During October’s Live Well Today webinar, five panelists shared tips for building the care team you need, wherever you are. The panel included a movement disorder specialist with neuropalliative care experience; a registered nurse; a care partner; and two people with Parkinson’s, one who lives in Alaska and one who lives in Toronto.  

You can watch or listen to the webinar below. Subscribe to our YouTube page to you can be notified whenever we upload new content. 

SHOW NOTES 

Because Parkinson’s impacts so many aspects of life—physical, mental, social, and spiritual—it’s important to recognize that one single provider can’t give you all the care you need. To get the best care so you can live well with Parkinson’s today and for years to come, it’s helpful to build a holistic, integrated care team who understands your unique symptoms, needs, and goals.   

Building a Medical Care Team 

Movement disorder specialists 

If possible, seek out a movement disorder specialist (MDS) to be part of your medical care team. An MDS is a neurologist with additional training in movement disorders. They are the physicians who are most familiar with the full spectrum of Parkinson’s medications and treatments. Compared to primary care physicians and even general neurologists, movement disorder specialists can better identify symptoms, pinpoint the ideal timing for certain therapies (like deep brain stimulation), help you anticipate changes, and more.  

Depending on where you live, it may be difficult to find a MDS nearby, but working with an MDS help you live well with Parkinson’s. Even if your nearest MDS is a few hours away, don’t assume it is not an option of joining their clinic. You may only need to see them in person once or twice a year, and many people with Parkinson’s say that driving a few hours to these appointments is time well spent. If the closest MDS is too far away to make travel feasible, you may still be able to add them to your care team via telemedicine.   

Additional medical professionals 

As panelist Jennifer Corcoran, MD, reminded listeners during the webinar, living with Parkinson’s diagnosis doesn’t make you immune to other conditions. Symptoms you experience may have nothing to do with Parkinson’s, which is one reason it’s important to have a primary care physician (PCP) on your care team (regardless of your proximity to an MDS). Primary care physicians play an essential role in problems unrelated to Parkinson’s. They can monitor your general health and make sure you stay up-to-date on preventive medical screening tests. In addition, your PCP can help identify potential medication interactions and assist you in finding additional specialists if needed.   

Nurses are also essential medical care team members. They are often strong liaisons between hospitals, medical offices, and the community, and they are often the first line of access to care.  

Non-Medical Care Team Members 

Many people who can help you live well with Parkinson’s work outside the medical community. Depending on your needs and wishes, you may consider adding to your team<span data-contrast="aut