Parkinson’s Disease: Improving Patient Care (Oxford American Neurology Library) (Original PDF from Publisher)

Parkinson’s Disease: A Comprehensive Guide for Healthcare Professionals

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. It is caused by a loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.

Patient Care

Parkinson’s disease requires a comprehensive approach to patient care involving a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. This includes:

• Primary care physicians: Responsible for initial diagnosis and management of Parkinson’s symptoms.
• General neurologists: Specialized in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
• Medical trainees: Gaining knowledge and skills in the management of Parkinson’s patients.
• Ancillary therapists: Provide support in specific areas of patient care, including:
  • Mental health professionals: Address psychological and emotional issues associated with Parkinson’s disease, such as depression and anxiety.
  • Speech therapists: Help with communication difficulties caused by Parkinson’s disease.
  • Physical therapists: Assist with movement and balance issues.

Important Information for Healthcare Professionals

This clinically-focused text provides valuable information for healthcare professionals involved in the care of Parkinson’s disease patients, including:

• Diagnosis: Comprehensive guidelines for diagnosing Parkinson’s disease based on clinical features and diagnostic tests.
• Management: An overview of the various treatment options available, including medications, lifestyle modifications, and surgical interventions.
• Complications: A detailed discussion of potential complications associated with Parkinson’s disease, such as cognitive impairment, falls, and autonomic dysfunction.
• Inpatient Care: Strategies for managing Parkinson’s disease patients in the inpatient setting, including medication management and symptom control.
• Support: Guidance on providing support to patients and families throughout the course of the disease, including end-of-life care.

User-Friendly Features

The text features concise chapters and tables for easy reference, making it a practical resource for healthcare professionals. The logical organization allows for sequential reading or quick access to specific topics.

Tables and Boxes

Tables and boxes highlight key information, such as:

• Diagnostic criteria for Parkinson’s disease
• Appropriate medications and doses for Parkinson’s-specific symptoms
• Medications used to treat general aspects of Parkinson’s disease (e.g., constipation)