All Day Parkinson's Disease Evaluations

What is an All-Day Parkinson's Disease evaluation?
It is a day-long program consisting of hourly assessments of an individual's capabilities. This evaluation is designed with the assistance of a neurologist who specializes in treating people with Parkinson's Disease.

What is the goal of the evaluation?
The evaluation provides the physician with information about which symptoms an individual is experiencing, to what severity, and at which times during the day. This information is provided in graph format to the physician to assist in determining the effectiveness of a patient's current medication schedule. The doctor may then alter the individual's schedule (time and/or dosage of drugs) to minimize negative symptoms or side effects.

Who conducts an All-Day Parkinson's Disease Evaluation?
A physical therapist performs the assessment.

What objective information is assessed?

• Bradykinesia: slowness of movement, impaired ability to initiate movement, "freezing"
• Gait: independence and quality of walking, with/or without walking device (i.e. cane. walker)
  
• Transfers: ability to stand up from a sitting position safely and independently
  
• Rigidity: stiffness of arms and legs during stretching
• Standing Balance: ability to maintain standing balance against forces applied in various directions
  
• Tremor: of hands or feet at rest.
  
• Dyskinesia: writhing movements of arms, legs, trunk, or neck
  

Who is appropriate for testing?
Persons appropriate for the evaluation are those with Parkinson's Disease that note: significant fluctuation in physical capabilities throughout the day, side effects from medications, changes in function in relation to their medication schedules, or those who have been taking Sinemet for more than 5 years.

How does a patient set up an All-Day Parkinson's Disease evaluation?
A physician's referral is required for the evaluation. Your physician may write a prescription for you at an office visit or fax the request. Your health insurance company may also require prior authorization for physical therapy.

For further information, call St. John's Mercy Sports & Therapy/Creve Coeur at 314-432-5911.