Autonomic Laboratory
Patient Question, January 2001
This Web page is designed for the general education of patients and their families.
Disclaimer: The answers provided are the opinion of Dr.
Tom Chelimsky. No patient should make any changes in their care without
first consulting their physician.
Question: I was wondering if you can give me some insight on my mother. My mother was diagnosed 5 years ago with Parkinsons. She was progressing so quickly it was diagnosed 2 years ago with SDS. Within the last year she has gone downhill tremendously. She cannot talk, can only swallow soft foods, cannot walk, move any other parts of her body. She is down to about 90 lbs from 135. It is absolutely horrible. My father refuses to talk about it. I need to know how much time (approximately) is left for her and what are the final stages of this horrible disease. Please help me.
Dr. Chelimsky: SDS, or Shy-Drager syndrome, is one of the forms of multiple system atrophy. Patients with this disorder usually have difficulty moving with any speed, have postural instability, and may develop severe
If you have a question, please submit it to Dr. Chelimsky.