The approach and treatment of Parkinson disease is perpetually changing for a better management of a multitude of associated motor (tremors, stiffness, slowness, gait) and non-motor (sleep disturbances, mood disorders, drooling) symptoms. Dr. Michael Okun, Chief of UF’s Department of Neuorlogy, has recently published a viewpoint article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) discussing the management of Parkinson disease in 2017.
Dr. Okun discussed the importance of multidisciplinary and patient-centered care. He eloquently presented the different medications available as well as the more advanced therapies, such as deep brain stimulation and infusion pumps. He summarized the state-of-the-evidence approach to treatment such as the first choice of medication for Parkinson disease, the role of levodopa, and the management of therapy complications.