Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease Care at UVM Health
Parkinson's is an age-related brain disorder that affects the central nervous system and causes the brain to deteriorate over time. As the disease progresses, it causes tremors, stiffness, slow movement, balance difficulties, memory problems and mood changes. Parkinson’s does not have a cure, but many treatments are available to help you manage your symptoms.
At University of Vermont Health, we understand how a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis can impact you and your family. We partner with you and your family to make decisions about your care that accommodate your needs and wishes. Our deep expertise and the latest therapies help you thrive while living with Parkinson's disease.
Why Choose UVM Health?
As one of the region's leading providers of Parkinson's disease care, we offer:
- Advanced treatments and compassionate support: We offer a full range of treatments and support services to help you manage your condition. Our Frederick C. Binter Center for Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders houses extensive services under one roof.
- Coordinated care from Parkinson's disease experts: A team of movement disorder specialists works together to provide complete care. Our skilled neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, physiatrists, therapists and counselors have advanced training in the latest Parkinson's disease treatments and supports.
- Academic focus: Our physician-leaders actively research Parkinson's disease and participate in ongoing research and clinical trials to study new drugs and therapies. Your care is backed by the latest scientific innovations and groundbreaking research.
Types of Parkinson’s Disease & Parkinsonism
Parkinsonism refers to a group of movement disorders, one of which is Parkinson's disease. These conditions produce similar symptoms, so it’s important to see an expert to for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
Parkinson’s disease is the most common type of Parkinsonism. Other types of Parkinsonism are rare and include:
PSP has many of the same symptoms as Parkinson’s disease, although the symptoms of PSP progress much more rapidly. Patients with PSP may experience difficulties with balance, walking, speech and swallowing, and eye movement.
MSA is a degenerative condition that affects the nervous system. MSA has many of the same symptoms as Parkinson’s, but the condition progresses more quickly. Other symptoms of MSA include low blood pressure and difficulties with sweating, urination and digestion.
Certain types of prescription medication can cause symptoms that look like Parkinson’s symptoms. Unlike in Parkinson’s disease, symptoms of drug-induced Parkinsonism come on quickly.
Dementia with Lewy bodies occurs when protein deposits called Lewy bodies build up in the brain. This condition is characterized by symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s disease, as well as impaired cognitive function.
Vascular Parkinsonism is caused by small strokes that damage the areas of the brain that control movement. Common symptoms include difficulties with balance and walking.
Parkinson's Disease Symptoms
Each person's Parkinson's disease journey is unique, and everyone experiences different symptoms at different times. However, symptoms typically start gradually and worsen over time. Parkinson's disease symptoms include:
The most common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease result from a loss of muscle control. These motor (movement-related) symptoms usually begin on one side of the body and include:
- Tremor, often in the hands or limbs while at rest
- Muscle stiffness and rigidity
- Slow or small movement (bradykinesia)
- Dystonia, a condition of erratic, repeated movements
- Dyskinesia, a condition of involuntary movements
- Walking changes, including slower pace, short steps, and shuffling
- Balance difficulties
- Poor or stooped posture and balance
Parkinson's disease can also cause a range of other symptoms, some of which may be early signs of the condition. These include:
- Anxiety
- Apathy
- Bladder issues and incontinence
- Constipation
- Dementia
- Depression and other mood changes
- Fatigue
Diagnosing Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease symptoms can resemble those of other conditions. Our team has expertise in differentiating, diagnosing and treating all movement disorders.
People throughout Vermont and northern New York seek us out for compassionate, comprehensive care for Parkinson’s disease. Your neurologist will complete a thorough physical examination and ask about your symptoms and medical history.
Your neurologist will conduct additional evaluations, which may include:
A neurological exam assesses how well your brain communicates with your body. Your doctor checks your muscle function, reflexes, speech and senses.
A series of tests can check your brain's ability to process information. Your doctor may ask you to remember words or do simple math problems. During a conversation, your doctor observes you closely to gauge your mood, attention level and reasoning ability.
