At 66, how should my mom manage her early-stage Parkinson’s?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 66-year-old mother was recently diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson’s after noticing a resting tremor and slowness in her left hand. Her DaTscan (Dopamine transporter scan) showed reduced uptake on the right side. She also complains of frequent constipation and occasional low mood. Please tell me, should we start Carbidopa-Levodopa now or try lifestyle changes first?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

In early-stage Parkinson’s, the decision to start Carbidopa-Levodopa (a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor) depends on how much the motor symptoms are affecting your daily life. If the tremor, slowness, or stiffness is interfering with your activities like writing, dressing, cooking, or work, starting medication early can improve quality of life without negatively affecting long-term outcomes. If symptoms are mild and not functionally limiting, some patients delay drug therapy and focus on lifestyle measures such as regular aerobic and balance exercises, stretching, and a fiber-rich diet with good hydration to help constipation.

Non-motor symptoms like constipation and low mood are part of Parkinson’s and can be managed alongside motor treatment. Constipation can improve with

Dietary fiber.
Fluids.
Gentle laxatives.

Low mood may respond to regular exercise, social engagement, and, if persistent, safe antidepressants for Parkinson’s patients.

If her symptoms start to impact independence or safety, starting levodopa sooner rather than later is reasonable, as it is the most effective drug for improving movement and works well in early disease.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.