New treatments. Exciting research. A feeling of empowerment when therapies make a difference.
The hopeful aspects of Parkinson's disease may not be the first things a person with a new diagnosis thinks about. But these Mayo Clinic neurology experts encourage a sense of optimism in people with Parkinson's. Watch to find out why.
We asked Mayo Clinic experts: How can someone gain perspective after a Parkinson's diagnosis?
Anhar Hassan, M.B., B.Ch.: There's a tremendous amount of hope for Parkinson's disease. There are literally hundreds of research studies going on around the world. So this is a tremendous opportunity for patients to get involved in research and to try and push the field forward, and to try and determine what are the new treatments that are going to work and help patients?
Kendall H. Lee, M.D., Ph.D.: Because of, really, the miracles of modern medicine, we have real hope, both in the surgical as well as the medical realm. And now, with deep brain stimulation, it is really providing another wave of hope for our Parkinson's patients.
Marcia W. Johnson, L.I.C.S.W., M.S.W: There are many ways that people maintain hope. It might be connection with family and supportive family but also support groups with others who struggled with similar problems.
Keith A. Josephs, M.D.: Getting involved with societies where there are other similar patients with similar diagnoses, I think, are very helpful.
Dr. Hassan: Patients that project or have a sense of hopefulness also realize that they're empowered, that they can exert some control over the disease. And that's by taking their medications regularly on an empty stomach, exercising regularly, having a good night's sleep and doing recommended therapies.
Dr. Lee: I can tell you that there is some very exciting research that's being done to not just treat the symptoms of Parkinson's, but perhaps one day actually cure Parkinson's disease.
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