The Fox Focus Spring/Summer 2019 | Page 15

Living with Parkinson’s THE LATEST “ASK THE MD” RESOURCES Rachel Dolhun, MD, translates recent Parkinson’s research, medicine and related topics in blog posts, videos and guides. michaeljfox.org/ask-the-md Which DBS Device Is Right for Me? Occupational Therapy and Parkinson’s Focused Ultrasound for Parkinson’s Three deep brain stimulation systems are currently FDA approved. While the devices have the same basic mechanisms, their slight differences can help you and your doctor choose the best option for you. Occupational therapists can help people with Parkinson’s perform everyday tasks such as dressing or bathing more easily, safely and independently. Focused ultrasound, a non- invasive surgical procedure, was recently FDA approved to treat Parkinson’s tremor. It also is in clinical trials for dyskinesia and motor fluctuations. Rx Levodopa Myths Levodopa is the most effective Parkinson’s medication, but there are many misconceptions about what this drug can and can’t do. Choosing the Right Therapy for “Off” Time COMING SOON: Cognition and Dementia With a new Parkinson’s drug for “off” time on the market and another under FDA review, you may wonder if one of these as-needed treatments is right for you. Cognitive impairment, disturbance of memory, thinking and/or language abilities can arise for some people with Parkinson’s during the course of the disease. 15 Spring/Summer 2019