We take small samples of the skin around your neck, thigh and ankle. A specialist checks these skin samples for protein changes common in people with Parkinson's disease and related conditions.
You receive a small, safe amount of a radioactive substance (tracer). The tracer allows us to see your brain's dopamine activity during a specialized scan.
Your neurologist may request further testing including blood tests, computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out other conditions.
Support Groups
Support groups connect people facing similar challenges. We can help you connect with support groups focused on cancer, dementia, bereavement, diabetes, mental health and more.
Parkinson's Disease Treatment
While there is no cure for PD there are numerous treatment options available and include medications, exercise, speech language exercises, surgery, and lifestyle adjustments. Our compassionate, skilled team is by your side throughout your journey. We put you at the center of your care as we develop a long-term care plan that helps lessen your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
We offer the latest therapies, including:
You may need one or more medications to manage your symptoms. Your provider will work with you to find the right combination for you.
Carbidopa-levodopa is the most common Parkinson's disease drug therapy. Levodopa converted into dopamine in the brain to help to replenish the deficiency. Carbidopa eases levodopa's side effects. This drug combination is available by mouth, an inhaler or an intestinal pump that delivers medication directly to your intestine.
Deep brain stimulation is a minimally invasive surgical treatment that uses electrical impulses to change your brain's activity. Your neurosurgeon implants thin electrodes in specific areas of your brain. A small device is implanted in your upper chest and connected to the electrodes by small wires. The device sends electric currents to the electrodes and can also report ongoing brain activity to your doctor.
Your care plan may include one or more rehabilitative therapies to improve your symptoms, such as:
- Physical therapy: Helps you strengthen your muscles to improve balance, flexibility and coordination. We offer LSVT BIG™, a specific type of therapy that helps improve motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease. The technique has been shown to help with balance, walking and trunk rotation.
- Occupational therapy: To learn safe, new ways to perform everyday tasks. Our experts can help you improve overall function and speech, communication and thinking skills so you can participate in your daily activities.
- Speech therapy: We offer two programs for people with Parkinson’s disease. LSVT LOUD™ is a speech therapy program to help people learn to speak at a more typical volume and trains them to know how loud or soft they sound to others. The SpeakOUT!® Program helps people with Parkinson’s disease maintain communication and speaking skills while lowering the risk of swallowing complications.
Support Services
We help you and your family manage life with Parkinson's disease. Our team offers:
- Dementia Family Caregiver Center (DFCC): UVM Health's DFCC provides a pathway to resources for families caring for those with Parkinson's disease with dementia.
- Assistance with decision-making and future planning: We offer resources, including information about research and clinical trials, to help guide your choices for the future.
- Educational support: We help you understand Parkinson's disease and how it can impact your life. We share strategies for communication, sleep disorders and personal care. We also host educational events for families and the community. For additional educational resources, please visit:
- Exercise programs: Our experts offer an array of virtual and in-person exercise classes designed to help alleviate movement disorder symptoms.
- Mental health support: Parkinson's disease can cause emotional challenges. Talking with mental health professionals can help.
- Support groups: Talking with others who have similar experiences can help you understand your condition and avoid feeling isolated.
- Caregiver support: Our experts help caregivers maintain their well-being and avoid caregiver fatigue.
Locations Near You
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111 Colchester Avenue
Burlington, VT 05401
3113 Roosevelt Highway
Colchester, VT 05446
89 South Williams Street
Burlington, VT 05401-3405
111 Colchester Avenue
Main Campus, East Pavilion, Level 5
Burlington, VT 05401-1473
15 Degrandpre Way
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
111 Colchester Avenue
Main Campus, Patrick. Level 5
Burlington, VT 05401-1473
790 College Parkway
Fanny Allen Campus
Colchester, VT 05446
1 South Prospect Street
Arnold, Level 2
Burlington, VT 05401-5505
130 Fisher Road
MOB-A Suite 1-6
Berlin, VT 05602-9000
