Parkinson’s Disease: Moving Forward

A thorough review of Parkinson’s comprising its history, genetics, biomarkers, and rating scales, with particular emphasis on preserving gait and other motor and cognitive functions over the course of the disease. Includes a personal narrative by a patient who has Parkinson’s.

*Trace the history of “shaking palsy” in Western medicine.
*Discuss the role of dopamine and Lewy bodies in Parkinson’s disease.
*Spell out the role of gene therapy in the treatment of PD.
*Explain biomarkers and appraise commonly used PD rating scales.
*Specify the most common motor symptoms found in PD.
*Evaluate risk factors for fall and the various clinical tests for balance.
*Describe non-motor aspects and symptoms associated with PD.
*List common cognitive changes that occur as PD progresses.
*Identify current strategies and those in development for the treatment of PD.
*Evaluate rehabilitation treatment approaches for PD.
*Discuss the issues related to providing excellent hospital care for patients who have PD.
*Relate the difficulties associated with caring for a person with PD.
*Describe the complications that arise in those with advanced PD.