6. What Labs to Order

While there isn't a single biomarker that predicts PD progression, there are a lot of biomarkers have been shown to be associated with outcomes. Low vitamin D is associated with muscle weakness and constipation, elevated hsCRP (inflammation) is associated with increased risk of progression, and high homocysteine is associated with increased risk of dementia. All of these are modifiable, inexpensive labs tests that are readily available, and yet most PD doctors don't measure or monitor these labs.

This course is intended to be a thorough overview for patients and providers explaining the lab tests that I use in clinic for a metabolic assessment and to guide management. I provide references are throughout the video. Slides are available for download.

"GREAT lecture - very informative!!! Being a patient of yours, I knew some of what you have presented, but the time you spend going in depth is very useful."

"I love the lecture series and wish I could get my PD friends to subscribe."

"Hello Laurie, I am learning so much from these lectures. Thank you. This one in particular I keep listening to over and over. "

"Thank you, Laurie! This section was so very informative. I will be watching it again before I have my next appointment with my neurologist so I can have a conversation with her about some of this testing that hasn't already been done on me."