In a nutshell This study investigated the long-term satisfaction following deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD). The study concluded that patients were satisfied with their decision to undergo DBS, however pre-operative expectations were high and were not associated with satisfaction...
Read MoreParkinson’s Disease Posts on Medivizor
Deep brain stimulation or medical therapy: which is more effective for advanced Parkinson’s disease?
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of deep brain stimulation (DBS) and/or medical therapy for patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease. This study concluded that DBS plus medical therapy improved Parkinson's symptoms and quality of life compared to medical therapy alone. Some background Levodopa remains the...
Read MoreDroxidopa: Does it improve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
In a nutshell This study looked at the effectiveness of droxidopa (Northera) at improving symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The study concluded that patients treated with droxidopa in addition to their usual treatment had improved motor function compared to those treated with placebo (substance with no active effect) Some background...
Read MoreStage transition time and Parkinson’s disease progression
In a nutshell This study explored the timing of progression of Parkinson’s disease using the Hoehn and Yahr scale. They concluded that the transition time between disease stages a useful way to measure disease progression. Some background The progression of Parkinson’s symptoms varies between people. The Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) scale is...
Read MoreHow safe is ropinirole compared to other dopamine agonists for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease?
In a nutshell This study evaluated the tolerability and safety of ropinirole (Requip XL) versus other dopamine agonists taken alone or together with levodopa to treat Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study concluded that ropinirole was associated with similar side effects to other dopamine agonists. Some background For many years, dopamine...
Read MoreTreating depression in Parkinson’s disease: what’s the best option?
In a nutshell This study investigated the use of medication to treat depression in patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). They concluded that treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improved depression in these patients. Some background The main symptoms...
Read MoreEvaluating the benefits and safety of intensive exercise in patients with Parkinson’s disease
In a nutshell This study investigated the effects of intensive exercise in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The authors concluded that intensive exercise is safe and may improve muscle strength in patients with PD. Some background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive condition that causes a deterioration in motor...
Read MoreTranscranial direct stimulation: what are the effects on cognitive and motor functions in older adults?
In a nutshell This study investigated the effects of transcranial direct stimulation (tDCS) on cognitive and motor performance in healthy older adults. This study concluded that tDCS significantly improved performance across a variety of tasks. Some background Normal aging is associated with gradual decline in cognitive function, particularly in...
Read MoreHow safe and effective are long-acting dopamine agonists for Parkinson’s disease?
In a nutshell This study examined the safety and effectiveness of long-acting non-ergot dopamine agonists in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. This study concluded that these treatments helped reduce Parkinson’s disease symptoms but were associated with side effects. Some background Dopamine agonists have been used for both early...
Read MoreCatch those zzzz’s: Sleep and cognition in Parkinson’s disease
In a nutshell This study investigated the effects of sleep disorders on memory and executive function in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The authors concluded that poor sleep was associated with memory and executive function in patients with PD. Some background In addition to problems with co-ordination and movement (motor...
Read MoreShould deep-brain stimulation treatment be considered earlier in Parkinson’s disease?
In a nutshell This study investigated the benefits of subthalamic neurostimulation for treatment of Parkinson’s disease that has recently stopped responding well to medication. The study concluded that subthalamic neurostimulation is an appropriate and effective treatment option for early fluctuating Parkinson's. Some background...
Read MoreCan cognitive problems related to Parkinson’s be improved with training?
In a nutshell This study examined the use of a cognitive training program to improve function in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The authors concluded that this program led to improvements in mental processing speed, visual memory and functional disability. Some background It is common for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) to...
Read More
