Many people with Parkinson's may now drive hundreds of miles from home to get their periodic neurological care. A closer option is now available with the MeritCare Parkinson's Clinic.
Neurologists often manage Parkinson's and Parkinson's-like conditions, but the MeritCare Parkinson's Clinic offers neurologists plus several other key Parkinson's experts. MeritCare brings together a team of professionals who have expertise, interest and experience in meeting the wide-ranging needs of people at all stages of the disease.
Generally speaking, Parkinson's disease has three distinct stages, each lasting about three to five years. Symptoms typically include varying degrees of tremors, speech problems, rigidity, and walking and movement difficulties. Mood problems (anxiety and depression) and memory loss may also develop.
If medications become less effective in the later stages of the disease, deep brain stimulation can be a viable option. Patients must be cognitively sound (no dementia) and must have true Parkinson's disease.
An Emphasis on Education and Research
MeritCare Parkinson's Clinic emphasizes education on two levels: community and medical school. Parkinson's team members speak to community groups throughout the region, and Parkinson's medical staff teach the University of North Dakota medical students and residents. MeritCare Parkinson's Clinic offers a research emphasis as well, thanks to its affiliations with the Neuropsychiatric Research Institute (NRI) in Fargo and the University of North Dakota School of Medicine.
The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT® LOUD) is a technique developed for people with motor speech disorders, such as those caused by Parkinson's Disease.
LSVT® BIG is a researched-based exercise approach that works to train patients' sensory awareness by having them focus on making "big" movements through a specialized sequence of movement patterns that target their functional deficits.
Support For Families
Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's-like conditions can have devastating effects on people and their families. The MeritCare Parkinson's Clinic offers comprehensive treatment and support to help people cope. In addition, there are two excellent support organizations that MeritCare recommends:
National Parkinson's Foundation, INC.
1501 N.W. 9th Ave.
Bob Hope Road
Miami, Florida 33136-1494
(800) 327-4545
email: mailbox@parkinson.org
www.parkinson.org
Fargo-Moorhead Parkinson's Disease and Caregivers Support Group
Trinity Lutheran Church
210 So. 7th St.
Moorhead, MN
(701) 236-1333
Make an Appointment or Learn More
If you have questions, are looking for referral information, or would like to make an appointment at the MeritCare Parkinson's Clinic, please call (701) 234-4036 or (800) 437-4010.