Complication of parkinson's disease? Dr.NK Chew

I refer to Dr.Chew Nee Kong "understanding Parkinson's disease" most sufferers of parkinson's eventually develop numberous complications especially during the last stage of the illness as follows:

a) motor complications These complications are attributed to both progression of PD and long term sides effect of levodopa. Motor complications have been reported to occur in 50% of patients after three to five years of levodopa treatment.

These complications are as follows: 1,"wearing off ' effect

At early stage of the illness,patients generally feel good(the" on "period}gradually shorten with times and the patients have "wearing off" and need to take lavodopa more frequently than before.

2. Mental complications More often mental complications are attributed to the PD drugs hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) and electrolyte disturbances. The mental complications are as follows:

1.Depression 2,psychosis
3.confusion 4.dementia 5.dysautonomia
a.constipation b. reflux oesophagitis and dysphagia 4. falls 5. sleep disorders

Sufferers of Parkinson's develop numerous complications in addition to the problem with movement. The doctor alone is not enough to deal with the long list of complications of PD
. TEOKIMHOE

Kathrynne Holden, MS, RDJoined: 22 Jan 2007Posts: 94Location: www.nutritionucanlivewith.com
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 7:00 am Post subject:

Thank you for an excellent summary of PD complications._________________Best regards, Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD -- For a Parkinson Tip of the Day visit: http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/
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Anonymous
Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2007 9:02 am Post subject: Complications of Parkinson's disease

Dear Kathryn, Can you explain more about the hypoglycemia and electrolyte disturbances? I get very weak, particularly in my chest, at times during the day and I've correlated it with taking Sinemet and significant blood pressure drops. But could it also be blood sugar drops? I often get this feeling about an hour after breakfast, and also at times after taking more Sinemet. If it is hypoglycemia, what is the remedy? It's extremely uncomfortable and hard to explain. My stress test is normal. Thanks very much.
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Kathrynne Holden, MS, RDJoined: 22 Jan 2007Posts: 94Location: www.nutritionucanlivewith.com
Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 6:42 am Post subject:

Dear Friend, If this weakness occurs regularly after use of Sinemet, it is most apt to be drop in blood pressure, as you surmise; true hypoglycemia is not very common. However, hypoglycemia should not be ruled out. You must see an endocrinologist, who can diagnose whether your blood sugar drops somewhat, or whether hypoglycemia is present. Another possibility, if it often occurs post-meal, is that when a bolus of food enters the stomach, the body diverts blood and energy to digesting and metabolizing the food. Some people feel weak, some feel sleepy, due to this diversion of the body’s resources. For this, I would speak with your neurologist, as it also occurs upon taking more Sinemet._________________Best regards, Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD --