Q. What about difficulty falling into sleep? How can Parkinson’s patients recognize the difference between the normal difficulty sleeping associated with Parkinson’s disease and primary or secondary depression, which would require different treatment?
Dr. Wagner: Sleep fragmentation is common. Sleep disorders predate Parkinson’s disease at times. REM disorder behavior results when your brain stem shuts down and doesn’t react to the dream. The dreamer usually has “active” dreams…fighting, punching, running etc. His or her sleeping partner can be bruised and battered. Restless syndrome can also be common which causes exhaustion. Dopamine agonist such as Mirapex can help sleep disorders. The BECK Test is a test to see whether your depression is PD-related or not. Your primary care physician or neurologist can give this test to you.
Q. I have had Parkinson for about two years. I don't shake at all. But I don't speak loud enough most of the time. I sometimes wonder if I really have Parkinson’s? Still I don't sleep very well at nights and am tired all the time. Could that be because of the med's I take?
Dr. Wagner: Could be…if you’re taking a dopamine agonist that may contribute. Do you have other sleep disorders? Sleep apnea? REM disorder? Go to your primary care physician and request to get tested. That will help you get to the bottom of the issue. Good luck.
Q. What information do you have about a medication known as LDN (low dose Naltrexone)? I've researched this medication and found that it was very effective in treating PD. Anything you can send me would be appreciated. Thank you.
Dr. Wagner: Low dose Naltrexone or LDN, is an experimental drug. Being experimental, it hasn’t been shown to be helpful in treating PD. It also hasn’t been approved by the FDA which must meet the criteria of being safe and effective.