Innovative approaches in caring for people with Parkinson disease: Filling the gaps

Abstract

The advent of levodopa 50 years ago ushered in the era of meaningful symptomatic treatment for Parkinson disease (PD), making PD care perhaps the most therapeutically advanced of any neurodegenerative disorder. Medications, surgical treatments, and rehabilitative services can substantially alleviate symptoms such as tremor, stiffness, slowness, and motor fluctuations, allowing many people with PD to continue to lead active and meaningful lives for many years. Treatment by a neurologist is associated with many improved outcomes, including fewer PD-related hospitalizations, reduced placement in skilled nursing facilities, fewer hip fractures, and improved survival.