Personalized Parkinson’s Care at AHN Saint Vincent Hospital  

Parkinson’s disease can affect your ability to do everyday tasks like eating, dressing, or getting out of bed. At AHN Saint Vincent Hospital, our neuroscience specialists work with you to understand your symptoms and connect you with a care plan that fits your needs — today and as they change over time.

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative brain condition that affects movement, balance, and many other aspects of life. It happens when the brain loses dopamine-producing cells in a region of your brainstem called the substantia nigra. These cells send signals that help control your movement, mood, and autonomic (automatic) functions. When you lose these cells, the nervous system — made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves — doesn’t work as well.

Some Parkinson’s disease symptoms include: 

• Shaking or tremors (usually present while resting)
• Instability or falls
• Slower movement (bradykinesia)
• Acting out dreams while sleeping
• Loss of sense of smell
• Voice changes (talking more quietly over time)

“Family members are often the first ones to notice symptoms in their loved ones,” said Nicholas W. Todhunter, DO, neurologist at AHN Saint Vincent. “From the first appointment, we work closely with patients and their families or partners to evaluate them early and get them the care they need to safely manage their condition.” 

There isn’t one specific test for diagnosing Parkinson’s. Doctors will look at many factors including:

• Your balance, walking, and motor skills
• Your medical history
• Whether any of your family members have neurological disorders

Types and stages

Parkinson’s disease looks different for everyone based on their age and what Parkinson’s type, stage, and symptoms they experience. The average age people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s is 70 years old. In rare cases, people under 50 can develop young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD).

Parkinson’s is characterized by a set of symptoms referred to as Parkinsonism. The main types of Parkinsonism include: 

• Tremor-predominant – Tremors are seen as the primary symptom.
• Akinetic-rigid – Stiffness and muscle rigidity during movement.
• Postural instability and gait difficulty (PIGD) – Balance issues and disruption in walking patterns.

Parkinson’s stages — early-stage, mid-stage, and advanced-stage — are categorized based on how symptoms progress over time.* Not everyone experiences the same symptoms or stages of Parkinson’s, and you may develop Parkinson’s at a difference pace and level of intensity than others.

Developing a treatment plan

If you are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, the neuroscience team at AHN Saint Vincent will work closely with you and your loved ones to develop a personalized treatment plan based on the type and stage of your Parkinson’s, that may include a combination of medication and therapy. 

Medications for Parkinson’s Disease work by either introducing dopamine back into the body or altering the body’s sensitivity to dopamine to manage and prevent symptoms like falls and tremors. Everyone responds to medication differently. Your doctors can talk with you about medication options and possible risks and side effects, to decide which one is right for you.

Physical therapy also plays a major role in helping you regain strength and mobility at your own pace, so you can do things like:

• Walk and climb stairs more safely.
• Prepare your own food.
• Get out of bed more easily.

“Medication is a lot more effective at treating Parkinson’s when it’s paired with physical therapy,” said Dr. Todhunter. “Therapy helps people retrain their brain to be more aware of their movements and habits over time.”

Neurologists at AHN Saint Vincent also offer management of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) to treat Parkinson’s. This is done using a device to adjust brain activity and relieve symptoms like slowness and tremors.

Helping you live more independently

Building a Parkinson’s treatment plan isn’t just about reducing your symptoms, but also helping you do daily tasks safely and with confidence.

Your AHN care team will share tips to help you function better at home like:

• Using canes and walkers around the house
• Using heavier silverware or cups with lids to eat and drink more easily
• Doing light physical activity every day

AHN Saint Vincent’s neuroscience team can answer any questions you have about ways to improve your routine at home.

Focusing on your long-term care

Everyone’s Parkinson’s journey is unique, and specialists at AHN Saint Vincent Hospital can help you find treatment resources that fit your needs and lifestyle. Reach out to the AHN Saint Vincent neuroscience team to learn more about Parkinson’s treatment and support options available to you.