Parkinson’s Disease

Diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease can often be delayed, particularly in patients who have a good many non-motor symptoms at the start, Gary Culliton reports in his latest Clinical Update.

Up to 10 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s disease and more than 50 per cent of these will experience psychosis (mainly hallucinations and delusions) at some time.

A breakfast meeting and evening workshop, held on May 13, 2013 and supported by Lundbeck (Ireland) Ltd, highlighted some of the clinical challenges associated with the diagnosis, treatment and management of movement disorders, with experts in the field drawing attention to the importance of recognising symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.

Impulse control disorders amongst patients with Parkinson’s disease on dopamine replacement therapy present a “unique opportunity” for research into the neurobiology of impulsive behaviour, researchers say.