialists are neurologists who have advanced training and focus only on Parkinson’s and related movement disorders.¹

Because of this narrower focus, movement disorder specialists have extensive experience with treating Parkinson’s and understanding the needs of individuals who live with the condition.¹ Here are several ways movement disorder specialists can help you or your loved one with Parkinson’s symptoms.

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1. Reviewing Your Treatments and Making Adjustments

Movement disorder specialists are experts in medications used for Parkinson’s symptoms, including the most current treatment options.¹ They can go over your current treatments, assess how well your medications are meeting your needs, and recommend any changes or adjustments that might help ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

2. Building a Health Care Team To Help Manage Symptoms

A movement disorder specialist will work closely with your current doctor and can also connect you with other health care providers experienced in treating Parkinson’s symptoms. For instance, a specialist can likely provide referrals to physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists who understand Parkinson’s symptoms and have strong skill sets in managing them.¹

3. Helping You Plan for the Future

Since movement disorder specialists have so much experience treating people with Parkinson’s, they have a deep understanding of how symptoms are likely to change or worsen as the disease progresses. Working with a specialist can help you be prepared with a treatment plan that can be adapted over time.

4. Connecting You With Parkinson’s Research

A movement disorder specialist can also connect you with Parkinson’s research.¹ They are experts in ongoing studies and may be able to recommend ongoing clinical trials studying new treatments in which you may be eligible to participate.

Tracking Parkinson’s Symptoms

Certain symptoms of Parkinson’s tend to appear or worsen as the disease progresses. Tracking these symptoms can help you have better conversations with your doctor about which treatment options may be right for you or your loved one. Learn more about which Parkinson’s symptoms may be signs of disease progression.

For an easy way to track your Parkinson’s symptoms, visit MY PD-CARE. You can either fill out the questionnaire on the web page or download and print a paper copy. The results will help you have better conversations with your health care provider about your symptoms, your disease course, and which treatment options may work best for you.

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Talk With Others Who Understand

MyParkinsonsTeam is the social network for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. On MyParkinsonsTeam, more than 98,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with Parkinson’s.

Have you or your loved one consulted a movement disorder specialist?

ABBV-US-01275-MC Approved June 2023