A question from ataloss: Questions for those who take care of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease?
These are a few questions I need to ask of someone who actually takes care of Parkinson’s disease patients (it is for my project at dental hygiene school).
1. Are there any psychological effects of Parkinson’s disease?
2. In your opinion, what are some special needs of PD patients?
3. What type of special aids or equipment do you recommend having in a dental office?
4. What is your opinion on sedation in the dental office?
5. Are you aware of oral manifestations from medications that are prescribed to PD patients?
The top answer:
Answer by The mom
http://www.parkinson.org would be a great site for you to check out. There are forums there where you’d probably get the best info from the people who know best. As far as your questions go-
1. When people are first diagnosed, it can be devastating to them. They may go through quite a range of emotions. As the disease progresses and they lose motor ability and independence, they must also continue to adjust. They can have anger issues, anxiety attacks, and more.
2. The special needs are highly individual, depending on the stage of the degeneration. You would also need to work closely with their own doctor to determine how best to proceed with dental treatment. Patients with extreme tremors might need sedation for dental work to even be possible. Others might be incontinent, and you would certainly want to be sensitive to that.
3/4/5 http://www.pdf.org/en/winter09_dental
The site should provide you with most of what you will need.
Whether you agree or disagree, why not leave your own thoughts below.
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