medical IDs for Parkinson’s Disease

Medical IDs for Parkinson’s Disease

The confidence to live with Parkinson’s disease

Living with Parkinson’s disease can be difficult, but finding a treatment plan can help provide you or your loved one with the tools you need to live with confidence. An essential part of a Parkinson’s care plan is obtaining a MedicAlert ID and membership plan. Each Parkinson’s diagnosis is unique, but a medical ID can be important for anyone with a chronic condition.

A medical ID for Parkinson’s disease can give you the protection and peace of mind to live confidently.

How MedicAlert protects those living with Parkinson’s disease

One thing you shouldn’t worry about is what could happen if there’s an emergency. MedicAlert’s protection plans offer benefits that extend beyond the ID, providing safety and peace of mind for people living with Parkinson’s disease, their families and caregivers.

24/7 Emergency Response

Our team provides first responders the information they need to provide fast, accurate care.

Digital Health Profile

All your vital information, all in one place for you and your caregiver.

Emergency Contact Notification

In an emergency, we connect families so that no one is alone in a crisis.

Patient Instructions

Share the information that’s important to your care, such as use of rescue medications or contraindication for tests like MRIs.

Pair a medical ID for Parkinson’s disease with the protection plan that’s right for you.

Understanding Parkinson’s disease  

Parkinson’s  disease  was discovered in 1817, over 200 years ago. As  research and knowledge of the disease  has  evolved, so have  treatments and hope for those living with it. While some individuals believe that Parkinson’s is an “old person’s disease” – it’s not. Advocate and  actor Michael J. Fox  was  diagnosed in 1991 at the age of 29.   

The disease is neurodegenerative, meaning that it causes degeneration in the nervous system over time. People with Parkinson’s disease  typically  experience tremors in different parts of the body, a symptom that is known as a hallmark of the condition.  However, this is not the only symptom of Parkinson’s. Most people living with the disease also develop additional motor function decline, cognitive impairment, and/or other health concerns.   

 Unfortunately, not much is yet known about what causes Parkinson’s. The good news is that  the  progression of the disease is often slow, and custom treatment plans can help  people  manage the condition. Many people with Parkinson’s disease are able to live very full, rich lives.  

Diagnosing  the disease with TRAP Parkinson’s symptoms 

 Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease  is often difficult as it can be challenging to detect in its early stages.  Doctors look for four cardinal features of the movement disorder using the  TRAP  Parkinson’s mnemonic device.  Parkinson’s  TRAP symptoms  include the following:   

  • Tremor  - shaking at rest, involving the thumb, entire hand, arm, chin, lips, and feet.  
  • Rigidity  -felt by the doctor when rotating a patient’s wrist or elbow.  
  • Akinesia  or bradykinesia – lack of movement or slowness of movement when walking or swinging an arm.  
  • Postural instability – making it necessary to hold onto something to maintain balance when walking or rising from a chair.  

While the typical symptoms of tremors or shaking are used as the basis for a diagnosis, the condition involves many other  less-obvious symptoms that  may  include sleep problems,  constipation, slurred speech, and mood problems such as depression.

What to engrave on MedicAlert medical IDs for Parkinson's disease:

MedicAlert offers free custom engraving on all our Parkinson’s bracelets and medical ID products. Engravings on medical IDs for Parkinson’s disease should include any critical medical information that can protect and save lives in an accident or medical emergency, for example:

  • Parkinson’s
  • Other medical conditions
  • Medications you’re taking
  • Allergies
  • Any additional medical information that needs to be communicated to first responders
medical IDs for Parkinson's disease

Sample engraving. Consult our team if you need help engraving your medical ID for Parkinson’s disease.

Living with Parkinson’s  

 You should work closely with your primary care doctor and specialists to come up with a treatment plan that works for you. Medication is often an important component in controlling Parkinson’s TRAP symptoms. It’s crucial to use your medications as directed and to be open with your doctor about how you’re feeling. Surgery and lifestyle modifications may also be suggested as part of your treatment plan.  

As with any medical condition, you should consult your doctor to learn how to manage your condition .

Parkinson's Foundation

The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life for better for people living with Parkinson’s disease – they support, advocate and provide an engaging community to enhance lives.

How medical IDs for Parkinson's combined with MedicAlert  Membership provide peace of mind

  • We’re your voice:  If you can’t speak for yourself due to your condition or other medical emergency, your ID will speak for you – informing others about your Parkinson’s disease and any medications you’re taking.

  • 24/7 emergency protection:  In an emergency, the MedicAlert team will relay all of your critical medical information to first responders, no matter where or when your emergency happens.

  • Always connected:  You should never be alone in an emergency. That’s why MedicAlert will reach out to your designated contacts if you are unable to do so.

  • Live with peace of mind and confidence:  MedicAlert will be there for you every step of the way. You’ll have the confidence and freedom to live your life with Parkinson’s, knowing we’ve got you covered. 
DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information in this article is presented for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.