Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1 - Ruth Withey - 1335 1355 1
1 - Ruth Withey - 1335 1355 1
Ruth Withey
Parkinson’s Nurse Consultant
Chronic Disease Management Unit, Lyell
McEwin Hospital
Tel: 8133 2107
Introduction
> New evidence suggests Parkinson’s may start in the gut and
spread to the brain via the vagus nerve.
Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's
Disease
> Tremor
Neurologist
Speech
Therapist
Client
&
P.D.N.S Family/carer
Physio
Psychologist &
P.D.S Councillors
Social
worker Nurse Pharmacist
Changes as a result of Parkinson's
Nurse role
> Phone and clinic support has led to early
intervention and troubleshooting of issues.
> Improved adherence to medication regimes
and the taking of medications on time.
> Reduced emergency department
presentations and hospital admissions due to:
Dizziness and falls.
Constipation
Anxiety and panic attacks
Infections UTI’s & CI’s - confusion, delirium,
hallucinations and paranoia
Changes as a result of Parkinson's
Nurse role
> Early identification and treatment of depression has led to
improved Parkinson’s control and quality of life.
> Extra support for people with young onset PD has enabled
them to communicate with their employers and remain in
employment for longer, access disability support, improve
relationships with their partners and family, avoid
complications of Impulse control disorders.
www.parkinsonssa.org.au
References