Which daily activity is most likely to require assistance during the early phase of antiparkinson medication therapy?

• A. Walking
• B. Cooking
• C. Reading
• D. Sleeping

Answer: (A)

Ambulation relies heavily on balance and coordinated movement, which are often the most challenging aspects to improve quickly with antiparkinson medications. In the early phase of therapy, adjusting the dose can bring side effects like dizziness or orthostatic hypotension, increasing the risk of losing balance when walking. While meds can improve bradykinesia and rigidity, gait and postural control may lag behind, making walking the activity most likely to require assistance. Cooking, reading, and sleeping are less directly affected by these early gait and balance changes, so they’re less likely to need help right at the start. If walking assistance is needed, safety strategies and gradual dose titration with clinician guidance are important.