Living with Parkinson’s
individual. The potential benefits of DBS must
intestine through a tube — a type of admin-
istration intended to bypass the stomach. A
small infusion pump administers the drug
continuously over 16 hours. In clinical trials,
use of Duopa led to two fewer hours of “off
time” than treatment with immediate-release,
oral carbidopa/levodopa pills (i.e., Sinemet).
be balanced against potential risks, including
stroke, bleeding and infection. In people
with cognitive problems, DBS could worsen
symptoms.
Hear about one patient’s experience with DBS
at michaeljfox.org/PD360.
Duopa represents a promising new option in
treating PD, especially for those in later stages
of the disease. With that said, no treatment
is perfect. Duopa requires that patients wear
a large, external “box” in the belt region and
caregivers must help to manage the device,
tend to the skin where the tube enters the
body and facilitate medication refills. In early
studies, people experienced device-related
problems with the intestinal tube, which can
clog, bend or move out of position.
ABOUT DUOPA
In the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease,
patients may begin to experience “off” time, or
periods of poor mobility, slowness and
stiffness. Additionally, emptying of the stomach
can become delayed and unpredictable,
which can affect when orally administered
medicines are absorbed in the small intestine.
Duopa is delivered directly into the small
The Latest “Ask the MD” Resources
Rachel Dolhun, MD, addresses popular Parkinson’s topics and
translates the latest research in blog posts and videos.
www.michaeljfox.org/ask-the-md
Z Z
Z
SLEEP
DISTURBANCES
IN PARKINSON’S
This common
non-motor
symptom —
including difficulty
falling asleep,
staying asleep or
both — can occur
due to a variety of
factors.
YOUNG-ONSET
PARKINSON’S
DISEASE (YOPD)
People with
YOPD (diagnosis
at age 50 or
earlier) can
experience
certain symptoms
differently and
may take alter-
nate approaches
to management
of the disease.
PAIN AND
PARKINSON’S
DISEASE
Pain is a common,
but perhaps
unexpected,
non-motor
symptom of PD.
It is unfortunately
often under-
recognized and
therefore
undertreated.
13
Spring/Summer 2017
COGNITIVE
IMPAIRMENT
AND PD
Mild cognitive
impairment may
cause difficulty
with “executive
functions,” such
as multitasking,
concentrating
and problem
solving.
DEPRESSION
AND ANXIETY IN
PARKINSON’S
Depression and
anxiety can be
experienced after
a diagnosis or
while adjusting to
changing symptoms,
but they are also
a part of the
underlying
disease itself.