Parkinson’s Reviews in Primary Care: 3 Crucial Considerations for Pharmacists
- Runa Salim
- Dec 15, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 8, 2024
Pharmacists play a pivotal role in the management of Parkinson's disease. Our expertise in medication management, patient education, and condition monitoring is essential for improving the quality of life for those affected by this condition. Inspired by our latest podcast episode, this article shares 3 key aspects that pharmacists must consider when conducting Parkinson’s reviews.
1. Constipation Management
Constipation is a common yet often overlooked issue in Parkinson's patients. The role of dopamine in gastrointestinal motility means that Parkinson's patients frequently experience slowed bowel movements. This can affect the efficacy of Parkinson's medications like Co-careldopa or Sinemet, as prolonged bowel retention may hinder absorption, reducing the medication's benefits. Consequently, inquiring about constipation is one of the key questions for pharmacists to prioritise in a medication review.
For constipation management, pharmacists should review the patient's current medication regimen to avoid excessive drug usage while ensuring effective treatment. This may involve dietary advice and prescribing osmotic, bulk-forming or stimulant laxatives tailored to the patient’s specific needs.
2. Optimising Medication Timing
The effectiveness of condition management in Parkinson's patients is significantly influenced by its timing. Pharmacists should inquire about their patients' daily routines, including their waking and bedtime schedules, as well as their regular activities.
Altering the timing of Parkinson’s medication to better coincide with the patient's routine can improve drug effectiveness and adherence. For instance, administering a dose earlier or later in the day may be more advantageous, depending on the individual's lifestyle and symptoms.
3. Monitoring for Impulsive Behaviour
In advanced stages of Parkinson's disease, patients may be prescribed dopamine agonists (e.g., Ropinirole) to increase dopamine levels in the brain. While effective, these medications can heighten the risk of impulsive behaviours, such as gambling or hypersexuality.
It is imperative for pharmacists to educate patients and caregivers about the potential side effects of these medications. Raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of these behaviours can enable early detection and intervention for the patient.
In Summary
Addressing issues such as constipation, medication timing, and impulsive behaviour during Parkinson’s reviews is essential for optimising treatment outcomes. Through this proactive engagement and patient education, pharmacists can significantly contribute to the effective management of Parkinson's disease in primary care settings.
If you’d like to learn more, please access our comprehensive Parkinson’s review training programme here.
After running around from doctor to doctor before we finally got rid of her Parkinson disease, at age 54, my mother noticed that her handwriting was getting smaller, and I was writing faster as well. She also noticed a small tremor in her left hand. The doctor went over her different symptoms, and he suspected she either had a small stroke or the beginnings of Parkinson's disease. After finding a neurologist and some testing, she was diagnosed with the beginning stages of Parkinson’s disease. That was 3 years ago. She takes Sinemet four times a day to control the symptoms, which include falling, imbalance, gait problems, swallowing difficulties, and slurring off speech. This year, our family doctor started her on…
I was diagnosed 2018 with Parkinson’s disease. My symptoms progressed quickly. Soon i was having difficulty sleeping, speech and even walking short distances. With the help of the PD-5 treatment I have been able to reverse my symptoms using diet, herbs, which i feel has made the most difference. The PD-5 treatment has immensely help overturn my symptoms, since I started the PD-5 treatment my slurred speech and especially the tremors gradually disappeared. it’s has done me a lot of good in terms of balance and ability to walk and get up from chairs. Google www. Uinehealthcentre.net DON’T GIVE UP HOPE!!!
I was diagnosed 2018 with Parkinson’s disease. My symptoms progressed quickly. Soon i was having difficulty sleeping, speech and even walking short distances. With the help of the PD-5 treatment I have been able to reverse my symptoms using diet, herbs, which i feel has made the most difference. The PD-5 treatment has immensely help overturn my symptoms, since I started the PD-5 treatment my slurred speech and especially the tremors gradually disappeared. it’s has done me a lot of good in terms of balance and ability to walk and get up from chairs. Google www. Uinehealthcentre.net DON’T GIVE UP HOPE!!!
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease four years ago. For over two years, I relied on Levodopa and several other medications, but unfortunately, the symptoms kept getting worse. The tremors became more noticeable, and my balance and mobility started to decline quickly. Last year, out of desperation and hope, I decided to try a herbal treatment program from NaturePath Herbal Clinic. Honestly, I was skeptical at first, but within a few months of starting the treatment, I began to notice real changes. My movements became smoother, the tremors subsided, and I felt steadier on my feet. Incredibly, I also regained much of my energy and confidence. It’s been a life-changing experience I feel more like myself again, better than I’ve…