Symptomatic Management and Palliative Care in Neurodegenerative Disease

Abstract

In the absence of effective disease-modifying drugs, the emphasis in allof the neurodegenerative diseases is on symptom management andmaintenance of quality of life for the patient and carer. Palliativecare enhances quality of life for patients and family members byaddressing medical symptoms and individual psychological, social, andspiritual needs. Emphasis is placed on patient autonomy and dignity.Patients are encouraged to generate advance directives. Formalinternational guidelines for active palliative management of the commonneurodegenerative diseases remain to be established.