Living With Parkinson Disease: Your Daily Guide

Parkinson disease slowly lowers dopamine, a brain chemical that controls movement. This causes shaking, stiffness, slow movement, and poor balance. Taking medicine on time and moving safely help you stay active.

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Take your medicine on time

Take carbidopa-levodopa at the exact same times every day. Set alarms.
Your dose times: ____________.
Protein (meat, eggs, milk, beans) makes it work less well. If you notice this, take it at least 30 minutes before meals, or follow your provider's plan.
Take it with crackers if it upsets your stomach.
Never stop it suddenly. Refill early.

Ask before new medicines

Some medicines for nausea or mental health make Parkinson worse. Ask your pharmacist first.
Dark urine or sweat from this medicine is harmless.

Prevent falls

Take big steps and land on your heel. Turn in a wide circle.
Remove throw rugs. Use grab bars and night lights.
If your feet "freeze": stop, stand tall, and rock side to side. Then step over an imaginary line.

Eat and swallow safely

Sit straight up to eat and for 30 minutes after.
Take small bites. Tuck your chin when you swallow.

Help your bowels and blood pressure

Eat fiber, drink fluids, and stay active.
Sit on the edge of the bed, then stand up slowly.

Call your provider today if you have

Seeing or hearing things that are not there, or new confusion
Sudden worse shaking, stiffness, or slowness, or new falls
Coughing or choking when you eat, or weight loss
Dizziness when you stand, or falling asleep without warning

Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have

Choking with trouble breathing
High fever with very stiff muscles and confusion
A fall with a head injury, or you cannot get up
Fainting

This handout supports, not replaces, advice from your own nurse or doctor.

For nurses and nursing students: the teaching guide behind this handout →