New Study Shows OFF Times Impacts More Than Motor Symptoms
- Stephanie Soto
- Jun 16
- 1 min read
A recent study looked at how OFF times affect people with PD. OFF times are the periods between medication dosages when your symptoms return or get worse. Most people are familiar with an increase in tremors or worsening of balance, but did you know your non-motor symptoms could get worse too?
The study showed that nonmotor symptoms such as fatigue, memory changes, and anxiety can increase during the OFF times. Other sources shared that feelings of dissatisfaction with life and irritability are also very common during the OFF times. Other symptoms can include an increase in sweating and restless leg syndrome. When we think of OFF times, we think only of motor symptoms. This does not paint the full lived experience of someone with PD and impacts treatment decisions.
If you are experiencing changes in anxiety and depression during your OFF time, talk with your doctor about seeing a mental health counselor and/or a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can help prescribe medication that can help on those OFF times.
If you are experiencing other nonmotor changes during your OFF time, keep track of them to see if it is a pattern and talk with your neurologist!
Check out the video below on how to help prevent OFF times:
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