Parkinson's Disease: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Management

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive, chronic, neurodegenerative condition. The estimated prevalence of PD in the United States is 0.3%. Prevalence is estimated to be as high as 5% in people 85 years and older. Etiologic factors include genetics and environmental conditions. Pathophysiology consists of a loss of dopamine-producing neurons and a reduction in dopamine. Clinical presentation includes primary motor, secondary motor, and nonmotor symptoms. Diagnosis is primarily a clinical diagnosis. Clinical management consists of early and late medical management and quality of life interventions. Surgical intervention consists of deep brain stimulation.