<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multi-system disease, with clinical features typically described across three domains: motor, non-motor, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. There is no known cause or cure for PD, and diagnosis occurs often through a process of elimination, remaining one of clinical assessment, expert opinion, and observing disease progression over time. In the absence of disease modifying therapy for PD, pharmacological treatments play a role in symptomatic relief and improving quality of life (QoL). A narrowing therapeutic window and motor fluctuations present a challenge to the pharmacological management of PD. Device assisted therapies including Duodopa, Apomorphine and deep brain stimulation are based on the concept of providing stable and continuous stimulation to minimise pulsatile sudden or unexpected fluctuations. Studies continue to demonstrate the benefit of multidisciplinary input and the impact on functional status, mood, motor abilities, cognitive performance, speech skills, independence and QoL of a person with PD. Nurses are well placed to identify complications, escalate concerns, and initiate timely referral to members of a multidisciplinary team. Understanding the clinical features of PD as well as the basic assessment and management of the disease is essential in providing holistic care and supports to maintain QoL for those with PD and their caregivers.</p>
</abstract>

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multi-system disease, with clinical features typically described across three domains: motor, non-motor, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. There is no known cause or cure for PD, and diagnosis occurs often through a process of elimination, remaining one of clinical assessment, expert opinion, and observing disease progression over time. In the absence of disease modifying therapy for PD, pharmacological treatments play a role in symptomatic relief and improving quality of life (QoL). A narrowing therapeutic window and motor fluctuations present a challenge to the pharmacological management of PD. Device assisted therapies including Duodopa, Apomorphine and deep brain stimulation are based on the concept of providing stable and continuous stimulation to minimise pulsatile sudden or unexpected fluctuations. Studies continue to demonstrate the benefit of multidisciplinary input and the impact on functional status, mood, motor abilities, cognitive performance, speech skills, independence and QoL of a person with PD. Nurses are well placed to identify complications, escalate concerns, and initiate timely referral to members of a multidisciplinary team. Understanding the clinical features of PD as well as the basic assessment and management of the disease is essential in providing holistic care and supports to maintain QoL for those with PD and their caregivers.

Understanding Parkinson's Disease: A Basic Overview

Neurology & Movement Disorder Nurse Navigator

Parkinson's Nurse Consultant, Lyell McEwin Hospital

Australasian Journal of Neuroscience

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

{"article-title":"Understanding Parkinson's Disease: A Basic Overview"}

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multi-system disease, with clinical features typically described across three domains: motor, non-motor, and neuropsychiatric...

Understanding Parkinson's Disease: A Basic Overview

Published Online: Oct 11, 2023

Page range: 9 - 23

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21307/ajon-2023-012

Keywords
Parkinson's Disease, Nursing, Overview, Multidisciplinary management, Parkinson's Disease Specialist Nurse

© 2023 Rachael L Anderson et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Understanding Parkinson's Disease: A Basic Overview

Published Online: Oct 11, 2023

Page range: 9 - 23

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21307/ajon-2023-012

KeywordsParkinson's Disease, Nursing, Overview, Multidisciplinary management, Parkinson's Disease Specialist Nurse

© 2023 Rachael L Anderson et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Keywords
Parkinson's Disease, Nursing, Overview, Multidisciplinary management, Parkinson's Disease Specialist Nurse