Advances in Therapeutic Options for Gait and Balance in Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

There is a need to explore non-dopaminergic approaches to treating balance and gait problems in Parkinson’s disease (PD). There is emerging evidence on the role of cholinergic denervation of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) thalamus system and falls in PD. Preliminary clinical trial data suggest that the subgroup of PD patients with frequent falls may be suitable candidates for future cholinergic augmentation clinical trials. Recent controlled clinical trials using methylphenidate have been unable to confirm earlier reports of improved gait in PD. Although progressive deterioration of axial motor symptoms occur with deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus interna, new preliminary research suggests that other surgical stimulation sites, such as the PPN, may have a potential benefit on gait and balance impairments in PD. Continuing vigorous exercise and physical fitness should be highly encouraged to patients with PD who are at risk of physical deconditioning and fear of falling, but effective antifall physical therapy interventions remain an unmet clinical need.