Parkinsonian Disorders

Canadian guideline for Parkinson disease

Author/s: 
Grimes,D., Fitzpatrick, M., Gordon, J., Miyasaki, J., Fon, E.A., Schlossmacher, M., Suchowersky, O., Rajput, A., Lafontaine, A.L, Mestre, T., Appel-Cresswell, S., Kalia, S., Schoffer, K., Zurowski, M., Postuma, R.B., Udow, S., Fox, S., Barbeau, P., Hutton, B.

KEY POINTS

  • This guideline update reflects substantial changes in the literature on diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson disease, and adds information on palliative care.

  • Impulse control disorders can develop in a person with Parkinson disease who is on any dopaminergic therapy at any stage in the disease course, especially for those taking dopamine agonists.

  • Advanced therapies like deep brain stimulation and intrajejunal levodopa-carbidopa gel infusion are now routinely used in Parkinson disease to manage motor symptoms and fluctuations.

  • Evidence exists to support early institution of exercise at the time of diagnosis of Parkinson disease, in addition to the clear benefit now shown in those with well-established disease.

  • Palliative care requirements of people with Parkinson disease should be considered throughout all phases of the disease, which includes an option of medical assistance in dying.

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