Building Your Support Team( continued) 2 of 3
Other Specialty Physicians Physicians with expertise in sleep, mood changes, constipation, urinary or sexual problems, and other non-motor symptoms can help manage other Parkinson’ s symptoms if or as they arise. Other specialists will manage other non-Parkinson’ s conditions, like a cardiologist for heart disease.
Palliative Care Team
Palliative care providers offer additional symptom management and emotional support for both you and your loved one. Palliative care isn’ t just for end of life and isn’ t just hospice; it’ s available from diagnosis and throughout the disease.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists can answer questions about medication dosing or interactions, ensure safe use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and help navigate medication costs and complex medication regimens.
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist can help manage challenges with walking and balance, mobility, and more. They can also recommend or modify exercise plans.
Primary Care, Internal Medicine, or Geriatric Physician
This doctor manages your loved one’ s general medical care and cares for conditions outside of Parkinson’ s. If your loved one is older, consider seeing a primary care provider who specializes in geriatric medicine.
Speech Therapist
A speech therapist can address challenges with speech and communication, cognition( memory and thinking) and swallowing.
This resource is part of Facing Parkinson’ s Together: A Guide for Care Partners, created by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson ' s Research. To download the full guide, please visit michaeljfox. org / care-partners or scan the QR code.