What Type of Doctor Treats Parkinson’s Disease? A Look at the Different Types That Play a Role

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a nervous system condition that affects movement and balance. It happens when a certain part of the brain doesn’t make enough dopamine. This is a chemical made by the brain, and it affects how neurons work. A person with PD may experience tremors, trouble walking, or move slower than usual. It can also start to affect speech and thinking.

There’s no cure for Parkinson’s disease, and it can take longer than other conditions to diagnose. PD can lead to a wide array of different symptoms, so you may need several types of specialists to help along the way. So we’ll walk you through the different types of doctors and specialists that are typically involved in someone’s care. 

Who is the first doctor you should see if you think you have Parkinson’s disease?

Your primary care provider is the first person to see for any new symptoms — including ones that you think could be Parkinson’s disease. Early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be subtle. So don’t be afraid to discuss any new changes you’re feeling in your body, even if they seem small. 

Your primary care provider will ask you detailed questions about your symptoms. Then, they’ll perform a physical exam to look for other signs and symptoms that point to PD. This will help them figure out if Parkinson’s disease could be the right diagnosis, or if there are other more likely explanations for your symptoms. 

Your primary care provider’s first job will be to look for all potential causes of your symptoms. If they’re not able to rule out Parkinson’s disease as a potential diagnosis, they may refer you to a neurologist. But this isn’t always necessary. Your primary care provider may diagnose you with PD based on their own evaluation.

What role does a neurologist play in treating Parkinson’s disease?

A neurologist is someone you see when there’s a concern about your brain or nervous system. A neurologist is a physician with extensive training in conditions of the nervous system. They can diagnose conditions related to mental status, vision, speech, strength, and coordination.

This means that neurologists are the doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating Parkinson’s disease. If you’re referred to a neurologist, they’ll follow a lot of the same steps as a primary care provider. They’ll perform a physical exam and ask you questions to help them figure out the diagnosis. 

If they do diagnose Parkinson’s disease, a neurologist will help put a treatment plan together. They’ll work with you and your primary care provider on this plan.

A treatment plan may include a mix of medication and therapy, like physical or speech therapy. It may also include a diet that’s good for the heart and brain — and helps manage your symptoms. Currently, there’s no cure for PD. The good news is a personalized treatment plan can help manage symptoms of PD.

What other specialists do patients see for Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease affects motor function more than other areas of the nervous system. And it’s progressive, which means it tends to get worse over time. This can make it hard to do everyday activities like bathing and dressing or light chores around the home. So there are a few different types of healthcare professionals that can help:

• A movement disorder specialist is a specific type of neurologist who specializes in movement disorders like PD. Some people with Parkinson’s disease have more noticeable or severe motor symptoms than others. Movement disorder specialists are more likely to work with people in this situation.

• Physical therapists work with people to prevent injuries and improve mobility. Their goal is to help someone with Parkinson’s disease live independently for as long as possible. They help make muscles stronger and improve flexibility.

• Occupational therapists are also core members of rehabilitation programs. They help people develop skills and new ways to perform tasks like dressing and bathing. They also work to keep you active in your favorite activities, like writing or playing an instrument. 

• Speech language pathologists are also part of rehabilitation programs. They work with people who have had a change in speech or their ability to swallow. They create treatment plans to improve these changes and improve quality of life.

• A dietitian or nutritionist may be helpful for someone with Parkinson’s disease. There’s no diet plan specific to PD. But a nutritionist can help you choose a balanced diet that keeps your brain and muscles as healthy as possible. They can also help people who are having a hard time getting adequate calories or nutrition. Or those who have severe constipation or gut issues, which are common in PD.  

With so many team members involved, it’s very important to follow up with your primary care provider. They are the person who will oversee your care, and make the referrals for each of these specialists as you need them. They’ll also likely talk with these specialists about your care. So it’s a good idea to keep them in the loop about your treatment plans and any changes in symptoms.

How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed?

There’s no one test that can help diagnose Parkinson’s disease. It’s considered a “clinical diagnosis,” which means it’s usually made based on your symptoms and physical exam. Your primary care provider or neurologist will look for specific signs and symptoms of PD. This includes tremors, slow movements, and problems with balance. 

Even though it’s a clinical diagnosis, healthcare professionals may also use other diagnostic tests like the DaTscan or MRI.

The DaTscan (short for dopamine transporter scan) looks at dopamine neurons in the brain. The neurons will have a different structure in someone with Parkinson’s disease. This scan may be used in combination with a physical exam to help confirm the diagnosis. 

An MRI of the brain can help, too. An MRI cannot confirm a PD diagnosis. But it may be used to rule out other conditions. This is important if symptoms could be related to another suspected condition. 

Since Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition, people with PD may not have a diagnosis for years. This is because the signs and symptoms in the early stages can be hard to catch. This is especially true if the person doesn’t have symptoms they can see. Tremors or problems with movement usually happen later. 

One of the most common early symptoms of PD is constipation. Other early symptoms might include depressed mood and a decrease in sense of smell. Some people even act out dreams while in a deep sleep.

Even though PD does get worse over time, it doesn’t cause death. It can be managed with a team of healthcare professionals trained to manage the condition. And there are many treatments that can help. And scientists are still searching for a cure. 

If you’ve recently found out you have Parkinson’s disease, talk with a healthcare professional about your needs. Ask for help if new symptoms come up or other symptoms get worse. It may also help to join support groups for people living with PD and their families.

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Written by:

Alexandria Nyembwe, PhD, MBA, RN

Alexandria Nyembwe, PhD, MBA, RN, has been a registered nurse since 2017. She has a background in cardiac care and has clinic experience as a nurse, serving people experiencing housing instability.

Edited by:

Katie E. Golden, MD

Katie E. Golden, MD, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and a medical editor at GoodRx.

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