Parkinson's disease - current treatment

Purpose of ReviewThe purpose is to review the results and impact of recent studies for current and future treatment of both motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD).Recent FindingsNew formulations of levodopa further optimize motor fluctuations, allowing for more on-time and less dyskinesia. On demand apomorphine continues to showcase itself as an effective and tolerable tool for treating motor off-periods. Though there are no clear treatment guidelines for PD-related constipation and sleep related disorders, several new agents for these non-motor symptoms show promising preliminary data. Expiratory muscle strength training may represent a useful and cost-effective strategy to alleviate oropharyngeal dysphagia associated with PD. There is evidence to suggest that the use of shorter pulse width and directional deep brain stimulation leads can results in a greater therapeutic window.Though no interventions currently exist to significantly modify the disease progression of PD, new studies continue to give insight into optimal symptomatic management. Clinicians should be familiar with expanding the repertoire of tools available to treat the diverse range of symptoms and challenges associated with PD.

Automated summary

The purpose of this review is to evaluate recent studies on the treatment of motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) and their impact. New formulations of levodopa provide better control of motor fluctuations and reduce dyskinesia. On demand apomorphine is an effective and tolerable tool for treating motor off-periods. Promising preliminary data suggest new agents for non-motor symptoms like constipation and sleep disorders. Expiratory muscle strength training may effectively alleviate oropharyngeal dysphagia associated with PD. Using shorter pulse width and directional deep brain stimulation leads can enhance therapeutic outcomes in PD.