Parkinson’s Disease

• is a chronic and progressive movement disorder
• occurs when neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain die or become impaired. These cells normally produce a chemical known as dopamine, which allows smooth, coordinated function of the body’s muscles and movement
• symptoms appear when approximately 80% of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged
• effects approximately one million Americans
• approximately 15% of people are diagnosed before the age of 50 and incidence increases with age

Potential Deficit Areas

• Resting tremors of the hands, arms, legs, jaw or face
• Stiffness or inflexibility of the muscles
• Slow, shuffling gait
• Difficulty initiating movements and sudden stopping of ongoing movement
• Impaired balance and coordination
• Dementia and memory loss

Impact on Driving/Transportation

• A modified vehicle, wheelchair lift or transfer seat may be needed for a person who now requires a scooter or wheelchair for mobility or has difficulty transferring into an unmodified vehicle.
• Usually no adaptive driving equipment will assist the individual; however if continuing to drive is a goal, a driving evaluation should be completed to determine if the person has the cognitive, visual, perceptual and physical ability to continue driving. (www.aded.net).

Possible Vehicle Equipment Needs

• Wheelchair or scooter stowage lift
• Transfer seat
• Lowered floor minivan or full size van with a lift