Time to retire the term “atypical Parkinsonism”

Abstract

Variable and imprecise use of the term “Parkinsonism” has produced confusion among patients, clinicians, caregivers, and researchers. The term “atypical Parkinsonism” can be dispiriting and even demeaning to patients. We therefore propose a slight terminological revision for Parkinsonian disorders to eliminate the terms “typical” and “atypical” and to confine the term “Parkinsonism” to the phenotypic syndrome and not to disease entities. We also suggest replacing the “atypical Parkinsonism” term with “Parkinson-like disorders” to emphasize that it is not PD but does resemble it at some level. “Parkinson-like disorders” would comprise the primary neurodegenerative Parkinsonian disorders other than PD, chiefly MSA, DLB, PSP, and CBD, and would be consistent with the existing neurologic terms, “Huntington's disease-like,” “polio-like,” and “stroke-like.” We would continue the practice of referring to the non-degenerative Parkinsonian disorders as “secondary Parkinsonian disorders.”