It is clear from many studies and from our experience that physical activity is extremely important for all PD patients, whether early in the process or late. The goal is to keep you doing the things that you would like to do or need to do, such as playing Tennis or driving to the store and back successfully. Exercise and Physical Fitness regimens can keep you fresh and in shape and keep your symptoms at bay for longer than we first imagined. We can help to design an exercise program that fits your needs and provide you with your own Personal Fitness Trainer. Club memberships are available through the Sarasota Memorial’s HealthFIT at the Institute for Advanced Medicine and the YMCA here in Sarasota, Florida. A fitness plan can be designed just for you, by our physicians and one of our community fitness partners.

When a more specific and supervised routine is required, consultation and treatment with a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and/or Speech Therapist is an integral part of PD treatment for many patients. Free assessments are completed right here at the Southeast Center for Parkinson Disease and therapies can be completed here at the Institute as well. Dr. Dean Sutherland reviews all ongoing therapeutic results of patients.

When medication is necessary or desirable, there are many options, new and old, as well as up and coming drugs. The main medicinal treatments are mostly aimed at providing stimulation for dopamine receptors in the brain, either with real dopamine (Sinemet, Stalevo, Parcopa), with “fake dopamine” (Mirapex, Requip, Neupro, Apokyn), or with medications that keep the dopamine around longer (Azilect, Eldepryl, Comtan). Other medications (Artane, Amantidine, Provigil, Ritalin, and others) act by completely different mechanisms. Botox therapy is extremely useful in Parkinson Disease, with dramatic improvement seen in painful dystonia (cramps) and for severe drooling, with results lasting for 1-6 months or on average three months. Recent years have seen exciting progress in medication options for Parkinson Disease. At the Center, we keep current on medication advances so that patients are assured the best possible set of medication options for their particular situation.