Possible management of non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurologic disorders, affecting approximately 1% of individuals older than 60 years and causing progressive disability that can be slowed but not halted, by treatment. The goal of the medical management of Parkinson's disease is to provide control of signs and symptoms for as long as possible while minimizing adverse effects. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is classically considered as a motor disease, with tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and gait problems as the classic motor features. However, non-motor manifestations (NMM) of PD have become increasingly recognized – they can often be more disabling than the motor symptoms. Non-motor manifestations of PD result from neuronal degeneration in widespread areas of the brainstem. Unfortunately, NMM is often underrecognized, and therefore, undertreated. The goal of this article is to provide a guide to recognizing and managing these NMM so that quality of life of the patient with PD can improve.