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Parkinson's disease

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Neil Archibald, Professor David BurnORCiD

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Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative condition affecting patients in the UK after Alzheimer's disease. It is broadly classified as a 'movement disorder' with a variety of clinical features, including bradykinesia, rigidity and tremor. Traditional focus has fallen on the treatment of 'motor' complications such as tremor and mobility problems although these features are only a small part of the clinical phenotype. In reality, PD is better defined as a multisystem neurodegenerative disorder causing a large number of motor and non-motor complications, and both aspects will be covered in this update. Diagnosis remains largely clinical and there are many potential pitfalls for the unwary clinician. Successful treatment relies heavily on a multidisciplinary approach with introduction of pharmacological therapy in a gradual, incremental and monitored setting. In the absence of disease-modifying agents, therapy remains symptomatic and complications increase as time progresses. Many of the most disabling complications are non-motor, and management of advanced PD is both complex and challenging. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Archibald N, Burn D

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: Medicine

Year: 2008

Volume: 36

Issue: 12

Pages: 630-635

ISSN (print): 1357-3039

ISSN (electronic): 1365-4357

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mpmed.2008.09.004

DOI: 10.1016/j.mpmed.2008.09.004

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