At Your Appointment

Parkinson's Disease Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.
  • Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
  • Are you keeping a symptoms diary? Can we review it together?
  • Have you noticed an improvement or a worsening of motor symptoms or had a fall?
  • How well are you able to perform activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and eating?
  • Have you had problems with non-motor symptoms, such as pain, anxiety, depression, memory problems, sleep problems, drooling, or incontinence? Have you experienced psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions? Has anyone told you the things you are seeing or hearing aren't real?
  • What new medicines have you started besides your Parkinson's medicine? Have you stopped taking any medicines?
  • Is physical, occupational or speech therapy helping? What is the biggest barrier to attending therapy or making it effective?
  • When did you first notice your symptoms?
  • Are your symptoms on one or both sides of your body? Do you feel one side is worse than the other?
  • Are you experiencing any issues with memory, behavior, or control over your emotions?
  • Are your symptoms always present or do they come and go? Do you notice a tremor even at rest or only when you use your hands?
  • What tasks are you finding difficult or time-consuming to complete? How well are you able to perform activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and eating?
  • Are you aware of lifestyle factors (like restful sleep) and activities (like regular exercise) that make your symptoms better or worse?
  • Are you having side effects from your medicine, such as nausea, dry mouth, lightheadedness, or involuntary muscle movements (like muscle twitching)?
  • What is your main concern about a Parkinson's disease diagnosis?
  • What new symptoms are you experiencing? Have you had new psychotic symptoms, such as depression or someone telling you the things you are seeing or hearing aren't real?
  • Do the symptoms I'm experiencing mean I have Parkinson's disease?
  • Could another medical condition cause or contribute to my symptoms?
  • How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed?
  • How does Parkinson's disease usually progress?
  • What treatments are available for Parkinson's disease? How effective are they?
  • Do I need to see a specialist?
  • What are the possible side effects of my treatment? Should I contact you if I notice them?
  • How long is treatment effective? What is our plan if treatment stops working?
  • What types of therapies can help me be as physically strong and independent as possible?
  • What lifestyle changes can I make to help my symptoms?
  • What are the motor complications of Parkinson's disease? What non-motor complications, such as depression or psychosis, are possible? What can I do to minimize my risk?
  • Will I need long-term care or in-home care in the future? How do I prepare for that?
  • Are there other medicines or other treatments that would help my motor problems and other symptoms more?
  • Do my new or different symptoms mean Parkinson's disease is progressing? Could my new or different symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations, be related to my Parkinson's medicines?
  • How do you believe my disease will progress? Is there anything else you recommend, like changes to my diet or exercise plan?
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Last Review Date: 2020 Feb 19
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
  1. Parkinson's Disease. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376062
  2. Parkinson's Toolkit. Parkinson's Foundation. http://toolkit.parkinson.org